JP McManus will have a rare Royal Ascot runner on Wednesday when Benaud takes his chance in the Queen's Vase at 3.05pm.
The owner's green and gold silks are a familiar sight at all the big jumps meetings from Cheltenham to Aintree and Punchestown, but he's now aiming for a win at the famous flat festival.
Benaud was purchased by McManus after winning over one mile and two furlongs at Naas last month under jockey Shane Crosse and he looks set to go over hurdles in the future for Joseph O'Brien.
He will be partnered by Colin Keane at Ascot, with Oisin Murphy partnering the trainer's other runner in the race, Ruling.
Speaking to the Racing Post ahead of the race, O'Brien said: "They're both fairly unexposed as they step up in trip. We're happy with Benaud and hoping he'll handle the ground. He looks to have a live chance.
"Ruling seems to be progressing with each run and has a stout pedigree so we hope the step up in distance will suit and he also has a live each-way chance."
McManus once again enjoyed a brilliant National Hunt campaign last term, with his famous silks being carried to Grand National success by Rachael Blackmore on board Minella Times.
Speaking after that success, Blackmore said: “It’s great to win it in these colours, too. It’s always a privilege to ride for JP McManus, and to win it for him is unbelievable. They’ve had a tough year, so hopefully this can make things a little easier."
It was an emotional win for the Limerick businessman following the death of his daughter-in-law Emma over Christmas.
