The dream weekend for legendary football manager Sir Alex Ferguson rolled on at Cheltenham Racecourse on Saturday, as his horse Il Ridoto clinched a thrilling victory in the featured Paddy Power Gold Cup Handicap Chase. The Paul Nicholls-trained seven-year-old, sent off at odds of 10-1, held off the challenge of 9-2 shot Ga Law to triumph by four and a half lengths under jockey Freddie Gingell.
Il Ridoto’s success came hot on the hooves of another Ferguson-owned winner, L’Eau Du Sud, who powered to an impressive 11-length victory in Friday’s Grade Two Arkle Challenge Trophy Trial Novices’ Chase for trainer Dan Skelton. The 10-11 favorite is now as short as 10-1 for the Arkle itself at the Cheltenham Festival next March.
Fergie Time at the Races
Since retiring from his glittering 26-year reign at Manchester United in 2013, Sir Alex has poured his renowned passion and drive into his love of horse racing. With a string of high-class horses spread between several top trainers, the 80-year-old Scot is enjoying a purple patch in his “second career” as a racehorse owner.
Speaking after Il Ridoto’s win, a delighted Paul Nicholls said:
I texted Ged [Mason, Il Ridoto’s co-owner with Ferguson] before the race and said it’s the best I’ve ever seen him look, and if he runs like he looks, he’ll go close. He’s run in these races every year and he deserves to win one.
They’re a great bunch of lads [that own Il Ridoto], they’ve got some great horses with Dan [Skelton], with me and with Willie [Mullins]. It must be one of the best squads that Fergie’s had for a long time.
Eyes on the Festival
While Il Ridoto is not currently being aimed at the Cheltenham Festival, stablemate L’Eau Du Sud appears to have a live chance in jump racing’s biggest meeting. Dan Skelton’s charge is prominent in the betting for the Arkle Trophy after his demolition job on Friday, and looks a hugely exciting novice chasing prospect.
For the legendary Sir Alex, horse racing is providing more than just a diverting hobby in retirement. With his famous fierce will to win undimmed, he looks set to be a major player as an owner for many years to come. As he often used to say about his great United teams – this is squeaky bum time for Fergie’s rivals in the Sport of Kings.
Jumping to More Success?
Other Ferguson horses to watch out for this season could include:
- Protektorat: Impressive winner of last season’s Many Clouds Chase at Aintree, finished third in the Cheltenham Gold Cup. Could he go two places better in March?
- Clan Des Obeaux: The classy and consistent 10-year-old, who has won the King George VI Chase twice for Paul Nicholls. Raced only once last season when runner-up to stablemate Bravemansgame at Kempton on Boxing Day.
- Hitman: A leading fancy for the Ryanair Chase, having finished a close fourth in the race last season for Paul Nicholls. Likely to have another crack at the Festival after a pleasing reappearance win at Aintree in October.
With a powerful string of equine talent assembled, all eyes will be on Sir Alex Ferguson’s horses as the National Hunt season hits top gear through the winter. Can the former football supremo translate his Cheltenham weekend double into even more success at the Festival in the spring? Many would not bet against him adding to his growing racing trophy cabinet.
