JP McManus boosts his chances by purchasing two Punchestown prospects - Horse Racing
JP McManus has apparently taken precautionary measures to regain his position as the champion jumps owner in the whole of Ireland by purchasing two Punchestown prospects. His new acquisitions include the famed bumper horse, Waaheb, and the notable novice
chaser Thegreatjohnbrowne.
Waaheb has been under the care of Dermot Weld and has gotten himself three victories in that duration. He is barely off the bridle and is now being placed under the charge of Weld’s son, Kris. He might not have run at Cheltenham but it is almost certain
that he will be a formidable opponent for those entering the Betchronicle Champion Bumper at Punchestown on the coming Wednesday.
Trainer Weld has great expectations from Waaheb, who is the same age as Hidden Universe was when he won the Punchestown race for the trainer last year. Talking about the four-year-old to reporters, Weld said that the race is meant for the horse since he
is quite fast in adapting to the ground and so can easily handle the conditions at Punchestown. Weld further goes on to say that although the horse is big in his form, he still does not have enough experience and strength which is why Waaheb did not run at
Cheltenham. The trainer says that at this point of time, Waaheb is till immature but holds great potential for improvement which will be worked on later in the year when he will most probably go into hurdling. He also said that regardless of the results of
the race at Punchestown, the horse will be given a break for the summer.
McManus holds a major share of Gigginstown House Stud. The company owns the most champion racehorses, with more than €170,000 and is at odds of 4-9 with Boylesport to win the title of champion jumps owner thanks to his recent purchase of Thegreatjohnbrowne,
who holds entries in the Grade 1 event of the Growsie Champion Novice Chase at Punchestown on Wednesday and also in a novice handicap on Friday. Another Gigginstown win is cited to be at a 13-8 chance.
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