JP McManus Eyes More Cheltenham Glory in 2025
JP McManus is no stranger to big wins at the Cheltenham Festival. The Irish billionaire is the meeting’s most successful owner with over 70 winners. And this year, he’s set to add more silverware to that staggering tally.
With a top-tier stable managed by expert trainers, McManus boasts a powerhouse team ready to storm Prestbury Park. Here are four of his hottest contenders for the 2025 Cheltenham Festival.
Fact To File Aims for Ryanair Chase Redemption
Fact To File, once aimed at the Gold Cup, now targets the Ryanair Chase as the 6/4 favourite. He faces fierce rivals like Il Est Francais and Energumene but showed top form in his November comeback at Punchestown.
He narrowly beat stablemate Spillane’s Tower, with Galopin Des Champs third. However, past meetings with Galopin Des Champs, the dual Gold Cup winner, ended poorly for Fact To File. Still, the Ryanair Chase could be his moment to shine.
Majborough Ready to Rule the Arkle Novices’ Chase
Majborough stands as McManus’ brightest hope in the Arkle Novices’ Chase. Last year’s Triumph Hurdle winner under Willie Mullins, Majborough has smoothly transitioned to fences.
He won a Beginners Chase at Fairyhouse in December, then dominated the Irish Arkle at the Dublin Racing Festival. With the previous favourite Sir Gino out, Majborough charges to the front of the betting market for this Grade 1 novice clash.
Jonbon Looks to Complete Festival CV in Queen Mother Champion Chase
Jonbon is a McManus superstar with 17 wins from 20 starts and over £1.1 million in prize money. Yet, a Cheltenham Festival win has eluded him—until now.
As the 10/11 favourite for the Queen Mother Champion Chase, Jonbon is in scintillating form. He’s unbeaten this season, with wins at both Sandown and Ascot under his belt, plus a strong course-and-distance victory on his reappearance.
The New Lion Poised for Turners’ Novices’ Hurdle Breakthrough
New to McManus’ colours, The New Lion has been a star novice hurdler this season. Trained by Dan Skelton, he’s won all three hurdles starts, building on a bumper win last season.
After victories at Chepstow and Newbury, he stepped up his game with a Grade 1 Challow win in December. McManus made a big investment to secure him, hoping for festival glory—though favourite Final Demand won’t make it easy.
