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Sports fans have described Sir Alex Ferguson's horse 'Hampden Park' winning a race just moments after the announcement his wife Lady Cathy Ferguson had died as "a poignant winner".
On Friday afternoon, it was announced that Cathy had passed away at the age of 84. The former Manchester United boss was married to the late Lady Ferguson for 57 years, having first met in 1964.
Twenty seven of those years spent together came during Sir Alex's time at Manchester United, a period of great success at Old Trafford that saw the club win all there was to win. And following the announcement of her death, the ex-Man United manager's horse 'Hampden Park' rode home to victory at the 2.47 at Ascot.
READ MORE:Sir Alex Ferguson's wife Cathy dies as Man Utd legend's family confirm death
READ MORE:Sir Alex Ferguson might have ended up at Spurs instead of Man Utd if not for his wife Cathy
Given the timing, fans were quick to point out how poignant a win for Sir Alex' horse the Ascot victory was. One fan wrote on X (formerly Twitter): "A poignant winner for Sir Alex, given the breaking news regarding Lady Cathy."
Another added: "On the saddest day for Sir Alex." A third said: "Poignant as his wife has died." And a fourth wrote: "Bittersweet today."
The sad passing of Ferguson's late wife was confirmed in a statement from the family on Friday afternoon. The statement read: "We are deeply saddened to confirm the passing yesterday of Lady Cathy Ferguson, survived by her husband, three sons, two sisters, 12 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
"The family asks for privacy at this time." Additionally, Manchester United also released a statement of their own, calling Lady Cathy "a tower of strength". Their statement said: "Everyone at Manchester United sends our heartfelt condolences to Sir Alex Ferguson and his family on the passing of Lady Cathy. Lady Cathy was a beloved wife, mother, sister, grandmother and great-grandmother, and a tower of strength for Sir Alex throughout his career."
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And it was Cathy that Manchester United fans have to thank for helping Sir Alex choose to not join Tottenham Hotspur. Prior to his appointment as Man United boss, Ferguson was approached by Spurs, with "all aspects of the contract agreed" according to the book 'Still Dreaming'.
However, "Mrs Ferguson was not keen on a move to London" which eventually scuppered Spurs' plans to appoint Sir Alex, who at the time was Aberdeen boss.
- Sir Alex Ferguson
- Horse racing
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