Ridden by seven-pound claimer Niall Moore, Aqua Force travelled through the race like an odds-on shot before powering an incredible 28 lengths clear of the runner-up, Champagne Venture
The first man on the phone to part-time handler Miguel Gunn after bagging his debut racecourse winner was the most powerful trainer in Ireland.
The horse in question is Aqua Force, a Workforce mare that was sent off a 20/1, having been backed in from 33/1, for a bumper at Gowran Park in February. It was a performance that did not go unnoticed, and for Gunn, 52, who took over the yard from his father and also rides out for Brian O'Connell, it was like hitting the jackpot."She came in from the grass last July, and she just trained away from then on. She was third in a schooling bumper in Tipperary, and Niall Moore rode her then, too.
"Her work at home, though, was very, very good. She was showing all the right signs and I was quietly confident ahead of the race." "It was a six-figure sum, I will tell you that much. My brother is a dairy farmer, and when I told his son the amount, he said, 'God, I could buy a fine, big tractor with that!'.
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 »