Sir Alex Ferguson, the most decorated manager in British football history, has maintained his winning touch in retirement through horse racing. Despite a public dispute with Coolmore's John Magnier over Rock Of Gibraltar in 2003, Ferguson has enjoyed success with horses like Spirit Dancer, who has earned over £2 million in prize money.
Ferguson's partnership with trainer Paul Nicholls and friend Ged Mason has yielded Cheltenham Festival success. Last year, Monmiral won the Pertemps Final at 25/1, followed by Protektorat's victory in the Ryanair Chase. Both horses are set to return for this year's Festival.
L'Eau du Sud is fancied to win the Arkle Chase on day one. Other potential runners include Hitman, Il Ridoto, and Kalif Du Berlais. However, the late John Hales, a key owner and co-owner of Protektorat, passed away in January, aged 85.
Caldwell Potter, the most expensive National Hunt horse sold at auction for over £630,000, has yet to justify his price tag. Despite a defeat at Windsor, he remains a hopeful contender for a valuable spring event, provided his feet hold up.
