Sir Alex Ferguson is eyeing up another big day at the Grand National meeting after a £169,000 win.
The Man Utd legend celebrated a huge treble on the first day of the top fixture 12 months ago. Protektorat, Monmiral and Clan Des Obeaux, horses he co-owns, galloped to victory at Aintree's world famous track.
And a year on from giving Fergie his 'best day in racing', all three compete again there on Thursday. There will not be another treble however, as Protektorat and Clan Des Obeaux go head-to-head in the Betway Bowl (2.55).
Monmiral has six rivals to see off in the Aintree Hurdle (3.30) – with both events holding Grade 1 status, the highest level of the sport. In 2021, Ferguson was at the track to land his first hat-trick on Merseyside since 2007, when Utd defeated Everton twice at Goodison Park and Liverpool at Anfield.
Wearing a face mask, as the fixture was run without spectators due to the coronavirus pandemic, the ex-Reds boss proudly lifted the big race trophy. The chances of the three horses winning went up to odds as high as 108-1 before the runners came under starter's orders.
Harry Skelton steered Protektorat (17-2) to victory in the first race of the day and his mount jumped from fence to fence. Monmiral was the hot favourite with Harry Cobden taking the reins and then Clan Des Obeaux put in a fine display in the feature race.
The horses won nearly £169,000 for connections and the former Old Trafford boss.
"That’s the best day I’ve had in my time in racing, which is about 20 years or so," he said. "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 racecourse) 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."
This year the bookies' odds suggest Protektorat has the best chance of winning. Betfred make the Dan Skelton-trained chaser the 3-1 favourite for his race, which takes place just two days before the Grand National.
The seven-year-old finished third in the Cheltenham Gold Cup several weeks ago, which was won by Rachael Blackmore aboard A Plus Tard. Clan Des Obeaux is priced at 9-2 for the same race, while 35 minutes later, Monmiral is an 8-1 shot for more glory at the Liverpool venue.
