JP McManus Cheltenham Festival Winners: A Complete History

JP McManus, Ireland’s legendary businessman and racehorse owner, has left an indelible mark on the Cheltenham Festival, the pinnacle of National Hunt racing.

Known for his green and gold hooped silks, McManus is the most successful owner in the festival’s history, with over 70 winners as of 2025. From iconic horses like Istabraq to modern champions, his dominance at Cheltenham is unmatched.

In this article, we explore the complete history of JP McManus’ Cheltenham Festival winners, highlighting his top horses, key victories, and lasting legacy.

Early Years at Cheltenham: Building a Legacy

JP McManus’ journey at the Cheltenham Festival began in 1982 with his first winner, Mister Donovan, in the Sun Alliance Novices’ Hurdle (now the Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase). Trained by Edward O’Grady, this victory marked the start of McManus’ rise as a powerhouse in horse racing. Over the next decade, he steadily built his stable, acquiring talented horses and partnering with top trainers like Aidan O’Brien and Jonjo O’Neill.

By the 1990s, McManus was a regular at Cheltenham, with winners like Deep Sensation (1993 Arkle Challenge Trophy) and Champleve (1998 Arkle). These early successes laid the foundation for his record-breaking achievements.

The Istabraq Era: A Cheltenham Legend

No horse embodies JP McManus’ Cheltenham success more than Istabraq, a hurdling superstar trained by Aidan O’Brien and ridden by Charlie Swan. Istabraq won the Champion Hurdle three consecutive years (1998–2000), a feat matched by few in the race’s history. His electrifying performances made him a fan favorite and cemented McManus’ reputation as an owner of exceptional talent.

1997 Royal & SunAlliance Novices’ Hurdle: Istabraq’s first Cheltenham win, showcasing his potential.
1998–2000 Champion Hurdle: Three straight victories, with his 1998 win by 12 lengths being particularly dominant.

Istabraq’s versatility and speed made him a cornerstone of McManus’ stable, and his legacy continues to define Cheltenham’s history.

Modern Cheltenham Champions: Continuing the Dominance

McManus’ success has continued into the 21st century with a string of high-profile winners. Horses like Binocular (2010 Champion Hurdle), Synchronised (2012 Cheltenham Gold Cup), and Shishkin (2020 Supreme Novices’ Hurdle) have kept his silks prominent. In recent years, horses trained by Nicky Henderson and Willie Mullins, such as Epatante (2020 Champion Hurdle) and Champ (2020 RSA Insurance Novices’ Chase), have added to his tally.

As of 2025, McManus has surpassed 70 Cheltenham Festival winners, a record unlikely to be challenged soon. His ability to identify talent and work with top trainers ensures his ongoing success.

Table of Notable JP McManus Cheltenham Winners

Horse	Year	Race	Trainer	Jockey
Mister Donovan	1982	Sun Alliance Novices’ Hurdle	Edward O’Grady	Tommy Ryan
Istabraq	1998–2000	Champion Hurdle	Aidan O’Brien	Charlie Swan
Binocular	2010	Champion Hurdle	Nicky Henderson	AP McCoy
Synchronised	2012	Cheltenham Gold Cup	Jonjo O’Neill	AP McCoy
Epatante	2020	Champion Hurdle	Nicky Henderson	Barry Geraghty

JP McManus’ Cheltenham Legacy

JP McManus’ Cheltenham record is a testament to his passion for horse racing and strategic investments. His green and gold silks are synonymous with success, and his partnerships with trainers like Willie Mullins and Nicky Henderson ensure his influence endures. Beyond racing, McManus’ philanthropy and business ventures amplify his impact, making him a towering figure in Irish sports.

Explore more about JP McManus’ broader legacy or his charitable contributions in Ireland to learn how he shapes both racing and society.