Spillane's Tower digs deep to complete Grade One double
JP McManus and Jimmy Mangan after Spillane's Tower won the Dooley Insurance Group Champion Novice Steeplechase (Grade 1). Pic: Healy Racing
Jimmy Mangan, minus the trademark purple and yellow St Catherine’s GAA Club hat but with his horse sporting the famous green and gold of JP McManus, had a spring in his step after Spillane’s Tower took the Grade One Dooley Insurance Group Champion Novice Chase on the opening day of the 2024 Punchestown festival.
It’s quite some time since the popular trainer from Conna sent out Monty’s Pass to win the Aintree Grand National, and 16 years since his Conna Castle gave him his first Grade One, but when given the right ammunition, it’s quite clear the ability and the appetite remain as strong as ever.
