JP McManus buys huge Cheltenham Festival favourite just days before race from ‘the shrewdest guy in racing’

JP McMANUS has made a major Cheltenham Festival move – by buying a red-hot favourite just days before the race.

The legendary Irish billionaire has dipped into his pockets again to pinch Meetingofthewaters, the 5-1 favourite for the Ultima.

McManus has moved at the last minute to purchase the horse privatelySportsfile

Clever operator Paul Byrne – who has been dubbed ‘the shrewdest guy in racing‘ – was the previous owner of the horse.

But according to the BHA website, JP McManus was listed as owner for the 3m handicap chase taking place on day one next Tuesday.

The seven-year-old gelding is trained by Willie Mullins and has an entry in the Grand National too.

Corach Rambler did the Ultima-Grand National double last year and it looks like the plan is for Meetingofthewaters to follow suit.

This is not the first time McManus has bought a horse from Byrne.

More to follow.

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