GARETH BALE’S agent broke down in tears after Ballyburn stormed the Cheltenham Festival.
The six-year-old mare blew the field away in the Novices Hurdle on day two of the festival.
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And for co-owner David Manasseh it was a dream come true as the football superagent revealed his pride in being able to brush shoulders with some of racing’s finest.
Manasseh co-founded agency CAA Stellar, which represented Bale during his career and helped facilitate his move from Tottenham.
England stars Jack Grealish and Luke Shaw are also looked after by Manasseh, as is Real Madrid midfielder Eduardo Camavinga.
But his prized possession is arguably Ballyburn after it raced clear to seal a famous win.
It is a horse building a reputation as one of the best in Willie Mullins’ training yard.
The legendary trainer has had five winners from eight races at the festival and is now just two away from 100 victories.
There could be plenty more Ballyburn victories for Manasseh to celebrate in the coming years, but for now he will savour his Cheltenham win.
After the race he appeared out of breath as he spoke to media before becoming emotional in front of the camera.
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At one point he broke down in tears after what has been a long and arduous effort in getting Ballyburn to the start line over the last few weeks.
Manasseh was up against a friend and colleague in Brighton owner Tony Bloom.
Bloom backed his own horse Ile Atlantique with a £100,000 bet, but his dream was left in tatters after it finished third.
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