Is Sir Alex Ferguson running any horses in the 2023 Grand National?

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.

1

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.

READ MORE IN GRAND NATIONAL

CLEAN SWEEP

Download your Grand National sweepstake kit for Saturday's race

GRAND OLD TIME

Grand National 2023 TV schedule: How to watch EVERY race at Aintree Festival

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.

Most read in Horse Racing

FIVER FLUTTER

This 12-1 shot won this race last year and can do it again in an open field

FIGHT'S OVER

Henderson makes shock decision as Constitution Hill OUT of Fighting Fifth

ROCKET FOOL

Owner-trainer who gave horses BREAST CANCER drugs fined £60k and given HUGE ban

BANNED

Top jockey and trainer banned and fined for 'schooling' 250-1 shot around race

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

READ MORE SUN STORIES

DUE SOON

Ashley Cain fans ‘work out baby’s due date’ from clue in emotional baby news post

TO YOUR BENEFIT

Exact date millions will get paid benefits early this Christmas

• 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