Co-owned and co-produced by Alex Ferguson, Spirit Dancer was up to speed brilliantly, giving the former Manchester United manager a famous victory in the Bahrain International Trophy.
Jockey Ferguson had sent Frankel’s unraced dam Queen’s Dream and already held a special place in his affections for the Richard Fahey-trained six-year-old.
It took him some time to reach his full potential, but he won three straight races this summer, including the third group Strensall Stakes at York, which gave the winner a prize worth $600,000. I have booked a ticket to this contest which will be given out.
Spirit Dancer will be in this race due to the class of his opponents, including G1 winner Nations Pride with jockey Charlie Appleby, 2022 Queen Anne runner-up Real World with jockey Said Vince Roul, Israel with Gosdens and Point Lonsdale with jockey Aidan O’Brien. I became an outsider.
All the major leads had their chances, but none had an answer for Spirit Dancer. Oisin Orr unleashed him from the outside and quickly decided the race.
Jockey Ferguson was understandably elated, telling Racing TV: “This is definitely the best of all time. If you compare the pedigree and form of all the other horses, it’s amazing. I couldn’t believe it.”
“Richard said leave it to the jockey, he’ll be fine.
“It was scary to look at the other people who took part in this race. Godolphin had five horses run, which was great. I’m very proud.”
Jockey Orr said, “I had a good seat throughout the race, and I always felt like there were a lot of horses under me. I couldn’t believe my speed in the straight line, and I won well.”
“He came here and felt good. Maybe he needed a little push at the end, but he was back to his best today.”