Following Saratoga’s win in the Fred Winter, J.P. McManus looked to have a strong chance of a quickfire double in the Trustmarque Ultima Handicap Chase, with two of his runners prominent in the betting, but it was his 18/1 shot Johnnywho that came out on top in a thrilling finish.

The Jonjo and AJ O’Neill-trained nine-year-old was beaten just a neck in the Kim Muir 12 months ago and had undergone wind surgery since his last start. The Califet gelding caught the eye turning for home, as he travelled strongly behind the leaders under Richie McLernon, who was seeking his third win in the race.

Four-pound claimer James Smith was another poised to make a strong challenge aboard Search For Glory coming to the last, only for Gordon Elliott’s charge to stumble and unseat on landing. McLernon bypassed the loose horse, his mount reacting to his urges and got up to lead by half a length on the line.

The McManus-owned Jagwar (3/1f) ran on strongly under Mark Walsh on the run-in to snatch second from longtime leader Quebecois (10/1). Blow Your Wad (14/1) was another strong finisher, claiming fourth.

McManus paid tribute to Richie McLernon, saying: “It’s unbelievable to have a double here, and with Richie riding him too. He rode a winner of this same race for me a few years ago on Alfie Sherin (2012). It’s great to have him riding winners at the Festival again.”

Rolling back the years

The winning rider, meanwhile, said: “It’s a long time since my other Festival wins - when you get them, they're special and they’re hard to get. You forget how hard they are to get, and when you do you appreciate them. It feels like a lifetime ago - you come back every year hoping. I’ve only got one bullet to fire this week, but luckily we hit the target.

“They’ve done a super job at home, Jonjo rides him all the time, and I’m just lucky to be on board today. I’m thrilled, and for the O’Neills as well, who have been long-time supporters of mine.

“He jumped and travelled well, the ground was dry enough I thought. We went a nice gallop and he was very unlucky here last year; he missed the last a bit and this time I just took aim at the last and it helped him. He just made one mistake - he was a bit slow at the third-last, but he was economic - he’s not the biggest horse in the world. The cheekpieces, the tongue-tie and the wind op have definitely helped.

“I was ecstatic crossing the line. This is the place we want to ride winners.

“AJ has put in a fierce amount of work; the owners are trusting him with the good horses and he’s committed to it and he’s getting the results. I’ve known him pretty much all his life - I’ve been there 20 years - so it’s super, and it’s a privilege to ride his first Festival winner.”

AJ O’Neill, who was training his first Festival winner since joining his father on the licence, commented: “Absolutely fantastic. Richie gave him a great ride; he was in the right place all the time. It’s just great to see it all work out.

“He just missed out on winning last year in the Kim Muir and it’s great to come back and set that straight.”

His father added: “Richie has done a great job for us since the day he came. He’s a great rider, a great judge and a lovely fellow to be around – what more do you want? A few good horses for him to ride and everybody is happy.”