Sir Alex Ferguson, the legendary Manchester United manager, has found remarkable success off the football pitch, amassing a fortune of £6.8 million from horse racing. Among his stable of champions, Spirit Dancer stands out as his top horse, bringing in an impressive £1,707,530. Ferguson's foray into the racing world has certainly paid dividends, with his thoroughbreds set to compete in the prestigious £375,000 Ryanair Chase at Cheltenham.
## A Look at Ferguson's Racing Success
One of the most notable horses in Ferguson's racing history is Rock Of Gibraltar, which earned the former football manager £1,269,804. Beyond its success on the track, Rock Of Gibraltar became a successful stallion, further contributing to Ferguson's racing earnings. This horse, however, was also at the center of a dispute which had implications for Manchester United's ownership, adding an intriguing chapter to Ferguson's racing endeavors.
Another standout in Ferguson's stable is Clan Des Obeaux, which added £1,076,186 to his winnings. The training of Ferguson's jump horses is in the capable hands of Paul Nicholls and Dan Skelton, while Richard Fahey oversees his flat racers. Despite the financial success, it's worth noting that betting £1 on all of Ferguson's thoroughbreds would result in a loss of £208.34, highlighting the unpredictability and risk inherent in horse racing.
## Royal Comparisons and Ambitious Purchases
Ferguson's achievements in horse racing are notable, even when compared to other prominent figures. The Queen, a well-known horse racing enthusiast, earned £8.7 million from the sport between 1988 and 2022. Meanwhile, football manager Harry Redknapp has also found success in horse racing, earning £778,774.
In a display of his ambition within the racing world, Ferguson paid €740,000 for Caldwell Potter, a promising horse he hopes will secure a Gold Cup win by 2026. Despite his significant investments and successes, a victory at the Cheltenham Festival remains one of the few achievements to elude Ferguson.
## Ferguson's Contenders for the Cheltenham Festival
This year's Cheltenham Festival represents another opportunity for Ferguson to etch his name into racing history. He has five main contenders competing in this prestigious event. On March 14th, Monmiral (25/1), Protektorat (16/1), Hitman (25/1), and Il Ridoto (16/1) will take to the tracks, each horse boasting impressive odds and the potential for victory. The following day, L’Eau Du Sud (12/1) and Sonigino (20/1) will race, adding to Ferguson's strong lineup at the festival.
Sir Alex Ferguson's transition from football management to horse racing has been nothing short of remarkable. His success in the sport demonstrates his strategic acumen and willingness to embrace risk, traits that served him well during his storied football career. With his horses set to compete in the upcoming Cheltenham Festival, the world of horse racing eagerly awaits to see if these thoroughbreds will bring further glory to Ferguson's already impressive resume.
