Sir Alex Ferguson eyes The splendor of the Cheltenham Festival this week with the old Manchester United manager holding three contestants.
of Hermes Allen 2. Top tips for Women’s Day in Day 2 at the festival.
One of his former players, who has been an avid racing fan since his retirement, explained that racing has not always been his main passion.
“Well, we’re very excited about it (Hermes Allen), it’s a very good horse, we have Irish to beat but we’re looking forward to it,” Sir Alex told ITV. “Incredible Honeysuckle, I don’t think anyone shed any tears, the event, the jockey and the coach were insensitive. (Arsenal or City in the title race?) I’m not interested.”
Here are Sir Alex’s three horses to watch out for this week.
Hermes Allen – Ballymore Novice Barrier: 11/4
Paul Nicholls-trained Hermes Allen has a good chance of winning Wednesday’s opening on day two. Hermes Allen has won his last three races by jumping, but this will be his biggest test yet. “He’s now on fast track and he won on that floor,” Nicholls said. “He is not slow. He was slow at home but is waking up mentally and physically. He really has it all, everything you expect from a good horse.”
Sir Alex Ferguson speaks to Frankie Dettori in York
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Hitman – Ryanair Tracking: 25/1
It is unlikely that Hitman will defeat Shishkin to achieve victory here. Cheltenham however, he may have a chance to be in the top few places in Thursday’s race. Another from Nicholls’ barn. “Hitman is constantly improving physically and mentally… He’s maturing,” Nicholls said recently.
Sir Alex Ferguson with his horse Forgotten Hero at Lingfield in 2012
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Protectorat – Cheltenham Gold Cup: 12/1
Protectorat finished third in last year’s Gold Cup and we hope it can go a few places better this time around. Dan Skelton, Harry Skelton’s surviving coach, said: “I hope I can train Gold Cup, Champion Chase, Champion Hurdle, Grand National contenders for many years to come, and I hope one or two of them are lucky enough to take them down.
“I think we’re good enough. Harry (Skelton) is undoubtedly a good enough rider. But the great thing about it is that you have to have the right horse.