Sir Alex Ferguson of Manchester United fame, is also an avid racehorse owner.
After the sad passing of his wife of 57 years Cathy at the age of 84 last Thursday, he had something to lift his spirits in the shape of an Ascot winner this past weekend.
Maine Chance sire Querari -brother to Hampden Park’s dam Queen’s Dream (Pic – Maine Chance Farm)
Best remembered for being part-owner in 2000 Guineas winner and influential sire Rock Of Gibraltar, the legendary Scotsman is also the owner and breeder of three-year-old Hampden Park, who carried his silks to an impressive maiden victory at Ascot over the weekend.
Handily ridden, the Andrew Balding-trained colt struck the front at the quarter mark and stretched clear to score over 2400m at third time of asking, the winning margin of 5,50 lengths a clear proof of his superiority.
A son of Sea The Moon, Hampden Park has South African connections as well, for his dam Queen’s Dream is an unraced full sister to Maine Chance Farm’s stallion Querari. Dr Andreas Jacobs told the Sporting Post that the mare had been purchased from them by Sir Alex.
Incidentally, for those non-soccer fans out there, Hampden Park is named after the famous Scottish football stadium.
Located in Glasgow with a 52,000-seat capacity, it is home to the national football team, as well as that of Queen’s Park Football Club.
