There are some familiar names at the top of the Cheltenham Festival rich list, including current and former Premier League owners
Winning jockey Mark Walsh (r) poses in the winners enclosure alongside owner JP McManus (c) and trainer Gavin Cromwell (l) following the Gold Cup victory with Inothewayurthinkin
JP McManus (centre), trainer Gavin Cromwell and jockey Mark Walsh after Inothewayurthinkin's victory in the 2025 Gold Cup(Image: Getty Images)
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Some of sport's biggest names will descend upon the Cheltenham Festival this week. Football luminaries such as Sir Alex Ferguson and Michael Owen have become regular fixtures on the racing scene and are expected to attend.
However, neither ranks among the wealthiest horse owners set to appear at one of racing's most prestigious meetings. Since its inaugural running in 1860, the Festival has evolved into the most significant four days of the jumps calendar.
5. Rich Ricci (£100 million)
The 61-year-old American-Brit is a former chief executive at Barclays. He accumulated the majority of his wealth through a £43million settlement when he departed the bank in 2013.
He has emerged as one of horse racing's most colourful personalities and once described himself as the "maddest f***er on the planet". Douvan, Annie Power, Faugheen, and Vroum Vroum Mag have been among the Cheltenham Festival-winning stars for Ricci, who has maintained a close partnership with leading trainer Willie Mullins.
4. Joe Donnelly (£139 million)
In the early 2010s, Joe and Marie Donnelly moved to France after making a fortune from selling a property on Paris' Champs-Élysées. Joe started out as a bookmaker before amassing millions and investing in art.
State Man is a multiple Grade 1 victor for Joe and Marie Donnelly and came second to the formidable Constitution Hill in the 2023 Champion Hurdle.
3. Michael O'Leary (£850million)
Michael O'Leary, proprietor of Gigginstown House Stud and boss of Ryanair, has poured substantial funds into horse racing. The investment has proved worthwhile, having secured the Gold Cup with War Of Attrition and Don Cossack.
In October 2019, O'Leary revealed plans to scale back his horse racing interests, signalling that he would eventually have no runners at Cheltenham. However, he retains an interest, both as an owner and a sponsor of two races on St Patrick's Day.
Michael O'Leary
Michael O'Leary has scaled back his racing operation(Image: Getty ImagesGetty ImagesGetty Images)
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2. Tony Bloom (£1.3billion)
Bloom is a familiar name in football as the majority shareholder of Brighton & Hove Albion and a minority shareholder in Hearts. The 55-year-old built his fortune through sports betting and poker, on top of being a shrewd businessman.
Bloom is a recognised figure in racing as a prominent owner who has enjoyed multiple successes on the track. The Willie Mullins-trained Energumene was bought by Bloom in 2019 and has subsequently claimed several Grade 1 victories.
Tony Bloom and trainer Willie Mullins (right) after winning the Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase in 2022
Tony Bloom and trainer Willie Mullins (right) after winning the Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase in 2022(Image: PA)
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1 . John P McManus (£1.8 billion)
JP McManus amassed his considerable wealth, mainly through betting, currency trading and property ventures. Alongside his business associate, Celtic majority shareholder Dermot Desmond, McManus established himself as one of Ireland's biggest private currency traders.
A former shareholder of Manchester United, he splashed out over £562,000 on Jonbon, who has triumphed in 20 of his 27 races. Known for placing hefty bets and having a track record of multiple winning entries at the Festival, he's expected to do so again.