Man Utd legend Sir Alex Ferguson's 'poignant' result after sad loss of wife

07 October 2023 , 12:50

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Sir Alex Ferguson was married to his wife, who he first met in 1964, for 57 years (Image: AFP/Getty Images)

A horse named after one of Sir Alex Ferguson's favourite football stadiums has given him a poignant result on the racecourse.

Hampden Park, trained by Andrew Balding, won the Heros Novice Stakes at Ascot in impressive fashion on Friday afternoon.

During the same day, it was announced that Ferguson's wife Cathy had sadly died. Sports fans paid their tributes to the 84-year-old, at the Manchester United legend's side during his 27 years as the club's manager.

Away from football, one of his major interests is horse racing and he often attends major events like the Cheltenham Festival and Grand National.

Hampden Park, five-and-a-half lengths in front of the hot favourite Scenic, is named after Scotland's national football stadium in Glasgow – Ferguson's home town.

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When answering questions from fans, the 81-year-old said the venue created the greatest atmosphere he had ever come across. Next month, it will host a UEFA Euro 24 qualifying match between Scotland and Norway.

"Hampden Park is the best atmosphere without a doubt. It's absolutely electric," he told LADbible TV.

Sir Alex and Lady Cathy Ferguson pictured in 2008 (Getty Images)

Ferguson's horse could now be set some big targets by Kingsclere-based Balding, who trained for the late Queen.

Racing enthusiasts commented on the timing of Hampden Park's success.

"Emotional winner for Sir Alex," commentator Mike Cattermole wrote on X (formerly Twitter ).

Another user of the social media platform posted: "A poignant winner for Sir Alex, given the breaking news regarding Lady Cathy."

While a third added: "Bittersweet today."

A statement from Manchester United, where Sir Alex won 38 trophies, including 13 Premier League titles, read: "Everyone at Manchester United sends our heartfelt condolences to Sir Alex Ferguson and his family on the passing of Lady Cathy. Lady Cathy was a beloved wife, mother, sister, grandmother and great-grandmother, and a tower of strength for Sir Alex throughout his career."

The football titan's leading thoroughbreds have included Rock Of Gibraltar, who won seven times at Group 1 level, including the English and Irish 2,000 Guineas.

Chaser Protektorat has run in the last two editions of the Cheltenham Gold Cup, finishing third and fifth, while Hermes Allen impressed in novice company last season under the tutelage of 14-time champion trainer Paul Nicholls.

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Melissa Jones