Sir Alex Ferguson pockets almost £1MILLION as his horse claims a historic victory in lucrative Bahrain International Trophy

Sir Alex Ferguson will pocket £792,518 ($1million) after Spirit Dancer won the  Bahrain International Trophy for a second successive year on Friday. 

The former Manchester United manager experience his ‘best moment in racing’ last year when the Richard-Fahey trained horse won the race last year. 

However, Spirit Dance was not the favourite this time after being beaten by over 13 lengths by John and Thady Gosdens’ Lead Artist. 

Gosdens’ horse was the youngest in the race and looked to live up to the favourite tag after cruising to the front. 

But Spirit Dancer came from behind to win by a length and a half, becoming the first double winner of the Bahrain race. 

Ferguson said afterwards: ‘It’s unbelievable, he was so far behind I said “he’s not going to do it”. I don’t know where he got it from. It was fantastic and he’s a fantastic jockey.

Spirit Dancer won the Bahrain International Trophy for a second successive year

‘He’s had to find something like four lengths to catch the leading horse and somehow he got there.

‘It was fantastic and I’m really proud of him and proud of the jockey because he sat motionless and didn’t panic at all.’

Co-owner Mason added: ‘You think lightning wouldn’t strike twice but it has today and it is a fantastic feat what Richard and the team back home have done.

‘Credit to them for getting him back from his injury, it’s fantastic. I’m so happy for this fella (Ferguson), who bred him and last year it was a bit of a tonic after we sadly lost Lady Cathy (Ferguson’s late wife), who we said rode him last time and I think she rode him again.’

Ferguson is no stranger to success on the track as he has had a year to remember. 

Spirit Dancer’s latest win comes after the 82-year-old pocketed nearly £1m after his horse triumphed at the lucrative Saudi Cup in February.