FERGIE TIME
Sir Alex Ferguson in dreamland after pocketing £275,000 with back-to-back winners at Cheltenham Festival
Another ex-Premier League manager was among those celebrating with Fergie
SIR ALEX FERGUSON celebrated a STUNNING day at Cheltenham as he celebrated TWO winners in a row.
The legendary Manchester United manager was seen with a huge smile on his face moments after 25/1 shot Monmiral handed Fergie his first EVER win at the festival.
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It is the biggest outsider to win at the festival so far this week - with Fergie a co-owner of the seven-year-old horse alongside Ged Mason and John and Lisa Hales.
Then, just minutes later, the Man Utd icon doubled his tally for the day as 17/2 Protektorat scooped the Ryanair Chase.
A thrilling finale saw Fergie's horse jump the last in a cleaner fashion than Envoi Allen as he streaked away to claim the win.
And the two triumphs have raked in £275,000 - which will be shared out between the co-owners including Fergie.
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After his first win, the ex-Red Devils boss said: "Well that was fantastic, what a jockey."
When asked if it was the "same buzz as the Champions League", he added: "Oh no, that's different, that's different."
He also claimed Monmiral is "definitely" a champion in the making.
Fergie will now be going for a treble in the 4.10pm on Thursday afternoon as Il Ridoto runs in the Plate Handicap Chase.
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Jockey Harry Cobden said: "I can't believe this horse has won he was 25-1 and i thought he should be 125-1.
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"Fair play to the trainer, Hannah, that rides him most days. The blinkers have made a massive difference.
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"I'm delighted to have this winner."
Fergie's big wins come after he scooped £945,000 for Spirit Dancer's victory in Saudi Arabia last month.
He also claimed £500,000 when the same horse won in Bahrain in November.
Meanwhile, former England manager Sam Allardyce was spotted celebrating alongside Fergie as Monmiral crossed the line at Cheltenham.
Man Utd icon Bryan Robson was also among the Scot's entourage at Cheltenham.
Ferguson came to the event with six horses running across the four-day event.
Four of those are in action on Thursday.
When do Sir Alex Ferguson's horses run at Cheltenham Festival 2024?
Thursday, March 14
- 2.10pm: Pertemps Network Final - Monmiral
- 2.50pm: Ryanair Chase - Protektorat and Hitman
- 4.10pm: TrustATrader Plate - Il Ridoto
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Friday, March 15
- 2.10pm: County Handicap Hurdle - L’Eau Du Sud
- 5.30pm: Martin Pipe Handicap - Sonigino
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