Irish billionaire JP McManus to have first Melbourne Cup runner with Goodie Two Shoes
McManus received his bookmaker’s license at the age of 21, after becoming a regular Saturday punter in Limerick betting shops while working in his father’s plant hire business and living with his four siblings on the family farm.
Shortly afterwards he purchased his first horse, Cill Dara; this mare was a medium form mare as a straight horse.
He had caught the racing bug and began buying horses that won the jumps; Meanwhile, his bets became so famous that he was given the nickname “Sundance Kid” for defying the bookies with his gambling spree.
Golf great Tiger Woods with McManus at the Irishman’s pro am.Credit: Getty Images
No wonder he befriended Australians such as the late Kerry Packer and Melbourne Cup winner Lloyd Williams as they embarked on their racing journey at the same time.
This is where McManus said some great lines: “Edward [trainer Edward O’Leary] I dreamed of a horse and it gave you bids [tip]“You didn’t have to have money, all you had to have was credit because you always felt they would come in handy.”
His most famous horse, the sensational hurdler Istabraq, won 14 group 1 races but was the head of a long line of champion horses that included Grand National winner Don’t Push It. McManus has won more races than anyone else at the Cheltenham Festival.
Like any owner, he had twice as many ordinary cars; This made him wary of getting carried away. When he was told after the race recently that his horse, Dino Blue, was good at jumping over obstacles, his reaction was immediate.
“Well, he’s been doing this for a while, so he needs to get used to it.”
Manchester United connection
McManus made his fortune from a number of businesses, including property development, with suggestions that his real wealth came from successful deals in the foreign exchange market. He also made large contributions to hospitals and other charities in Ireland, particularly in his native Limerick.
A private man, he also became business partners with fellow Irish icons John Magnier (founder of Coolmore Stud) and Dermot Desmond. The trio recently sold a majority stake in the Bellchester Healthcare group to US buyers for £5.2 billion (about $10.5 billion).
McManus and former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson almost two decades ago.Credit: Getty Images
McManus, along with Magnier, owned just over a quarter of Manchester United. The pair were sold to the Glazers in 2005 following a dispute with the team’s trainer Alex Ferguson over breeding rights to champion horse Gibraltar Rock. It is a decision and a moment that some believe is the beginning of the end for the famous Premier League club.
The golf course and five-star resort Adare Manor will host the 2027 Ryder Cup in Limerick and its connection to golf will begin with the JP McManus Pro Am, which raises money for local charities.
Tiger Woods described McManus as one of his closest friends; Mark O’Meara was auctioned off for £1.4 million in 2000 while on a charity golf tour with Woods. O’Meara said he would even offer a free lesson at that price when bids went up. The tournament is now on the calendar of the world’s best and many say McManus is the main draw card.
We’re not here just to make up the numbers
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McManus rarely speaks except when his horses are running and is unlikely to travel to Australia for the Cup, staying at home with his wife Noreen. He leaves management of his racing empire to former jockey Frank Berry; He is, Halford says, both a gentleman and a shrewd, quiet-talking professional. “He is a very good rider,” he said.
But McManus’ daughter Sue Ann is a potential visitor to the big race. Two-time cup winner O’Brien is also flying in to watch Goodie Two Shoes.
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There are high hopes for the lightly raced seven-year-old filly, who has made two starts at the distance, although O’Brien indicated she needed good ground to be at her best after winning at Fairyhouse in July.
“He’ll have a good journey, he’ll progress quickly and I’m sure Joseph won’t take him out to make up the numbers, so at a light weight, I’m sure he’ll do it justice,” Halford said last week.
Wherever he finishes, his presence will be felt as McManus prepares to watch him make his first run at Flemington as he attempts to tackle the Aussies in a game he has played for 50 years.
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