Sir Alex Ferguson is used to leaving it late to create sporting history, but even he was left astounded by his star globetrotter Spirit Dancer, who became the first dual winner of the $1 million Bahrain International Trophy (G2) Nov. 15 with a remarkable come-from-behind success.
Berthed in the same stall 11 as for his victory a year ago, the Richard Fahey-trained 7-year-old was settled at the back of the field by Oisin Orr, with a wall of horses in front turning for home.
With time running out and just half a furlong left, Spirit Dancer still had plenty to do, but much like that famous night at the Nou Camp 25 years ago his charge relentlessly wore down Lead Artist to turn defeat into victory in the last few seconds, much to the surprise of the legendary former Manchester United manager.
“He was so far behind I thought he wasn’t going to do it!” said Ferguson. “I don’t know where he got it from but that was fantastic. Oisin was fantastic, too. I thought he needed a turn of foot more than anything to catch the leading horse and he got there. I’m incredibly proud of him and the jockey, too, because he sat motionless and didn’t panic at all. He was a cool hand.”
Ferguson labeled Spirit Dancer’s win last year as his best-ever racing moment, and this year’s heroics weren’t far behind it.
He said: “It’s the second-greatest moment in racing for me—100%! It was fantastic.”
Spirit Dancer is also owned by Peter Done and longtime ownership ally Ged Mason, who had Ferguson’s late wife, Lady Cathy, in his post-race thoughts.
“I’m so happy for Sir Alex, who bred him, too,” said Mason. “Last year was a bit of a tonic when he sadly lost Lady Cathy the month before. He said she rode him in spirit then and she’s done it again.
“You think lightning can’t strike twice, but it has today. What a feat it is.”
Spirit Dancer’s global exploits are far from over, with Fahey eyeing a trip to Hong Kong’s prestigious meeting next month for his stable star.
He said: “This means an awful lot. It was a completely different prep this year and I was a little bit disappointed with his comeback run last time, but he just loves it here and has thrived all week.
“What amazes me is what it means to three very successful men. It’s amazing what horses can do to people. If there’s anything for people to get involved in horses, they should watch him. He could go to Hong Kong next as he’s had a soft season.”
