J.P. McManus has bought recent impressive King George VI Chase winner First
Gold it was reported today.
In a private deal he has also acquired stable-companion Baracouda, which won last month's Long Walk Hurdle at Ascot.
The pair, both previously owned by the Marquesa de Moratalla, will remain with their current trainer Francois Doumen in France.
Swiss-based Irishman McManus already owns many top jumpers, including three-time champion hurdler Istabraq who is officially rated the best hurdler in Ireland and Britain.
He has now acquired the top chaser as First Gold is rated the best in Europe over fences after winning the King George by 10 lengths at Kempton on St Stephen's Day.
The eight-year-old is hot favourite for the Cheltenham Gold Cup - one of the few big races to have eluded McManus.
PA