DREAM DOUBLE FOR JP

McManus marks his 75th in style

- by MELISSA JONES

JP McMANUS had many happy returns on his 75th birthday as Saratoga and Johnnywho jumped to a 208-1 double.

The first-named horse had been one of the ante-post plunges of the meeting, coming into single figures for the McCoy Contractors Juvenile Handicap Hurdle.

By 2.40pm, when the 22 runners had been sent on their way, Padraig Roche's trainee had been usurped at the head of the market by ownermate Mustang Du Breuil.

Saratoga did not know hacking through the race like the original market suggested he might - as he exhibited his speed from a brief Flat career with Aidan O'Brien to score with plenty in hand for Mark Walsh.