AINTREE is just around the corner, which means that the biggest race of the year, the Grand National, is edging closer.
Manchester United legend Sir Alex Ferguson is not just a big name in football but a highly recognised figure in the world of horse racing.
Sir Alex Ferguson at Cheltenham Festival 2023
The Scot had three runners at Cheltenham Festival back in March.
Protektorat finished in a respectable fifth place in the marquee Cheltenham Gold Cup.
Elsewhere, Hermes Allen came sixth in the Ballymore Novices Hurdle.
While Hitman finished third in the Ryanair Chase and won a whopping £39,797.50.
What horses is Sir Alex Ferguson running at Grand National Festival 2023?
Sir Alex does NOT have any runners in this year’s HUGE Grand National race.
However, he currently has THREE runners across the three-day festival at Aintree this year.
The first of Fergie’s horses in action will be Sonigino in the William Hill Handicap Hurdle at 2:20pm on Friday, April 14.
Hitman, trained by legendary trainer Paul Nicholls, will race in the Marsh Chase at 3:30pm on Friday, April 14.
Sir Alex Ferguson’s final horse racing in the Monmiral in the JRL Ground Liverpool Hurdle at 3:35pm on Saturday, April 15
Man United’s most successful manager was dealt a blow in the lead-up to Aintree as one of his most successful horses Clan Des Obeaux has been ruled out of this year’s Aintree Bowl.
The 11-year-old horse was set for a comeback in the race he’s won in the previous two runnings.
Trainer Paul Nicholls said: “Clan Des Obeaux won’t make it to Aintree; we’ve just run out of time.
“He’s had a few warning lights flashing, so we’re going to leave him until next season, and now everyone has jumped on the bandwagon of ‘Bravemansgame is going to run now.”
What is the FULL Aintree schedule?
- Thursday
- 1.45 – The Manifesto Novices’ Steeple Chase; Grade 1 – Racing TV/ bookmakers’ sites
- 2.20 – Jewson Anniversary 4yo Hurdle; Grade 1 – ITV 1
- 2.55 – AlderHay Aintree Bowl Chase; Grade 1 – ITV 1
- 3.30 – William Hill Aintree Hurdle; Grade 1 – ITV 1
- 4.05 – Randox Foxhunters’ Chase – ITV 1
- 4.40 – Close Brothers Red Rum Handicap Chase – ITV 1
- 5.15 – The Goffs UK Nickel Coin Mares’ Standard Open NH Flat; Grade 2 – Racing TV/ bookmakers’ sites
- Friday
- 1.45 – The Air Charter Services Mildmay Novices’ Steeple Chase; Grade 1 – Racing TV/ bookmakers’ sites
- 2.20 – William Hill Handicap Hurdle – ITV 1
- 2.55 – Top Novices’ Hurdle; Grade 1 – ITV 1
- 3.30 – Marsh Melling Chase; Grade 1 – ITV 1
- 4.05 – Randox Topham Chase – ITV 1
- 4.40 – Cavani Menswear Novices’ Hurdle; Grade 1 – ITV 1
- 5.15 – The Abersoch Land and Sea Handicap Hurdle; Class 2 – Racing TV/ bookmakers’ sites
- Saturday
- 1.45 – The EFT Systems Maghull Novices’ Steeple Chase; Grade 1 – Racing TV/ bookmakers’ sites
- 2.25 – Village Hotels Handicap Hurdle – ITV 1
- 3.00 – Turners Mersey Novices’ Hurdle; Grade 1 – ITV 1
- 3.35 – JRL Group Liverpool Hurdle; Grade 1 – ITV 1
- 4.15 – William Hill Freebooter Handicap Chase – ITV 1
- 5.15 – RANDOX GRAND NATIONAL – ITV 1
- 6.20 – The Weatherbys nhstallions.co.uk Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race; Grade 2 – Racing TV/ bookmakers’ sites
