Sir Alex Ferguson’s competitive instincts did not end with football, and the former Manchester United manager will again have horses connected to him at the 2026 Cheltenham Festival.
Ferguson, who built one of the most dominant eras in English football during his time at Old Trafford, has become deeply involved in horse racing since retiring from management.
Several horses linked to the Scot have featured in major races in recent years, and the 2026 festival again brings attention to runners associated with his ownership group.
L’Eau du Sud and Il Ridoto among Ferguson-linked Cheltenham runners
L’Eau du Sud is one of the most notable runners connected to Ferguson at this year’s festival and is expected to take part in the BetMGM Queen Mother Champion Chase.
The Dan Skelton-trained chaser has developed into a strong two-mile performer and previously produced an impressive display at Cheltenham during the November Meeting.
His pace and jumping ability make him suited to the Champion Chase test, although the race traditionally features some of the best two-mile chasers in the sport.
Another Ferguson-linked runner to watch is Il Ridoto, who is expected to line up in the Kim Muir Challenge Cup Amateur Jockeys’ Handicap Chase.
Trained by Paul Nicholls, Il Ridoto has already shown his effectiveness at Cheltenham, including a notable victory in the Paddy Power Gold Cup at the same track.
His experience at the course could make him a competitive contender in a race that often rewards strong finishers, but he is seen mostly as an outsider.
Star horse Caldwell Potter out of 2026 Cheltenham Festival
Caldwell Potter was expected to be one of Ferguson’s most exciting runners at the 2026 Cheltenham Festival, but the high-profile chaser has been ruled out of the entire season after suffering an injury in October 2025.
The horse holds a notable place in racing history as the most expensive jumps horse ever sold at public auction, having been bought for around £632,000.
At the 2025 Cheltenham Festival, Caldwell Potter won the Jack Richards Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase, producing a strong performance to give Ferguson another memorable moment at the famous meeting.