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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Melissa Jones

JP McManus swoops to strengthen Grand National squad as he targets back-to-back wins

JP McManus has strengthened his Grand National squad as he targets back-to-back wins in the iconic race.

The leading owner has purchased Enjoy D'Allen, the 12-1 favourite with bookmakers Betfred.

McManus, who saw his famous green and gold colours carried to victory by Minella Times in 2021, now has 12 entries in the April 9 highlight.

Last year's winner, ridden by history-making jockey Rachael Blackmore, is among the possible runners.

McManus' third-placed horse from that renewal, Any Second Now, is one of the market leaders this time around.

Punters backed Enjoy D'Allen, who has not yet raced outside of Ireland, after he was given 10st 5lb in the weights.

JP McManus pictured at Exeter Racecourse (Getty)

Another triumph for McManus would see him become the joint-most successful owner in the Grand National record books.

Don't Push It was his 2010 hero, ridden by Sir AP McCoy and trained by Jonjo O'Neill.

McManus also owned the 2012 runner-up Sunnyhillboy, pipped at the post by Neptune Collonges in the closest finish to the race ever.

Enjoy D'Allen's move is a huge boost for Ciaran Murphy in just his second season with a licence at Mullingar.

The trainer told the Racing Post : "He really impressed us with his third in the Paddy Power Chase at Leopardstown over Christmas and JP has come on board and purchased him with a view to going to Aintree.

"It's a fantastic boost for a small yard like us to have the support of someone like that.

The 2021 Grand National was won by Minella Times (right) (PA)

"We made a plan some time ago to target the Grand National and have stuck to it regimentally ever since. We've been training him for one day. Everyone here in the yard is behind him and doing everything we can get him there in one piece."

McManus is also looking ahead to next month's Cheltenham Festival, where he has had more success than any other National Hunt owner.

His first winner was Mister Donovan 40 years ago and Istabraq's three Champion Hurdles feature prominently on his Prestbury Park CV.

Jonbon, trained by Nicky Henderson, was a £570,000 purchase and he is set to contest the first race of the 2022 meeting, the Supreme Novices' Hurdle.

Champ, named after McCoy, is fancied for Stayers' Hurdle glory while Epatante aims to regain her Festival crown from reigning queen Honeysuckle.

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