Sir Alex Ferguson, renowned for his legendary tenure at Manchester United, has found considerable success off the football pitch, amassing a fortune of £6.8 million from horse racing. His journey through the equestrian world is marked by triumphs, with Spirit Dancer leading as his top earner, gathering a staggering £1,707,530 in winnings.
## A Stellar Portfolio
Ferguson's interest in horse racing isn't just a pastime; it's a venture that has seen him achieve remarkable success. Among his notable achievements is the acquisition of Rock Of Gibraltar, a horse that not only won £1,269,804 on the track but also became a successful stallion. This horse's success story is intertwined with Manchester United's history, as a dispute over Rock Of Gibraltar once influenced the ownership of the football club.
Adding to his winnings, Clan Des Obeaux contributed £1,076,186, proving that Ferguson's knack for identifying potential champions isn't limited to the football field. His horses are now gearing up to compete in the prestigious £375,000 Ryanair Chase at Cheltenham, a testament to their caliber and Ferguson's investment acumen.
## Training the Champions
The training of Ferguson's horses is divided based on their racing nature. Paul Nicholls and Dan Skelton are responsible for his jump horses, while Richard Fahey takes charge of the flat racers. This division ensures that each horse receives specialized training that best suits its talents and racing style.
However, betting on Ferguson's thoroughbreds might not guarantee a return, as a £1 bet on all of his horses would have resulted in a loss of £208.34. This statistic, however, does little to diminish the overall success Ferguson has enjoyed in the racing world.
## Royal Comparisons and Ambitions
The thrill of horse racing captivates not just sports personalities like Ferguson but also royalty. The Queen herself has earned £8.7 million from horse racing between 1988 and 2022, showcasing the sport's widespread allure. Comparatively, Harry Redknapp, another footballing personality, has earned £778,774, indicating the high risks but potentially high rewards of the racing industry.
In a bold move, Ferguson invested €740,000 in Caldwell Potter, with hopes pinned on a Gold Cup victory by 2026. Despite his significant achievements, a win at the Cheltenham Festival has eluded Ferguson, a challenge he is keen to overcome.
## Cheltenham Festival Contenders
The upcoming Cheltenham Festival presents Ferguson with an opportunity to clinch the elusive win. He has five main contenders this year, each with promising odds. On 14 March, Monmiral (25/1), Protektorat (16/1), Hitman (25/1), and Il Ridoto (16/1) will take to the track, showcasing Ferguson's strong lineup. Additionally, L’Eau Du Sud (12/1) and Sonigino (20/1) are set to race on 15 March, further bolstering Ferguson's chances of victory.
Sir Alex Ferguson's foray into horse racing highlights a successful transition from football management to the equestrian world. His achievements serve as a testament to his strategic insights, whether in selecting promising footballers or champion thoroughbreds. As the Cheltenham Festival approaches, all eyes will be on Ferguson's contenders, with hopes of adding another victory to his illustrious career.
