Sir Alex's New Double. Ferguson Jumping for Joy

Former Manchester United manager won prestigious horse races in Cheltenham as an owner.

Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement from coaching seriously saddened those who grew up witnessing Manchester United's dominance in the English Premier League. But the knight of the British Empire and a man of boundless energy cannot stay idle for long. The legendary Scot, who celebrated his 82nd birthday on the last day of the previous year, has become seriously involved in the horse racing culture and racing in general. And this spring, he celebrated yet another golden double, not on the green turf, but as a horse owner.

The legendary Cheltenham races are no less famous than the Derby races, which gave their name to the most important football matches. Their history spans over a century, and the most renowned jockeys consider it an honor to lift the main prize of the annual tournament above their heads. This time, the Cheltenham Festival also became a celebration for football fans nostalgic for Ferguson's victories in the 90s.

Two horses owned by Sir Alex were the first to cross the finish line. One of them, the Scottish specialist Shakem Up'Arry, was named after one of West Ham's fans. Symbolically, Harry Redknapp, directly involved in the origin of this nickname, was also present at Cheltenham that evening and did not go unrewarded. So Ferguson had the chance to shake up an old acquaintance with a line in the protocol and personally.

With another colleague from the coaching fraternity, Samuel Allardyce, Sir Alex completely let go of his emotions. After his two ungulates crossed the finish line, the legendary coach jumped into the air, completely forgetting that a similar display of emotions almost resulted in a broken rib for him last year. After that, Ferguson and Allardyce celebrated Sir Alex's success in an informal setting.

Moreover, calling the legendary coach's victories in his new field an age-related folly or a banal hobby is very difficult. The triumph of his four-legged charges in Riyadh brought Ferguson almost £1 million. His double success in Cheltenham earned him an honorary place among racing enthusiasts.

Published by Patrick Jane
18.03.2024