GOING FOR GOLD
Sir Alex Ferguson in for a huge 24 hours with bid to make history in Bahrain and two big Cheltenham fancies at home
The former Manchester United manager is currently in the Middle East
SIR ALEX FERGUSON is in for an absolutely HUGE 24 hours as he bids to make history in Bahrain while also keeping an eye on Cheltenham.
The former Manchester United manager is currently in the Middle East hoping to get his hands on the $1million Bahrain International Trophy with his homebred Spirit Dancer.
1
The Richard Fahey-trained horse gave his owner 'the best moment yet' when he won against the odds last season.
Meanwhile, back in Gloucestershire, two of his jumps horses will be bidding against the best at the biggest meeting so far this season.
The fan-favourite andboth run on Saturday in the Paddy Power Gold Cup at Cheltenham.
The former, who he owns alongside John and Lisa Hales, is trained by Dan Skelton and is 14-1 for the 2m 4f race and is carrying top weight.
Read more in horse racing
The Paul Nicholls trained Il Ridoto is much higher up the betting at 6-1 and has the top 3lb claimed onboard.
THE SUN RACING MEMBERS ENCLOSURE
The only place to get Templegate's tips first - and at the best prices - is by joining Sun Racing's brilliant Members Enclosure.
Sign up now for just £1* to be part of racing's best winning team and get...
- Four free racing tickets, four times a year - worth £300
- Templegate’s daily tips at the BEST prices before anyone else
- Tomorrow’s copy of The Favourite at 9pm today
- Exclusive insights from top trainer Ben Pauling
- VIP competitions from Racing Breaks each month
- New customer offer with Coral
Become a member today for just £1*
*For the first month then £3 per month thereafter.
18+ Ts and Cs apply. First month membership £1, then £3 per month unless you cancel at least 7 days before your next billing date. For more information contact help@mcb777.fun
The favourite, Ginny's Destiny, is also Ditcheat trained and has been the pick of last year's Champion jockey Harry Cobden.
Sir Alex told The Racing Post: "It'll be very interesting and we'll try to watch it her. Protektorat gave us a brilliant day at the Festival.
"Two miles four furlongs is definitely his distance. When he was running over three miles you just never knew if he was definitely going to win after that last fence.
Most read in Horse Racing
"I know he did really well over that trip, but two and a half miles is his ultimate distance. We know he likes the track too."
Having described his victory in the Bahrain International Trophy last year as 'the best ever in racing', he must be lining up to his super-weekend nervous as ever.
But Ferguson, who bred the horse himself, is confident in the pedigree.
Speaking to Racing TV while in Bahrain watching Spirit Dancer's preparations for the race, he said: "Well, last year was an exceptional year for us.
"We know we have a good horse, but when he delivers what he did last year for us that's special. Even though it was a bad draw, the jockey was in a great position and it was a great victory.
"You can see how Bahrain is developing a year on. It's amazing the change.
"I thought two furlongs out he was going to win. He was travelling so well, all the rest were running along. So it was great to see, it really was. The pedigree is fantastic, Frankel, it’s a fantastic pedigree."
FREE BETS - GET THE BEST SIGN UP DEALS AND RACING OFFERS
Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org.
Remember to gamble responsibly
A responsible gambler is someone who:
- Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
- Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
- Never chases their losses
- Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
- Gamcare –
- Gamble Aware –
Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.
Topics