SIR Alex Ferguson will start his fresh assault on some of jumps racing’s biggest prizes at Cheltenham on Friday.
And he will do so with old ally Paul Nicholls by his side.
PA:Press AssociationSir Alex and Nicholls have teamed up before with loads of success – will it be the same in 2023?[/caption]
The 14-time champion trainer has declared the exciting Isaac Des Obeaux in a 2m4f Class 2 hurdle worth over £10,000 to the winner.
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Sir Alex co-owns Isaac Des Obeaux – who will run in the 2.45 – with close mate Ged Mason and Chris and Giles Barber, the sons of late owner Paul.
The horse’s star power – apart from his high profile owners – comes from the fact he is closely related to the awesome Clan Des Obeaux.
The awesome dual King George and Betway Bowl-winning chaser amassed over £1million in prize money for the three pals.
If Isaac Des Obeaux gets anywhere near that he will have done great for connections – although trainer Nicholls told Betfair he’s been slow to improve after his debut win last November.
He said: “He is a three parts brother to Clan Des Obeaux and I was delighted with the way he knuckled down to win nicely on his racecourse debut in a bumper at Chepstow last season but he didn’t really progress in two subsequent races.
Nicholls: My best chance on Friday
Lallygag ew 5.05 Cheltenham
Having improved all through last season, winning three times, he wasn’t disgraced when we upped him in class so he starts the new campaign on a mark of 133 which could be high enough. He is another horse we pulled out at Chepstow two weeks ago after torrential rain changed ground conditions. Fit and ready to go, he will be ridden by Freddie Gingell who claims a handy 7lbs and won on him at Taunton in December last year.
“Still a bit big and backward he is ready to start over hurdles now after a wind op in the summer.”
Fergie also has Protektorat with Dan Skelton.
The Haydock specialist will defend his Grade 1 Betfair Chase at the track on Saturday November 25.
If both horses do the business it will be a hugely encouraging start to the jumps season for Sir Alex, who sadly lost wife Cathy earlier this month.
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