Dinoblue Heads Strong Mares' Chase Entry — But It's McManus Who Really Owns This Race

Fri, 13 Feb 2026 06:00:00 +0000

The entries for the Mrs Paddy Power Mares’ Chase at the Cheltenham Festival have been revealed, with 24 possibles declared — a stronger numerical entry than the previous two renewals combined. Defending champion Dinoblue heads the market at 7/4, with stablemate Spindleberry next at 7/2.

But look past the individual horses and a bigger pattern emerges. JP McManus hasn’t just had success in this race — he’s owned it.

Four From Five

Since the Mares’ Chase was introduced to the Festival card in 2021, McManus has won it four times from five attempts. Elimay (2022), Impervious (2023), Limerick Lace (2024), and Dinoblue (2025) all carried the famous green and gold hoops past the post first. The only year he didn’t win — 2021 — Elimay still finished second behind Colreevy.

Spindleberry on The Race Lab

Dinoblue Heads Strong Mares' Chase Entry — But It's McManus Who Really Owns This Race

Four From Five