Sir Alex Ferguson’s star chaser Clan Des Obeaux to miss Grand National meeting

27 March 2023 , 13:56

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Sir Alex Ferguson won't be able to cheer on Clan Des Obeaux in the Aintree Bowl (Image: PA)

Clan Des Obeaux, the Sir Alex Ferguson-owned chaser who has won more £1 million, will not defend his crown at next month’s Grand National meeting.

The 11-year-old two-time King George VI Chase winner was being prepared by trainer Paul Nicholls for the Aintree Bowl, which he has won for the last two years.

He has been sidelined by injury since April last year but has been making good progress in his rehabilitation.

But the 13-time champion trainer has announced that time has run out and Clan Des Obeaux will not reappear until the next jumps campaign.

“We have run out of time to get him ready, so we will just have to wait until next season,” Nicholls said.

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“He did a strong piece of work last week away and it has just flared up again. The warning light is flashing and we’ve just not had enough time to get him right, so we’ve had to pull stumps for the season.

“Unfortunately, much as we and everyone has tried to get him ready, we’re not going to get there.”

Clan Des Obeaux, jointly owned by former Manchester United manager Ferguson, Paul Barber and Ged Mason, has won five times at Grade 1 level, including the King George in 2018 and 2019.

Clan Des Obeaux has been on the sidelines since April (Getty Images)

Nicholls’s most recent King George winner and Cheltenham Gold Cup runner-up Bravemansgame may head to Aintree to take in the Bowl instead.

“Bravemansgame is not necessarily going,” he added. “It’s still an option, always was.

“All those horses that went to Cheltenham, we are not making any decision until nearer the time.

“We have got plenty of time yet. He is a possible, along with Stage Star and all those. It’s not a definite but it’s a possible.”

Jon Lees