Plans remain undecided for JP McManus’s formidable lineup of staying chasers, with a thrilling festive period on the horizon. The renowned owner boasts a trio of rising stars who shone brightly as novices last season, each staking their claim as top-tier contenders.
Willie Mullins-trained Fact To File capped his campaign with a Grade One double at Leopardstown and Cheltenham, showcasing dominance in the Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase.
Spillane’s Tower, trained by Jimmy Mangan, also triumphed twice at the highest level, securing wins in the WillowWarm Gold Cup at Fairyhouse and the Champion Novice Chase at Punchestown.
Meanwhile, Emmet Mullins’s Corbetts Cross stormed to a wide-margin victory in the National Hunt Chase at Cheltenham before a strong third-place finish in the Aintree Bowl behind Gerri Colombe.
Although Corbetts Cross was defeated on his seasonal debut at Wexford, McManus’s hand grew stronger with a one-two finish in the John Durkan Memorial Chase at Punchestown, where Fact To File edged Spillane’s Tower, leaving Galopin Des Champs and Fastorslow trailing.
King George and Savills Chase Decisions Loom
With the King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day and the Savills Chase at Leopardstown two days later, McManus’s camp has yet to finalize plans for his elite squad. Racing manager Frank Berry admitted:
“In a word, no! It’s all up in the air. The horses will be back doing serious work next week, and we’ll assess them before making decisions.”
Currently, Corbetts Cross is the only McManus contender entered for the King George, though Willie Mullins has hinted at possibly supplementing Fact To File. Connections have until December 20 to consider a similar move for Spillane’s Tower.
All three, along with Grand National hero I Am Maximus, Inothewayurthinkin, and Capodanno, hold entries for the Savills Chase, adding depth to McManus’s potential presence at Leopardstown.
As the festive season approaches, fans can anticipate a dramatic showdown featuring some of the sport's most exciting staying chasers.