Few figures in horse racing are as closely associated with the sport as JP McManus. A true icon, he has established himself as one of the most successful and influential racehorse owners in history. Boasting 78 Cheltenham Festival victories and more than 60 entries in the 2025 Festival, the Irish billionaire continues to be a dominant presence in National Hunt racing.
At 74 years old in 2025, McManus is more than just a racehorse owner—he is a seasoned businessman, former Manchester United shareholder, philanthropist, and avid golf enthusiast. With an estimated fortune exceeding €2 billion, his vast financial portfolio includes investments in foreign exchange trading, hospitality, sports, and real estate.
How did a former bookmaker ascend to such extraordinary success? Let’s delve into McManus’ incredible journey, his rift with Sir Alex Ferguson, and his unwavering passion for sports.
From Bookmaker to Billionaire: The Rise of JP McManus
Born in Limerick, Ireland, in 1951, JP McManus was raised in an environment where horse racing and gambling were part of everyday life. He began his career as a bookmaker in greyhound racing, a role that provided him with a deep understanding of betting markets and risk management.
With sharp instincts and a talent for high-stakes gambling, McManus soon transitioned into private foreign exchange trading, where he built his fortune. Over the years, he has expanded his investments across various industries, including:
- Horse Racing – Owner of hundreds of racehorses, including numerous festival champions.
- Finance – A major figure in private trading.
- Hospitality & Real Estate – Investor in luxury properties, including the renowned Adare Manor.
- Sports Betting & Bookmakers – Holds stakes in Ladbrokes and other betting enterprises.
JP McManus at Cheltenham: A Racing Powerhouse
Horse racing is where McManus has truly left his mark. Since stepping into the sport in the 1970s, he has built an elite stable of racehorses and secured countless major victories.
McManus’ Net Worth: The Journey to Billionaire Status
As of 2025, JP McManus’ estimated net worth surpasses €2 billion, cementing his place among Ireland’s wealthiest individuals.
While his fortune largely stems from foreign exchange trading, McManus has strategically diversified his wealth across multiple industries. His extensive portfolio includes:
- Shares in financial institutions and sports betting companies
- High-end real estate investments
- Horse racing and breeding operations
- Luxury golf resorts, including the prestigious Adare Manor
The Fallout with Sir Alex Ferguson: A Racehorse Dispute
One of the most intriguing episodes in McManus’ life is his highly publicized feud with Sir Alex Ferguson.
At one point, McManus and his business partner, John Magnier, were among Manchester United’s largest shareholders, controlling 29% of the club during its dominant years in English football. However, tensions arose over a champion racehorse named Rock of Gibraltar.
Ferguson, a co-owner of the thoroughbred, believed he was entitled to a share of its lucrative stud fees. McManus and Magnier disagreed, leading to a bitter legal dispute that caused deep divisions and even threatened Ferguson’s position at the club.
Selling Manchester United to the Glazers
Rather than engage in a prolonged battle for control, McManus and Magnier opted to sell their shares to Malcolm Glazer in 2005. This decision paved the way for the Glazer family’s controversial takeover of Manchester United, saddling the club with massive debt and triggering widespread fan protests. Some supporters were so disillusioned that they founded FC United of Manchester, a breakaway club.
Despite the fallout, McManus and Ferguson eventually reconciled. Looking back on the dispute in 2022, McManus reflected:
“If I meet him at the races, we’d say hello. Life’s too short.”
JP McManus and Golf: The Driving Force Behind the 2027 Ryder Cup
While horse racing remains his greatest passion, McManus has also made a significant impact on golf. As the owner of Adare Manor, one of the world’s most luxurious golf resorts, he played a key role in securing the venue as the host of the 2027 Ryder Cup.
In addition, he organizes the prestigious JP McManus Pro-Am, a star-studded golf tournament that has drawn legends such as Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy, and Phil Mickelson. His commitment to the sport has elevated Ireland’s global golfing reputation, making Adare Manor a must-visit destination for elite players.
Philanthropy: A Champion of Irish Sports
Despite his vast fortune, McManus remains a private yet generous philanthropist, particularly in the realm of Irish sports.
In 2023, he made headlines with an unprecedented donation of €1 million to each GAA county board in Ireland, a move that significantly boosted grassroots sports development. His contributions have helped enhance training facilities, coaching programs, and player development initiatives across the country.
Overcoming a Health Battle
In the late 2000s, McManus faced one of his toughest personal challenges—a battle with prostate cancer. Fortunately, he made a full recovery, later sharing in 2014:
“A lot of good came out of the cancer. You see things in a different light. I got more out of it than I lost, and there was never a day I thought I wouldn’t make it.”
His resilience and positive outlook in the face of adversity speak volumes about his character.
The Legacy of JP McManus
JP McManus is far more than just a racehorse owner—he is a self-made billionaire, a savvy investor, and a passionate supporter of Irish sports. His influence spans across horse racing, golf, and even football, shaping multiple disciplines with his strategic vision and financial acumen.
With a fortune exceeding €2 billion, McManus remains a dominant force in both sports and finance. His keen business instincts, well-placed investments, and lifelong dedication to racing ensure that his legacy will continue to thrive for years to come.
