Sir Alex Ferguson earns nearly £500,000 for his horse’s historic victory in the coveted Bahrain International Trophy

Sir Alex Ferguson’s Spirit Dancer created history by winning the $1 million Bahrain International Trophy for the second consecutive year.

Last year, the Richard-Fahey-trained horse rewarded the former Manchester United manager with the “best moment in racing” by winning the race.

Especially when the Gosdens’ three-year-old, the youngest horse in the race, glided to the lead with bags still in the tank.

a man in a suit and tie is laughing in a crowd

Nonetheless, Spirit Dancer emerged from nowhere to win the Grade 2 race yet again, making history in the process.

In a post-race interview, Sir Alex, 82, remarked, “Unbelievable.”

“I mean, that’s so far back, I was saying he wouldn’t do it. I’m not sure where he got it from. The same draw as previous year.

“I can’t believe he made it there. I’m quite proud of him. “I’m proud of the jockey for sitting motionless.”

a jockey wearing a red jacket with the word chicago on it

He went on to say that while last year’s victory was his “best moment in racing,” this was the second best.

Jed Mason added, “Lightning doesn’t strike the same location twice, but it did today. Richard and the crew are here today, and they deserve credit for helping him recover from his injury.

“Fantastic. So happy for this guy [Sir Alex], who bred him.”

Ferguson’s experience as a racehorse owner has undoubtedly been difficult and high-profile.

Earlier this year, he spent £660,000 – a record at the time – on the Gordon Elliot-trained Caldwell Potter, hoping for Cheltenham Gold Cup triumph.

The horse, who was sent to Paul Nicholls, suffered a little setback at the Ditcheat yard but is anticipated to be back on the track by the end of the month.

He has, however, had previous success in the racing game. Rock Of Gibraltar, which he co-owned with Coolmore’s John Magnier, became the first horse in the northern hemisphere to win seven consecutive Group 1 races.

However, the two infamously went to battle in a massive lawsuit over the horse’s stud costs.