Sir Alex Ferguson pockets £80,000 after successful day at Aintree… but how did Man United legend’s horse get on in the Grand National?

Sir Alex Ferguson made over £80,000 on a winning bet at Aintree, which saw him celebrate a remarkable 1-3 finish on Grand National day.

Coming into Saturday, Hitman had three wins from 23 runs so far this season, with an impressive 10 second-placed finishes to add to that, but could not build on his success on Merseyside.  

However, the legendary ex-Man United manager’s horse fluffed in the Grand National, as his lone runner Hitman was withdrawn midway through the big race.

Despite his previous success at Aintree, with Hitman having finished in the top three in four out of six appearances, the horse was pulled up during this year’s Grand National. 

Nevertheless, Sir Alex’s fortunes turned in the very next race, as Kalif Du Berlais crossed the line first in the Grade 1 Maghull Novices’ Chase to win the Scot £67,524.

Meanwhile, L’Eau Du Sud – trained by Dan Skelton and ridden by Harry Skelton – came third to net Ferguson a further £12,732.

Although the Scot was unsuccessful in the big race, he landed a 1-3 in the very next one

Kalif Du Berlais crossed the line first in the Novices’ Chase, while L’Eau Du Sud finished third

The 83-year-old’s total winnings on the day came to £80,526 from the two horses.

Splitting Sir Alex’s stallions was 25-1 Brookie, trained by veteran Anthony Honeyball. 

Sir Alex added to his win at this year’s Cheltenham Festival, which saw Caldwell Potter, a galloping grey bought in February 2024 for £630,000, land his first win at the prestigious festival in the Jack Richards Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase.

Horses under Ferguson’s ownership have now banked over £6.8million in prize money.