sportskeeda
SIR ALEX FERGUSON is relishing his time with Spirit Dancer, and the celebrations have now shifted to Hong Kong.
The legendary former Manchester United manager is expected to arrive in the Far East today, looking forward to his home-bred horse’s participation in the £4 million Hong Kong Cup scheduled for tomorrow.
1
The seven-year-old has taken Fergie on an extensive tour across the Middle East over the last couple of years, securing significant wins in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, alongside some ventures in Dubai, amassing over £2 million.
After Spirit Dancer successfully defended his Bahrain Trophy title last month, Fergie and trainer Richard Fahey were keen to explore opportunities in the Far East.
Sir Alex, 82, shared: “We are immensely proud of Spirit Dancer. He has brought us so much joy.
“He has accumulated an impressive amount of travel miles and has given us unforgettable experiences. It’s even more special because we bred him ourselves.
“Competing against the best in Hong Kong on their home turf will be a challenge. It’s another tough away match for us!
“Oisin Orr delivered an outstanding race on him in Bahrain, and racing in Hong Kong will be an incredible experience for him.”
Spirit Dancer will compete against Hong Kong superstar Romantic Warrior, a six-year-old striving to become the first horse to win three consecutive Hong Kong Cups.
Fahey commented: “Romantic Warrior is the best in the sport. He is a local legend. We know the challenges that lie ahead.
“With 85,000 fans at the racetrack, it will create quite an atmosphere if Romantic Warrior gets beaten!
“However, there are significant financial incentives for placing in the race, so we hope to bring some of that back home with us.
“We’ve had one entry in Hong Kong previously, but he participated in the Sprint and ended up quite far behind — about 50 yards off the pace shortly after the start.
“I genuinely believe Spirit Dancer has the class and speed to perform well in a race like the Hong Kong Cup; it’s been on my radar for him.
“It’s a prestigious race with a rich history and a big prize pool, so his owners didn’t require much convincing to participate.”
Regardless of the outcome, they will have no shortage of places to unwind after the race in this vibrant city.
Fahey, 58, added: “Spirit Dancer has brought us immense enjoyment. It holds a special significance for Sir Alex since he bred him.
“Sir Alex remains very involved, and during these trips, we find some downtime to relax by the pool or enjoy meals while chatting.
“He shares some incredible stories over a glass of red wine, which of course, are not for sharing.
“We arrive here with a horse in peak form. His last performance in Bahrain was the best of his career. He was comfortable at every stage, even with the runner-up — a very strong competitor from John Gosden’s yard — having an early advantage. Spirit Dancer still managed to catch up and surpass him.
“This is what it’s really about, but success is impossible without a talented horse, and Spirit Dancer is exceptional. It’s a challenging race, but I trust he will deliver a strong performance.”
FREE BETS – GET THE BEST SIGN UP DEALS AND RACING OFFERS
Commercial content notice: Engaging with one of the offers highlighted in this article may lead to a payment to The Sun. Please be aware that brands may pay fees for enhanced visibility on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org.
Remember to gamble responsibly
A responsible gambler is someone who:
- Sets time and financial limits before playing
- Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
- Never chases losses
- Doesn’t gamble when upset, angry, or depressed
- Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
- Gamble Aware – www.gambleaware.org
Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.
