Former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson enjoyed a winning start to Grand National day at Aintree as his horse Wade Out triumphed in the William Hill Handicap Hurdle.
The seven-year-old, co-owned by Ferguson, was sent off at 18-1 and delivered a commanding performance under jockey Gavin Sheehan. Fitted with first-time blinkers by trainer Olly Murphy, the horse surged to victory, leaving a competitive field behind.
Trainer Murphy said: 'I thought he'd win the National Hunt Chase but he laughed at me for the whole three miles and five furlongs, so we sent him back over hurdles and put a set of blinkers on and he's turned a competitive field into a rout.'
The race was marred by a fatal injury to Get On George, who was euthanised after going wrong on the flat. Murphy expressed his delight at the win, adding: 'We all want winners here. I huffed and puffed yesterday and didn't get anywhere, so it's great to get a winner today.'
The Grand National itself, featuring 34 runners over 4 miles and 2½ furlongs, is set to take place later on Saturday. Last year's winner Nick Rockett was withdrawn due to a cough, while 2024 champion I Am Maximus is among the favourites.
