Magnier gets the better of duel with McManus

JOHN MAGNIER and J P McManus found themselves on the opposite side of the fence at Clonmel yesterday.

Collier County, carrying the colours of Magnier’s wife, Sue, and partnered by his son, J P, battled on strongly to take the Jim Strang and Sons Peugeot Novice Hurdle at the expense of McManus’ Like A Bee.

The Be My Native gelding was ante-post favourite for the Cheltenham Bumper the year of the foot and mouth (2001) and has had his share of problems in the meantime.