Sir Alex Ferguson was touted as a special guest at the Bahrain International Trophy, but as a homebred gelding he has also become a central figure in the big race. spirit dancer He upset a strong field and won the lion’s share of the $1 million prize.
Few people in world sport have achieved greater success than the Manchester United manager. He has won 38 trophies in his 26-year reign and remains an unparalleled standard at Old Trafford.
But despite everything he’s been through, the 81-year-old seemed quite surprised by what he describes as the best moment ever in his hobby.
Spirit Dancer overcame his handicap this term riding Richard Fahey to reach Group 3 level in the Strensall Stakes at York, but he is a very different proposition against the international Group 1 winner.
Oisin Orr made a late challenge but ultimately bounced by 2 1/4 lengths. israr and Point Lonsdale .
“This is without a doubt the best in racing history,” Ferguson said. Its red and white colors were synonymous with the infamous flats champion. rock of gibraltar 20 years ago and recently co-owner of a top class chaser protect rat.
“I was worried when you saw the field, I saw five Godolphins, [Aidan] O’Brien has a runner. [Andre] Favre keeps horses there. And we’re a stable just a short distance from Yorkshire,” he said.
“He won well too, very well. That was Gedo.” [Mason, co-owner] The guy who jumped at me 100 yards away looked as if he was going to win, but at that point he wasn’t counting chickens, he was just praying. He took me over the line. ”
Mr. Ferguson was sitting next to the Crown Prince of Bahrain in the grandstand this afternoon. He added that extra confidence came from the fact that Spirit Dancer’s stallion is another sporting Leviathan.
“Before the race I said to the jockey, ‘Remember, he’s Frankel,'” he added.
“To be honest, it was a new adventure for me to get involved in breeding. I bought a mare from Andreas Waller in Germany. She is at Hemel Hempstead. She is a very good family. Her first foal was It was Frankel. That’s why we’re here.” There were other horses that did well, but Frankel was great. ”
Fahey, no stranger to great racing success himself, similarly ranked this result as a career highlight.
“He had to step up because I really thought it was a tough race, but it was a comfortable race to watch,” he said. “It’s a special moment for everyone. We saw the trophy last night and it was like the FA Cup. Sir Alex is used to picking up the FA Cup.”
He added: “This is a big moment for me. We had the Royal Ascot winner and all that, but it’s been a great week with Sir Alex. Ascot is different when you’re together for four or five days.” . He didn’t put any pressure on me or the horse or anyone. It was just, “Let’s enjoy this.” ”
Asked about his most famous client, Fahey said, “An absolute gentleman. Some great stories and a great guy.”
Fahey suggested that February’s Saudi Cup could be an option for horses who have already achieved impressive results.
“I said let’s see how he does today. I have a horse and I’m going on a trip, so I’ll see how he comes back,” he said.
Enjoy Sir Alex Ferguson’s reaction after winning the $1 million Group 2 Bahrain International Trophy with his homegrown Spirit Dancer 🤩#Bahrain Shiba Club #morevaluablethanever pic.twitter.com/DoyzKW7QID
— Bahrain Turf Club (@BahrainTurfClub) November 17, 2023