Punters suffer early Cheltenham Festival blow with string of JP McManus horses ruled out

11 months ago 61

PUNTERS have suffered an early Cheltenham Festival blow – with a string of JP McManus horses ruled out.

The legendary billionaire owner has made an absolute killing over the years at Prestbury Park.

From big bets and bigger horses, bettors always pile into his runners in the famous green and gold hoops.

But there will be three big players missing this year, after racing manager Frank Berry confirmed they are done for the season.

Novice chaser Inthepocket was a promising second behind Facile Vega when last seen at Navan in November over 2m1f.

He could have gone the Arkle, Turners or Brown Advisory route but Berry told the Nick Luck podcast he’s almost certainly out until next season.

Berry said of the Henry de Bromhead-trained seven-year-old: “He has pulled muscles behind and they’re taking their time.

“I’d say you’re looking at the autumn for him.

“He’s going to miss this season as things stand at the minute, there’s maybe a chance he could come back but more than likely he won’t.”

Indiana Dream, trained by Willie Mullins, is unbeaten in three career runner.

The six-year-old trashed Saint Felicien by 13 lengths when scooting up in a beginners’ chase at Navan last month.

Fancied for the 2m4f Turners he was an alarming drifter on the exchanges a few days ago and Berry confirmed his absence, along with that of Impervious.

Tipped as a huge-price outsider for the Gold Cup, last year’s Mares’ Chase winner won’t be seen anytime soon.

Berry said: “You won’t see her back until the autumn. We’re hoping all will be good for the autumn.

“It’s similar for Indiana Dream, he’s had a setback and again you’ll be looking at the autumn.”

Meanwhile, last year’s awesome Supreme winner A Dream To Share should hopefully return to action in a ‘few weeks’.

Berry stopped short of nailing down a target and said he is still hopeful rather than confident he’ll make the Festival, where he’s second-fav for the Supreme.

The racing manager said: “He’s on the comeback trail but when he’ll appear I don’t know.

“You’re looking at a few weeks down the road – it’s not ideal starting this late with him.”