McManus has had 78 Cheltenham winners – far more than any other owner – but with his strongest-ever team set to compete next week, that number is likely to grow
JP McManus at Exeter racecourse in October 2017. Since 2008, his horses have won more than €36 million in prize money. Photograph: Alan Crowhurst/Getty Imagesa story circulated about an Irish punter walking into a betting shop in the town carrying cash in a duffel bag and emptying £6,000 on to the counter. When the bookie swallowed hard on this opening gambit, the punter increased his stake on Brown Lad in the Gold Cup to £10,000, or so the story went.
It was the first time that McManus had been referred to as “The Sundance Kid” in print. The nickname had originated in Irish betting rings where McManus hunted with the hounds and ran with the hares. During one race meeting in the 1970s, McManus had allegedly run up £15,000 in losses, forcing him to step down from his bookmaker’s pitch and punt his way out of trouble; he ended the day £30,000 in front. Or so the story went.
To flourish as a yarn it only needed a ring of truth. Mister Donovan didn’t have the form in the book to win a race of that nature, so the bookies didn’t run from McManus that day. JP McManus golfing at Carnoustie Golf Club on in Carnoustie, Scotland. AP McCoy, who was McManus' retained jockey for many years said: 'If you are playing golf against him and you have a bet for a pound, then he wants that pound off you. He’ll have his hand out on the 18th green, waiting for the pound, with a smile on his face.' Photograph: Warren Little/Getty Images
“I gamble but I think I am disciplined,” McManus said, trying to explain himself to Brough Scott 15 years ago. “If I lose my money I don’t have a bet for two weeks – it doesn’t bother me. Gambling is a gene. It’s not your fault if you gamble. It’s like an addiction, but I had a friend who had a problem, and I said I wanted to teach him not to be an addicted gambler but an addicted winner. We don’t bet to gamble, we bet to win. Winning is the addiction, not gambling.
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
McManus's French Import, Kopeck De Mee, Becomes Triple Threat at CheltenhamA horse owned by JP McManus, Kopeck De Mee, has become the favorite for three races at the Cheltenham Festival. The five-year-old gelding, previously racing in France, is now a top contender for the Coral Cup, County Hurdle, and Martin Pipe Handicap Hurdle.
Read more »
JP McManus team delaying decision on Fact To File’s Cheltenham targetDurkan winner is favourite for the Ryanair but only has Galopin Des Champs in front of him in Gold Cup betting
Read more »
Money 'won't stop coming' for JP McManus and Willie Mullins Cheltenham horseThe horse is 'being backed like he’s one of the Irish bankers of the meeting'
Read more »
JP McManus: The King of Cheltenham Returns with a Stable Full of StarsJP McManus, a legendary gambler with a history of success at Cheltenham, is back with a formidable team of horses aiming for glory at the 2024 Festival. From Jonbon to Majborough and The New Lion, McManus has invested heavily in potential champions and is poised to dominate the racing world once again.
Read more »
JP McManus: The Backgammon King Returns to Cheltenham with a Winning HandJP McManus, a renowned backgammon champion, is making a strong showing at the Cheltenham Festival. With numerous entries and potential winners, including favorites like Majborough and Jonbon, McManus aims to add to his already impressive record.
Read more »
JP McManus tipped to smash Cheltenham Festival record with star-studded teamJP McManus has an incredibly strong team heading to the Cotswolds
Read more »