McManus strikes First Gold

JP McManus has bought recent impressive King George VI Chase winner First Gold, it has been reported.  

He has also acquired stable-companion Baracouda, who won last month's Long Walk Hurdle at Ascot, in a private deal.

The pair, both previously owned by the Marquesa de Moratalla, will remain with their current trainer Francois Doumen in France.

Swiss-based Irishman McManus already owns many top jumpers, including three-time champion hurdler Istabraq who is officially rated the best hurdler in the British Isles.

He has now acquired the country's top chaser as First Gold is rated the best in Europe over fences after winning the King George by 10 lengths at Kempton on Boxing Day.

The eight-year-old is hot favourite for the Cheltenham Gold Cup, one of the few big races to have eluded McManus.

"I'm delighted to have had the opportunity to acquire such an exciting horse as First Gold," McManus told the Racing Post.

Doumen added: "I'm delighted to have JP as an owner - it's wonderful and I'm delighted the two horses will be staying with me. It will be good to have the Irish crowd behind me at Cheltenham!"

McManus' other hopes for the National Hunt Festival include Arkle Chase contenders Knife Edge and Triumph Hurdle candidate Pittsburgh Phil, whom the owner has bought privately after success at Leopardstown on Boxing Day.