Sir Alex Ferguson runs a horse named after the stadium he says had the best atmosphere – but it’s not Old Trafford
SIR ALEX FERGUSON loves his horse racing and just like his managerial career... he's had plenty of success in it.
The Manchester United legend might have ruffled a few feathers with his runner at Kempton on Wednesday night, however, as he says the ground it's named after has the best atmosphere in the world.
Many would expect that to be Old Trafford, after all, he managed Man Utd for 26 seasons and brought them success at every turn.
That's not the case, however, but you can hardly blame the Scot for naming Hampden Park as the loudest around.
In an interview with LADbible TV, he said: "Hampden Park is the best atmosphere without a doubt. It's absolutely electric."
Sir Alex tends to own his horses in partnership with other people, such as Group 3 winner Spirit Dancer and Grade 1-winning chaser Protektorat.
But Hampden Park, who ran in the 8:00pm, goes solely under his name.
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Ironically, he's a half-brother to Spirit Dancer and was green as grass when fourth on his 1m3f debut in March.
He's been given time to mature since then and looked an excellent chance of making the frame with natural improvement.
The horse, who is trained by Sun Racing columnist Andrew Balding and had Oisin Murphy riding, hardly disgraced himself, finishing third of 11 having been backed into 7-1.
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Hampden Park was slowly away but finished strongly to come four-and-a-half lengths behind winner Let Life Happen.
The place finish was worth £1,255 to Fergie - peanuts compared to some of the sums he has won.
But keep your eye on this horse - the three-year-old colt could have a decent future ahead.
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