Sir Alex Ferguson celebrates underdog victory at Aintree on Grand National day despite tragedy

Ed Griffiths
Sat, 11 Apr 2026 14:31:16 +0000

Sir Alex Ferguson enjoyed success at Aintree on Grand National day when Wade Out triumphed in the William Hill Handicap Hurdle at odds of 18-1.

The legendary former Manchester United boss is among the ownership group behind the seven-year-old.

The horse had spent the current campaign competing over fences before switching back to the smaller obstacles.

Trained by Olly Murphy, Wade Out delivered an impressive performance to secure victory at the prestigious Liverpool meeting.

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The result marked a notable return to hurdling for the horse, who clearly benefited from the change in discipline on one of racing's biggest days.

Fitted with blinkers for the first time, the gelding showed a transformed attitude throughout the contest, racing with enthusiasm before powering clear under jockey Gavin Sheehan.

Stablemate Hold The Serve, who started as the 100-30 favourite, could manage only fifth place.

However, the race was overshadowed by tragedy.

Get On George suffered a fatal injury after going wrong on the flat.

The gelding, trained by Joel Parkinson and Sue Smith, was subsequently euthanised.

Winning trainer Murphy said: "I thought he’d win the National Hunt Chase but he laughed at me for the whole three miles and five furlongs, so we sent him back over hurdles and put a set of blinkers on and he’s turned a competitive field into a rout.

"I thought he might win but not in that fashion.

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He added: "He’s a horse who has always had loads of ability.

"We’ll train him as a staying hurdler now, he’s not over-big so jumping fences has probably been a big effort for him.

"We all want winners here.

"I huffed and puffed yesterday and didn’t get anywhere, so it’s great to get a winner today."

Sir Alex currently owns or co-owns approximately 32 horses and has established his own stud farm in Hemel Hempstead to focus on breeding.

Ferguson's passion began in the late 1990s.

He does not have any runners in the Grand National itself.