McManus owner of Pearl Bloodstock bumper winner

Leading owner J.P McManus is the new owner of talented bumper performer Castello Sforza ahead of a potential trip to the Cheltenham Festival.

The Willie Mullins-trained five-year-old has not been seen in competitive action since last April when making a winning debut in the colours of Sheikh Fahad’s Pearl Bloodstock empire in a valuable sales race at Fairyhouse.

The Milan gelding subsequently went through the ring at Goffs unsold at €310,000, but has since changed hands privately.

Castello Sforza is as short as 12/1 for the Champion Bumper, but connections insist no decision has been made on whether he will head for Prestbury Park.

McManus’ racing manager Frank Berry said: “He has had a few niggly little problems but Willie is happy with him again now, so we’ll see where we go. He’ll be working at the weekend and we’ll take it from there .We’ve not made any decision on where he goes at this stage.”

Racegoer survives heart attack

A racegoer from Portaferry, Co Down, suffered a heart attack during last Saturday’s Fairyhouse fixture. The man was dining with his family and friends when he took ill and was immediately attended a doctor and nurse who were also in the Bobbyjo restaurant. The racecourse medical team were quickly on the scene and the man was taken to hospital. He is reported to be making a good recovery. Racecourse manager Peter Roe is in no doubt that the availability of a defibrillator at the racecourse saved the man’s life. “Remarkably a very similar incident happened across the road at Tattersalls earlier this month. It shows the importance of having a defibrillator on-site. They are easy to use.”

Midlands HPRA

The Midlands region of the Horse and Pony Racing Association is holding its first measuring of 2016 at Carey’s Equestrian Centre, Ballinasloe, Co Galway, on Saturday, March 5th, from 11am to 2pm. Those wishing to have their measurements taken for the Northern region must be measured by 1pm as no further Northern region measurements will be taken after this time.

Awards night

Saturday, April 9th is the date when the Midlands region of the Horse and Pony Racing Association will present its awards in Hayden’s Hotel, Ballinasloe, Co Galway. The night will feature their new regional awards and the launch of their new website. Enquires should be forwarded to chairperson Priscilla McNamara (083 1192804), secretary Lisa Cregg (086 3974260) or PRO Lisa McCarthy (085 2281746). Other 2016 committee members are vice-chairperson John Joe Bailey, treasurer Aidan Gallagher, assistant secretary Sinead Lohan and assistant treasurer Fiona Glynn.