Former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson wins the precious Bahrain International Trophy with Spirit Dancer. “This is definitely the best ever. Against all the pedigree and form of all the other horses, it’s amazing, I couldn’t believe it.”
Friday 17 November 2023, UK, 13:08
Spirit Dancer picked up speed admirably to give owner and breeder Sir Alex Ferguson a famous victory in the Bahrain International Trophy.
The former Manchester United manager sent his unraced mare Queen’s Dream to Frankel and already had a special fondness for the Richard Fahey-trained six-year-old.
It took him some time to reach his full potential, but he won three consecutive races this summer, including the third group Strensall Stakes at York, with the winner receiving a £500,000 prize. I have booked a ticket to this contest which will be given out.
Spirit Dancer is a favorite due to the class of his opponents, including G1 winner Nations Pride for jockey Charlie Appleby, 2022 Queen Anne runner-up Real World for jockey Saeed Bins Roul, Israel for Gosden and Point Lonsdale for jockey Aidan O’Brien. I couldn’t get in.
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, saying: “This is definitely the best of all time. If you compare the pedigree and condition of all the other horses, it’s amazing. I couldn’t believe it.”
“Richard told me to leave it to the jockey and it would be fine.
“I was scared when I looked at the other people who took part in this race. Godolphin had five horses run, which was great and I’m very proud.”
“I said to the jockey, ‘Remember, he’s Frankel.'”
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.”
Fahey added: “This race has been planned for quite some time and it was a pleasant surprise to win considering the quality of the opponents.”
“Our stay in Bahrain has been amazing, both Sir Alex and Ged (Mason) have looked after us incredibly well and we have enjoyed every minute of it.
“Realistically, we didn’t expect to win, but Spirit Dancer and Oisín saved the day and we won in the end.”