Alex Ferguson owned Spirit Dancer targetting bumper pay day in Bahrain

Sir Alex Ferguson-owned Spirit Dancer will return to the Middle East to defend his Bahrain International Trophy title on Friday.

In a memorable day for the connections, the offspring of Frankel won over 10 furlongs and would surely delight Fergie if he followed up by bagging this year’s healthy prize pot of $1 million.

On the back of producing the goods in Bahrain, Spirit Dancer landed another valuable prize in Saudi Arabia earlier this year.

Trainer Richard Fahey said: “He’s in great form and he’s a fresh horse who goes there in great order.

“He’s always a horse that we feel runs a better race if he’s had a race to bring him on and clear his wind and he’s had that.

“He’s travelled really well this year and he’s eating and drinking loads and we’re really pleased with him.

“It’s a tougher race this year, but he did win well last year so we will see.”

Fahey continued: “It’s incredible he’s in the same stall really. We were a bit disappointed with that draw last year, but there is no point getting disappointed this time as he showed it is possible, so we will see.

“The owners arrived in the early hours of Thursday morning and were straight out on the track. They are here and enjoying themselves and enjoying this horse as well.”

Spirit Dancer will be joined in the line-up by fellow British entrants in the form of Charlie Appleby’s Nations Pride and John and Thady Gosden’s Lead Artist.