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'Sir Alex Ferguson banned us going racing it would've meant beers and the rest of it'

Manchester United's legendary gaffer Sir Alex Ferguson isn't the type of bloke you disobey what he says normally goes, and that includes if he bans you from a flutter at horse racing

[Cheltenham Ferguson ban]

United stars were banned from attending the world famous racing festival(Image: Getty Images)

Since his retirement, horse racing has been one of Sir Alex Ferguson's most beloved vices.

He and his consortium have recently even broken the record for the most expensive jumps horse ever purchased when they struck a 633,710 deal for novice hurdler Caldwell Potter.

But, when he was sat at the helm of Manchester United, Sir Alex wasn't entirely keen on his footy stars attending the races his horses now headline.

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Former United captain Steve Bruce made over 300 appearances in their iconic red strip and recently revealed Sir Alex's stance on the races during his time at the club.

Bruce, speaking on behalf of BoyleSports who offer the latest Cheltenham betting, said: "Sir Alex Ferguson wasn't overly keen on attending race courses at the time, which was typical of him because he wanted you to do the right thing.

"Even a trip to the races was something he was always sceptical about because that would have meant a few beers and all the rest of it."

What would you do if Fergie told you you're not going to Cheltenham? Let us know in the comments section below

[Bruce and Fergie]

Both Bruce and Ferguson have battled it out on the touchline(Image: Manchester United via Getty Images)

Bruce added: "That was the way he was. But since he's retired, we have seen more and more of his horses winning. I'm sure he enjoys it, it's a big hobby.

"As players, we didn't attend any races together. I was never really into them, although I've been to a couple of the big ones, Cheltenham and the Grand National. But apart from that, it's not something I'm hugely into."

[Caldwell Potter ridden by Jack Kennedy wins The Paddy Power Future Champions Novice Hurdle during day two of the Leopardstown Christmas Festival ]

The newly purchased Caldwell Potter should give Fergie a horse at Cheltenham(Image: PA)

Sir Alex is likely to have a few horses compete at Cheltenham in 2024, with the newly purchased Caldwell Potter alongside Gold Cup mainstay Protektorat set to feature.

Maybe we'll see a United player or two in the grandstand cheering on a Fergie-owned horse to victory this time around, who knows?

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