Cheltenham success for Sir Alex
Sir Alex Ferguson has attended the Cheltenham Festival many times but he was celebrating his first winner as an owner on Thursday, thanks to Monrimal.
That triumph for the 25/1 shot in the Pertemps Network Final Handicap Hurdle was clearly a moment to savour for the former Manchester United manager but he did not have to wait long for another entry into the winners' enclosure.
Harry Skelton rode Protekorat to a 17/2 success in the Ryanair Chase to make it a double on the afternoon for the connections.
"I've been waiting 15, 20 years for a winner," Sir Alex told ITV on the racecourse. "And now I've had two in about 40 minutes!
"It's unbelievable! It [Cheltenham] is a special place."
Another of the Scot's horses, Spirit Dancer, won a big race at the Saudi Cup meeting last month, as he continues to enjoy success in this sport.
There is always a strong football contingent at the Cheltenham festival, held in March every year, and ex-United skipper Bryan Robson helped his former boss celebrate the dual victory.
Sam Allardyce was also there to share the moment with the Reds pair and another former Premier League manager, Harry Redknapp, had his own taste of glory, thanks to Shakem Up'Arry taking the spoils in the TrustATrader Plate Handicap Chase.