David Mann was a vey happy, if slightly tired man as he witnessed his horse The Real Whacker take home victory in the Paddy Power Dipper Novices’ Chase.
The Irishman was working on New Year's Eve in his Limerick nightclub. After finishing up, he drove from Limerick up to the capital.
From Dublin airport, Mann caught a flight to Bristol and hired another car to get to Cheltenham. It was all worth it however, as the 10/1 outsider made it two wins from two over hurdles.
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“I was working until 3am this morning then I got a 6.15am flight over to Bristol. I didn’t get to bed - I just flew in. I had a beer and said keep yourself awake.
“We were here at the November meeting but this was a big upgrade and a big step up against the big boys.
"It is great that Paddy Neville, who is where I come from back home in Ireland as well. It is great that me and Paddy and the other boys involved in the horse can mix it with the best.”
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