The Cheltenham Festival got off to a thrilling start on Tuesday with the Handicap Chase, where ‘Johnnywho’ stormed to victory at 18/1, showcasing a remarkable South Limerick and North Cork presence. The win was shaped by legendary Castletownroche trainer Jonjo O’Neill and his son AJ, with Churchtown jockey Richie McLernon delivering a flawless ride to guide the horse home.
Owned by Martinstown-based JP McManus, ‘Johnnywho’ carried the famous South Liberties GAA colours, adding a touch of regional pride to the Festival opener. The victory marked AJ O’Neill’s first Festival win, complementing his father’s 27 previous Cheltenham triumphs, and came on the 40th anniversary of Jonjo’s historic Gold Cup success aboard Dawn Run.
For McLernon, returning from a recent injury, the win was his third in the Handicap Chase and fourth at Prestbury Park overall. He credited the NHS in Gloucester for his recovery and described riding ‘Johnnywho’ for the O’Neill team as a career highlight.
Earlier in the day, Saratoga, trained by Padraig Roche and ridden by Mark Walsh, earned Team McManus its 85th Festival success in the Juvenile Handicap Hurdle. The day also celebrated JP McManus’s 75th birthday, with his stable set to feature in Friday’s Gold Cup with defending champion ‘Inothewayurthinkin’ and ‘Spillane’s Tower’.