Harry Redknapp follows Sir Alex Ferguson with first Cheltenham Festival victory

14 March 2024 , 17:14

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Harry Redknapp urged his horse to victory at Cheltenham (Image: Getty Images)

Harry Redknapp was a winner at Cheltenham on Thursday despite finishing 2-1 down to Sir Alex Ferguson.

Redknapp sparred on many occasions with the former Manchester United manager in the Premier League when he was at the helm at the likes of Tottenham and West Ham.

They both had runners on St Patrick’s Thursday where Ferguson enjoyed two winners and Redknapp realised his own dream come true with Shakem Up'Arry.

The 10-year-old, trained locally by Ben Pauling, was ridden decisively by Ben Jones to triumph at odds of 8-1. “This is the Champions League of racing,” said Redknapp who, like Ferguson, has his own string of racehorses.

“To have a winner at Cheltenham is a dream come true for me. My wife thinks I’ve only got one. I don’t tell her about the other 25!”

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He added: “Alex got two and that was great for him. We had a great time playing against each other over the years and always loved his company. It’s a good day for the pair of us, a couple of old boys having a couple of winners.

“We would chat racing all the time. We’d have a bet in his office at quarter past two. The players would go out and me and Alex would go out and have a bet.

“Then at half past two back in the dressing room down to business and try the almost impossible, getting a result at Old Trafford.”

Shakem Up'Arry jumps to victory in the Plate (PA)

Ferguson and Redknapp inspired one Betfair customer to place a £5 three horse accumulator.

And after Monmiral took the first leg and Protektorat the second for Ferguson, Shakem Up’Arry’s victory completed a 3,239-1 treble landed a pay out of £16,195.

Betfair Spokesman, Barry Orr, commented: ‘’The punter must not only be a racing fan, but also a big football fan.

“The two ex-bosses are massive racing enthusiasts and Cheltenham is the ‘Champions League’ of the horse racing world, so for both to score on the biggest stage is a great result’’

Jon Lees