Inside ex-Man Utd shareholder JP McManus-owned stables with solarium and pool
Owner JP McManus is the biggest name on the National Hunt scene, enjoying dozens of top successes over the years.
He has won the Gold Cup and the Grand National, as well as more than 50 races at the Cheltenham Festival.
Arguably McManus' most famous horse was Istabraq, a three-time winner of the Champion Hurdle.
Over the years the former Manchester United shareholder had many good days with 20-times champion jockey AP McCoy, who rode is 2010 Aintree hero Don't Push It.
The chaser was trained by Jonjo O'Neill at Jackdaws Castle in the Cotswolds, one of the country's top racing stables which McManus also owns.
Reality TV star and ITV Racing presenter Chris Hughes went behind the scenes there to launch the UK’s first National Racehorse Week (September 12-19).
Yards just like it will be opening to the public to show what goes into producing a winning performance on the track.
In a clip, released through Great British Racing, Hughes, part-owner of the O'Neill-trained Annie Mc, showed fans the gallops the mare and Don't Push It used before his famous National victory.
He spoke to the stable's farrier, as well as explaining the role of the horse walker and swimming pool in a racehorse's regime.
Palmers Hill, a winner for McManus at Cheltenham in November 2018, was observed by two handlers in the water.
Hughes then went to the horse solarium, where recent Worcester scorer Quartz Du Rheu was under the heated lamps, which help relax his muscles.
In the field he gave Annie Mc and several other mares, on their summer break from training, some carrots.
In September, over 100 trainers will open the doors to their yards in a nationwide celebration of the racehorse.
“As someone who loves racing, I’m so excited that everyone will have the chance to go behind the scenes at a racing yard near them and see the wonderful care that horses receive," Hughes said.
"Racehorses are like family to the people that look after them every single day of the year and it will be brilliant for members of the public to meet their local equine stars, find out how they are looked after, chat to staff and see various different elements of a horse’s training regime – from being out on the gallops, to seeing the physio and even taking a dip in an equine swimming pool.”
National Racehorse Week was devised by trainer Richard Phillips who said: “National Racehorse Week is a brilliant opportunity for everyone in racing to come together through their common love for the racehorse and provide a wonderful insight into the world of racing.
"Horses are our heroes, and we are looking forward to opening our doors and offering a big-hearted welcome to everyone.
"So much love and care goes into looking after our horses and we can’t wait for this nationwide celebration of the racehorse.”
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