There was a strong South Limerick/North Cork connection to ‘Johnnywho’, the 18/1 winner of the Handicap Chase on the opening afternoon of the Cheltenham Racing Festival on Tuesday.
The winner is owned by JP McManus of Martinstown, and sported his famed South Liberties GAA colours.
He was trained by the legendary Jonjo O’Neill – a native of Castletownroche/Mallow – and his son AJ, while the perfect ride was delivered by Richie McLernon of Churchtown.
It was a first Festival win for AJ (dad Jonjo has 27 to his credit as a trainer, on this the 40th anniversary of his famous Gold Cup win on board Dawn Run).
He said: “That was fantastic, Richie gave him an unbelievable ride.
“He’s threatened to land a big one on a couple of occasions. He obviously went close in the Kim Muir last year and it’s great to come back and go one better.”
It was a third success in this race for Richie and a fourth around Prestbury Park. The jockey only returned to the saddle following injury last month.
“It was tough being out through injury,” Richie said, “but thanks to everybody in the NHS in Gloucester. I had a great operation there. You’re always in a rush to get back to ride good horses and it makes it special on a day like today.
“I still think I have a bit of life in me yet. You’re always hoping to get on a horse like this. I’m very happy to be involved with the O’Neill team.”
Earlier, Saratoga (10/1) – trained by Padraig Roche and ridden by Mark Walsh – supplied Team McManus with its 85th Festival success in the Juvenile Handicap Hurdle.
Tuesday marked the 75th birthday of Mr. McManus, who will be represented in Friday’s Gold Cup with defending champion ‘Inothewayurthinkin’ and ‘Spillane’s Tower’.