Oisin Orr wins Bahrain Trophy on Spirit Dancer for Alex Ferguson

Oisin Orr guided the Alex Ferguson-owned Spirit Dancer to a superb win in the Bahrain International Trophy.

The Richard Fahey-trained Spirit Dancer landed the $1 million prize at the Rashid Equestrian & Horseracing Club in Riffa.

Rathmullan jockey Orr and Spirit Dancer had success in the Group Three Strensall Stakes at York in August.

Ferguson, the legendary former Manchester United manager, jointly owns Spirit Dancer alongside Peter Done and Ged Mason.

Spirit Dacner wasn’t listed among the favourites, which included Nations Pride, Real World, Israr and Point Lonsdale, but Ferguson had belief, telling Orr before the race: ‘Remember, he’s a Frankel’.

“I got a lovely sit the whole race and I always felt I had plenty of horse underneath me,” Orr said.

“I couldn’t believe how well he quickened in the straight, he’s won well.

“He had good form coming here, maybe he just needed his last run a little but he’s come back to his best today.”

The Bahrain International Trophy was upgraded to Group 2 status for the first time with enhanced prize-money of $1 million.

Ferguson hailed the win, saying: “I was terrified looking at all the other people involved in this race. Godolphin had five horses in it. That was great, I’m so proud.

“That is the best ever, without doubt. Against all the pedigrees and form of all the other horses – that’s fantastic, I couldn’t believe it.”