/Premier League icon Harry Redknapp boasts a considerable track record from facing Sir Alex Ferguson on the touchline. Nevertheless, the retired tactician displayed nothing but affection towards his old rival after both secured their inaugural Cheltenham victories in 2024.

Manchester United legend Ferguson, 84, enjoyed a stellar afternoon when two of his horses, Monmiral and Protektorat, triumphed in consecutive races. Redknapp, 79, shared in the festivities when Shakem Up'Arry claimed victory in the Plate Handicap Chase, and he ensured his fellow managerial icon was acknowledged as he expressed his gratitude. "To be here now in this position is incredible," he said following his landmark Cheltenham triumph. "My main worry is that they (the horses) get round safe, I jump every jump with them and think, 'Please don't fall or get hurt.' When they come back safe and sound, especially in front, it's all the better.

"It's great for Sir Alex to have a winner as well, we had some great days. Going into his office at Old Trafford at quarter past two when the teams were out and we'd watch a bit of racing for 15 minutes and then we'd go out and I'd do my best to try and pull off a miracle and get a result!

"We both loved the racing and we both loved the football. For him to get two winners today is great and for me to get a winner is fantastic."

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Monmiral delivered a stunning shock at 25-1 odds when claiming the Pertemps Final for Ferguson's maiden Cheltenham victory. The Old Trafford legend had been involved in racehorse ownership for many years before that success but had never previously secured a Festival winner.

An exceptional afternoon became even more remarkable as Protektorat secured victory in the Ryanair Chase. The Scot was scarcely able to comprehend his fortune as his racing ventures began bearing fruit, with Caldwell Potter subsequently contributing to his Cheltenham successes in 2025.

"I've finally had a winner here. Two in 40 minutes! It's unbelievable, isn't it? It's a special place," said Ferguson, who is being tipped for further success this year. "It has been probably 20 years that I've wanted to have a winner here, as when I first started I just had Flat horses and no National Hunt ones.

"I got interested in the jumps with Ged [Mason] and [the late] John [Hales]. It 100 per cent makes it more enjoyable having a winner with friends. Everyone looks forward to Cheltenham, while on the Flat you have the Derby. These two events are unsurpassed.

"It's special here, it's like the Derby or the FA Cup final and I've waited a whilst to experience this. A lot of people who buy horses have never had a winner, never mind here. It's a feeling of elation.

"Of course it's not the same as winning at football, that was my life, I was immersed in that, this is what I do for pleasure so it's a different feeling. I don't have to worry about it, I leave that to the trainer."