Legendary owner removes ‘future Gold Cup winner’ from Willie Mullins’ yard and sends him to rival trainer

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LEGENDARY owner JP McManus has pulled a ‘future Gold Cup winner’ from Willie Mullins’ yard – and moved him to Jonjo O’Neill in an interesting stable switch.

Indiana Dream was last seen bolting up by 13 lengths in a Navan chase over a year ago.

Trainer Jonjo O'Neill at Cheltenham Racecourse.
Jonjo O’Neill has been sent Indiana Dream from Willie Mullins’ yard in an interesting stable switch

The unbeaten seven-year-old won his only race over hurdles by 15 lengths and looks every inch a superstar with bundles of untapped potential.

Punters were so impressed by Indiana Dream’s last win that one commented: “Gold Cup 2026 winner.”

But he hasn’t been since – until all that changed today.

Indiana Dream has been entered at Windsor on Sunday in their big Fleur de Lys Chase under a different trainer.

McManus, the biggest owner in the sport, won the 2010 and 2012 Grand Nationals with O’Neill-trained horses Don’t Push It and Synchronised respectively.

Now the billionaire Irishman has entrusted the Cheltenham-based handler with another runner possessing a serious engine.

Indiana Dream is one of 11 entered for the £165,000 Grade 2 over 2m6f.

The blockbuster contest, which is also set to feature the likes of Gerri Colombe and former Cheltenham Festival winners Stage Star and Protektorat, forms part of the mega-money Winter Million weekend.

Mullins previously said of Indiana Dream: “He is a beautiful horse, a really nice type who we like.”

McManus has a strong hand of horses with Mullins this season.

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John Durkan winner and Gold Cup second fav Fact To File carries the flag in the top staying chases.

While the duo could also have Cheltenham Festival success with the likes of Mares’ Chase favourite Dinoblue and big Arkle hope Majborough.

They’ll also look to defend the Grand National with 12-1 fav I Am Maximus in April.