Spirit Dancer is reported to be in excellent condition leading up to the Dubai Sheema Classic

Sir Alex Ferguson, who recently achieved success at the Cheltenham Festival with victories from Monmiral and Protektorat, is now seeking further glory in the Dubai Sheema Classic with his horse, Spirit Dancer.

Spirit Dancer, a seven-year-old horse trained by Richard Fahey, was bred by Ferguson himself and has had an exceptional year. Starting off in handicaps last season with a rating of 97, he began a winning streak in July at York and followed it up with a victory in the Racing League at Windsor. He then returned to the Knavesmire to claim the Group Three Strensall Stakes.

Interestingly, Spirit Dancer has shown a particular affinity for racing abroad. In November, he won the Bahrain Trophy, and just last month, he emerged victorious in the Neom Turf Cup in Saudi Arabia, bringing his career earnings to over £1.7 million.

Fahey expressed his satisfaction with Spirit Dancer's condition, noting improvements in his appearance and temperament. The horse had ample time to acclimatise between his first run of the season and the Neom Turf Cup, and a similar interval has passed since then. Fahey considers it fortunate to have Spirit Dancer in the Middle East, where the climate is familiar, allowing the horse to settle into a favourable routine. The preparation for the race is more convenient there compared to starting from elsewhere.

Fahey had contemplated the idea of competing at a mile and a half, believing that Spirit Dancer possesses the necessary stamina. The horse demonstrates a relaxed demeanour and consistently finishes strongly in his races.

Acknowledging the challenge of competing at the Group One level, Fahey remains optimistic due to the horse's positive preparation and recent victory. He eagerly anticipates witnessing Spirit Dancer's performance in the upcoming race.