Sir Alex Ferguson lands £50,000 and first ever Cheltenham winner with horse jockey thought had no chance
SIR ALEX FERGUSON celebrated his first ever Cheltenham Festival win as Monmiral claimed victory in the Pertemps Network Final.
The legendary Manchester United manager was seen with a huge smile on his face moments after the win as the 25/1 shot came home ahead of Kyntara.
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It is the biggest outsider to win at the festival so far this week as pre-race favourite Cuthbert Dibble had to settle for third.
Fergie is a co-owner of the seven-year-old horse with Ged Mason and John and Lisa Hales.
After the 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 the horse is "definitely" a champion in the making.
Jockey Harry Cobden said: "I can't believe this horse has won he was 25-1 and i thought he should be 125-1.
"Fair play to the trainer, Hannah, that rides him most days. The blinkers have made a massive difference.
"I'm delighted to have this winner."
Former England manager Sam Allardyce was spotted celebrating alongside Fergie as Monmiral crossed the line.
Man Utd icon Bryan Robson was also among the Scot's entourage at Cheltenham.
Ferguson came to Cheltenham with six horses running across the four-day event.
Four of those are in action on Thursday - Monmiral being the first as he kicked things off in superb fashion.
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
Friday, March 15
- 2.10pm: County Handicap Hurdle - L’Eau Du Sud
- 5.30pm: Martin Pipe Handicap - Sonigino
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