sport news JP McManus dreams of another magic moment as Limerick Lace seeks to become the ... trends now
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Time marches on but the feelings never change. JP McManus is no stranger to success in the world’s greatest race but his dreams of conquering Aintree remain as fierce as they were as a child.
McManus recalls fondly the days in Limerick, as a boy, when he would go to South Liberties GAA Club and have a punt on the Aintree spectacular. He has gone on to become the most famous owner of National Hunt horses in the business, his green-and-gold silks sweeping all before them.
His two National victories were moments in time for this sport. Sir Anthony McCoy fulfilled a life’s ambition when he partnered Don’t Push It to success in 2010, while Rachael Blackmore’s triumph on Minella Times in 2021 was boundary shattering in its importance.
Blackmore became the first female rider to win the National and on Saturday McManus can see his colours carried to victory by the first female horse since 1951 in the form of Limerick Lace, a progressive seven-year-old mare who has much in her favour.
It is clear that McManus thinks the same. We spoke at Aintree on what was a fantastic Friday, as he celebrated a trio of Grade Ones provided by Inothewayurthinkin — Limerick Lace’s big brother — Mystical Power and Jonbon.
Limerick Lace’s profile makes her the special one in the Grand National line-up on Saturday
With a twinkle in his eye, McManus confided he had had a financial interest in Limerick Lace, who is trained by the shrewd Gavin Cromwell; such a revelation can send shockwaves through the betting markets. If
