SIR ALEX FERGUSON is relishing his time with Spirit Dancer, as the celebrations have now transitioned to Hong Kong.

The legendary ex-Manchester United manager is poised to arrive in the Far East today, eager for his home-bred horse’s participation in the £4 million Hong Kong Cup tomorrow.

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The seven-year-old has taken Fergie on a grand tour of the Middle East in recent years, achieving significant victories in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, along with a few races in Dubai, totaling over £2 million in earnings.

After Spirit Dancer’s victory in defending his Bahrain Trophy title last month, Fergie and trainer Richard Fahey were excited to explore opportunities in the Far East.

Sir Alex, 82, stated: “We are all incredibly proud of Spirit Dancer. He has brought us tremendous joy.

“He has accumulated extensive travel miles and has given us unforgettable experiences. The fact that we bred him makes it all the more special.

“Going up against the best in Hong Kong on their turf will be a tough challenge. It’s yet another difficult away match for us!

“Oisin Orr delivered an outstanding performance with him in Bahrain, and racing in Hong Kong will be an invaluable experience for him.”

Spirit Dancer will compete against Hong Kong star Romantic Warrior, a six-year-old aiming to make history by being the first to win three consecutive Hong Kong Cups.

Fahey remarked: “Romantic Warrior is the best in the business. He’s a local legend. We know the challenge that lies ahead.

“With 85,000 fans at the racetrack, the atmosphere will be electric if Romantic Warrior is defeated!

“However, there are considerable financial rewards for high placements, so hopefully, we can bring some of that back home with us.

“We’ve had one runner in Hong Kong before, but he competed in the Sprint and finished quite far behind — about 50 yards off the pace just seconds after the start.

“I believe Spirit Dancer possesses the class and speed to excel in a race like the Hong Kong Cup; it’s been on my radar for him.

“This prestigious race has a rich history and a substantial prize pool, so his owners were easily persuaded to participate.”

Regardless of the outcome, there will be plenty of places to relax after the race in this extraordinary city.

Fahey, 58, added: “Spirit Dancer has provided us with immense joy. It holds a special significance for Sir Alex since he bred him.

“Sir Alex is very much involved, and during these trips, we enjoy some downtime by the pool or sharing meals while chatting.

“He shares some incredible stories over a glass of red wine that, of course, are not to be repeated.

“We’re arriving here with a horse in peak form. His last run in Bahrain was his best performance. He was comfortable at every stage, even with the runner-up — a very strong horse from John Gosden’s stable — having the early advantage. Spirit Dancer managed to catch up and pass him.

“This is what it’s all about, but you can’t succeed without a capable horse, and Spirit Dancer is exceptional. It’s a challenging race, but I have high hopes for him.”

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