Synopsis
From the beginning of history, the human species has revered the horse. Kings and commoners alike have fought to possess the best and the ownership of champion racehorses in particular has often caused bitter duels, both for honour and riches. Yet surely no horse has caused more of a sensation on and off the racetrack than Rock of Gibraltar. He was owned by two friends, who just happened to be two of the most famous men in world sport ? Sir Alex Ferguson, the toolmaker?s apprentice from the tough streets of Glasgow who became Britain?s greatest-ever football manager, and John Magnier, the publicity-shy former senator of Ireland and patrician owner of the world?s most successful breeding operation, Coolmore Stud. Even his own trainer, the Master of Ballydoyle, Aidan O?Brien, did not rate him as the stable?s best hope for glory, but Rock of Gibraltar proved to be that ?one in a million? racehorse who went on to beat Mill Reef?s record of winning six consecutive Group One races, following wins at the Gimcrack Stakes at York, the Dewhurst Stakes and 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket, the Railway Stakes and Irish 2,000 Guineas at the Curragh, the Prix Gram Criterium and Prix Moulin at Longchamp, the St James?
s Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot and the Sussex Stakes at Goodwood. In addition, the Rock was second in the Breeder?s Cup Mile, which is widely recognised as the world championship race. The Rock?s jockey, Michael Kinane, christened him the ?ultimate racehorse?, while Kinane?s French rivals gave the horse another nickname ? ?the Monster?. Yet after all his extraordinary feats on the racecourse, Rock of Gibraltar gained even greater fame after his retirement to stud, as Ferguson and Magnier fought over the horse?s most valuable asset ? his very genes. In this definitive account of Rock of Gibraltar?s life, we learn how the ultimate racehorse became the #100 million prize in a supposedly private but very public contest over stud fees which engulfed the world?s most famous football club, Manchester United. Replete with new information, Rock of Gibraltar charts the tale of two men and their obsession, explains how Manchester United became embroiled in the saga and, above all, tells the story of a magnificent racehorse.
