Sir Alex Ferguson has added another glittering achievement to his remarkable post-football career, as Spirit Dancer stormed to victory in the £1million Bahrain International Trophy for the second year running.
The Richard Fahey-trained seven-year-old delivered a stunning performance on Friday, running down Lead Artist late in the race to secure a decisive win by a length and a half.
The legendary former Manchester United manager, who has found extraordinary success as a racehorse owner, was present in Bahrain to celebrate this memorable moment.
Joined by joint-owner Ged Mason, Ferguson greeted his victorious runner in the winners’ enclosure with his trademark mix of pride and joy.
For Spirit Dancer, this victory cements his reputation as a formidable force on the international racing circuit.
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As for Sir Alex’s steed, last year’s triumph in Bahrain was a springboard for Spirit Dancer, who went on to claim an even more lucrative prize in the Neom Cup in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
With Friday’s win, the gelding has now amassed a staggering £2million in prize money, largely thanks to his exploits in the Middle East.
Remarkably, this figure surpasses the earnings of Rock of Gibraltar, Ferguson’s first iconic racehorse, who won ten of his 13 starts, including six Group One races and two Classics.
Unlike Rock of Gibraltar, Spirit Dancer has yet to secure a Group One title. However, his performance in Friday’s Group Two race certainly had the hallmarks of a horse destined for the highest level.
Under the skilled guidance of jockey Oisin Orr, Spirit Dancer travelled strongly throughout the race.
At one point, it appeared Kieran Shoemark and Lead Artist might have stolen the march, but Orr remained composed.
With four lengths to make up, Orr bided his time, delivering Spirit Dancer with precision and confidence in the final stages.
The pair reached the front with ease, making history as the first to win the Bahrain International Trophy twice.
Speaking after the race, Ferguson was visibly thrilled.
He said: “He had about four lengths to make up on the leading horse and he got there. “It really is fantastic.
“I’m really proud of the horse and I’m proud of the jockey.
“He sat there motionless, he didn’t panic, it was a fantastic ride.”
This victory is a testament to the ever-expanding opportunities in the international racing scene, particularly in the Middle East.
The substantial prize money on offer in regions like Bahrain and Saudi Arabia is attracting top-class horses, trainers, and owners, reshaping the landscape of global horse racing.
Spirit Dancer’s earnings are a prime example of the profitable rewards available, even for horses who have yet to reach the pinnacle of Group One success.
For Ferguson, Friday’s win marks another unforgettable chapter in his racing journey.
His passion for the sport and keen eye for talent continue to bring him triumphs far beyond the football pitch.
With Spirit Dancer in such fine form, it would be no surprise to see this remarkable horse scale even greater heights in the future.
Picture credit: Image by Rebecca Scholz from Pixabay
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