DAY OF FAME FOR McMANUS

ON the day that legendary owner JP McManus, 71, was inducted into the Aintree Hall of Fame, it was fitting he celebrated five Grade One victories at the racecourse this week.

- CHRIS GOULDING

Two of those winners were toasted yesterday when Gentleman De Mee, partnered by Mark Walsh, set the ball rolling in the Poundland Maghull Novices’ Chase for trainer Willie Mullins.

Edwardstone, the 4-7 favourite, was expected to take the prize but he was clearly feeling the effects of his success at Cheltenham last month and finished a leg-weary second.