Sir Alex Ferguson revelled in his ‘best day in racing’ so far on Thursday as three of the horses he co-owns won Grade One races at Aintree.
The first three winners of the day in Liverpool wore Ferguson’s colours, completing a remarkable 63/1 treble for the for former Manchester United manager.
Protektorat triumphed in the Manifesto Novice Chase, Monmiral won the Anniversary 4-Y-O Hurdle and Clan Des Obeaux crossed the line first in the Betway Bowl.
The 79-year-old was not holding back his delight as he claimed it was the best day in over 20 years of being involved in the sport.
‘That’s the best day I’ve had in my time in racing, which is about 20 years or so,’ Ferguson said, via the Guardian.
‘It is different to when I was managing my football teams. I was in control of what was going to happen on the pitch, but I’m not in control of that [on the track] as the trainer does all of that and as an owner you hope it goes well.
‘You do get the same excitement when you win big races like that, as it does get you very excited.
Put to Ferguson that it must be rewarding for him to score a hat-trick in Liverpool, he said: ‘It’s my first! I don’t think they’ll be too pleased.’
Ferguson’s trio of successes came on the first afternoon of the Grand National meeting at Aintree, with the main event coming on Saturday afternoon.
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