'He Had The Ability To Match His Looks' – JP McManus's Foreman Dies Aged 25

Frank Berry has paid tribute to Foreman (Ger) (Monsun {Ger}), the Grade 1-winning hurdler and chaser, who passed away at the age of 25 at JP McManus's Martinstown Stud in Limerick this week. 

Foreman was described by Berry as a horse whose ability matched his looks and offered up his memorable Irish Champion Hurdle victory at Leopardstown in 2004 as one of the major highlights the McManus team enjoyed with the dashing chestnut. 

A 10-time winner, Foreman also landed top-flight success over fences when landing the Maghull Novices' Chase at Aintree in 2006 and recorded almost £400,000 in career earnings.

Berry said, “Foreman was a good horse and we had some great days with him. He was trained by Thiery Doumen and won the Irish Champion Hurdle in 2004. That was one of the great days we had with him but winning the G1 [Maghull Novices' Chase] in Liverpool was another. He was a very consistent horse and a gorgeous-looking horse as well.”

He added, “Most importantly, though, he had the ability to go with his looks and we really fancied him one day to beat Kauto Star (Fr) at Newbury. We all know what Kauto Star went on to achieve so the fact that we were disappointed at the time tells you what sort of regard Foreman was held in. Everyone did a great job with the horse throughout his career and he was an old favourite at Martinstown. He had a great retirement but his age caught up with him during the week.”