JP McManus Buys National Fancy Bluesea Cracker

Top jumps owner JP McManus appears to think that a certain bay mare is going to turn this year’s Grand National upside down if his recent purchase of Bluesea Cracker is anything to go by. The nine year-old female was formerly-owned by Note The Link Syndicate and will now line-up for the McManus yard in the widely-anticipated Grand National. She scored a famous victory when conquering the Powers Irish Whiskey Irish Grand National last year.

Most recently a tame sixth to leading National fancy The Midnight Club in the Grade 2 Bobbyjo Chase at Fairyhouse, the staying chaser has only been out three times this year and is hitting near a career high of 141.

Speaking to the Racing Post, racing manager Frank Berry declared “I can confirm that we have bought Bluesea Cracker and that she will wear JP’s colours in the National.” He also confirmed that she would stay with trainer James Motherway and retain jockey AJ McNamara.

McManus has a cadre of  runners set to tackle the National this year and they include last year’s winner Don’t Push It, who will retain AP McCoy for the mount as the pair look for a massive National double. Synchronised and Arbor Supreme are the other selections. Quolibet and Can’t Buy Time are also scheduled to run.

Another cut is expected this weekend when the National field will firm up indefinitely. Berry elaborated on the yard’s plans by stating, “Synchronised is still possible but we would like to see rain for him as he needs it on the soft side. If he maeks the cut, Arbor Supreme will also run and David Casey will ride.”

At the time of this writing, Bluesea Cracker trades around 25/1 for National glory.