FERGIE WINS TREBLE
Ex-man Utd boss lifts silverware
MANCHESTER United legend Sir Alex Ferguson celebrated as he landed another treble yesterday – at Liverpool’s racecourse.
He could not hide his delight as his horses romped to victory in the first three races at this year’s Grand National festival at Aintree.
Asked how Merseyside racing fans might view his hat-trick, the former football manager grinned: “I don’t think they will be too pleased.’’
It was the second famous treble of Fergie’s life. In 1999 his United team became the only club ever to win the Champions League, Premier League and FA Cup in the same season.
Yesterday he was one of the lucky few allowed in the grounds to see his horses dominate the opening to Liverpool’s showpiece event that is being held behind closed doors due to Covid rules.
He was filmed punching the air and smiling on a balcony as he watched Protektorat win the festival’s first race the SSS Super Alloys Manifesto Novices’ Chase.
Then his horse Monmiral won the Doom Bar Anniversary
Juvenile Hurdle. Fergie completed his Treble when Clan des Obeaux romped home in the Betway Bowl Chase – ahead of double Grand National winner Tiger Roll, which finished fourth.
All three victories were in Grade One races and resulted in prize money totalling nearly £170,000 at odds of 62-1. Fergie, 79, who in 26 years at United won 38 trophies including 13 Premier Leagues, five FA Cups and two Champions Leagues, could steal another Liverpool away victory in tomorrow’s centrepiece Grand National as his horse Give Me A Copper is hotly tipped.
It has already plunged from 50-1 to 33-1 but could start at far shorter odds as United fans back their club legend.
Trainer Paul Nicholls said of the Irish horse, which Fergie part-owns with four others: “I’ve always thought this race would suit him.’’
William Hill’s racing expert Rupert Adams said: “Sir Alex has cost the bookies a fortune over the years.
“Some traders still talk about his famous football treble in hushed voices. Now he’s done it again!’’
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