McManus optimistic ahead of Cheltenham

Legendary punter JP McManus strengthened his Cheltenham Festival squad as top-class bumper prospect Sweeps Hill opened his account in the Kilternan INH Flat Race at Leopardstown.

McManus' green and gold silks will be donned by the red-hot favourite Binocular in the Champion Hurdle, while Sweeps Hill earned his place in the Weatherbys Champion Bumper when scoring under Padraig Roche.