Sir Alex has reason to smile again
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Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has reason to smile again as his horse What A Friend romps to victory at Aintree
Delight: Joint-owner Sir Alex Ferguson celebrates after What A Friend won the totesport Bowl
Sir Alex Ferguson was jumping for joy again the day after Manchester United were knocked out of the Champions League, as his horse What A Friend romped home to win the totesport Bowl on the first day of the Grand National meeting at Aintree.
In a dramatic race Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Imperial Commander fell, but nothing could stop 5/2 shot What A Friend, ridden by Ruby Walsh.
Rarely has a victory for Sir Alex been cheered so loudly in Liverpool.
Ferguson said: 'I'm very pleased, it's fantastic and I was so excited.'It's great. That's the beauty of the racing game. Every fence you're jumping yourself, that's the beauty of it.'
Imperial Commander never looked comfortable, and he eventually unseated jockey Paddy Brennan at the 14th fence.
Carruthers had a big chance to win the race but a poor jump on the final fence saw him finish in second place. Nacarat, ridden by Tony McCoy, came home third.
Victory: What A Friend storms to success in the totesport Bowl
Ferguson added: 'We knew the form of Carruthers because we've run against him in the past, so I was quite happy, but the other fella (Nacarat) gave me a fright.
'I've had a lot of great winners, but to win a race of this magnitude and class is fantastic. I'm really pleased.
'He's a young horse and the aim is to go to the Gold Cup next year.'
Speaking about United's defeat against Bayern, joint-owner Ferguson said: 'Life is like that. Every day is a different day.
'You have your disappointments and no-one died last night. That's the important thing and you move on.'
Nice one, son: Sir Alex Ferguson chats with Ruby Walsh after What A Friend claimed victory at Aintree
Trainer Paul Nicholls said: 'That makes me feel better now. We set out for this race today.
'He's a bit like Big Buck's. When he hits the front he pulls up a little bit.
'He's always been a bit green, but he's only a baby. He is only seven and he's won two Grade Ones now.
'The best is yet to come from him next year, we feel.'
Yet another pot: Sir Alex Ferguson with fellow owner Ged Mason
Winning rider Ruby Walsh said: 'He jumped so well and I always had something to aim at.
'I landed in front after the second-last and I had to stop him, but then Nacarat came after me and then it was Carruthers at the last.
'I didn't know Imperial Commander had gone, but he had been jumping so bad all the way. I'd already given up on him and was only worried about those in front of me.'