WINNER OF THE TRUSTATRADER PLATE 2025
What an incredible day! Just to have a runner at Cheltenham was very special, but to be going there with a favourite was doubly exciting but it also carried a measure of pressure.
Having already won 3 races this season, Jagwar looked to be the progressive horse, and we were just hoping that there was still some more improvement to come. We were concerned about his jumping, as being such a big horse, he can’t miss the fence and in a big field at Cheltenham, where it’s always so competitive, there is no room for error.
He did make a couple of mistakes but luckily kept coming back on the bridle for Jonjo. Even at the last he didn’t make the best job of it but was still quick and away to win with his ears pricked as we all stood near the last fence. It was an incredible feeling of jubilation, training a horse for J P McManus is such a privilege and winning for him feels very special. Having trained Iroko to win at the Cheltenham festival for JP two years ago, to do it again this year felt even better and having all our family and friends there too made the day something we will never forget.
