Alex Ferguson aiming for $1m Bahrain International Trophy pot with stud star Spirit Dancer

Alex Ferguson may have one of the most decorated footballing CVs around, but he is attempting to break new ground when his horse Spirit Dancer lines up in the Bahrain International Trophy on Friday.

The Group Two event has a $1million prize fund and Ferguson's candidate, bred by himself and trained by Richard Fahey, booked his ticket when picking up York’s Strensall Stakes in the summer.

Spirit Dancer now faces the toughest assignment of his career as he takes on a strong cast that includes Aidan O’Brien’s Point Lonsdale and the Group One-winning Above The Curve among others.

However, despite being known as one of the most fiercest of competitors on the touchline, Ferguson believes he cuts a much more relaxed figure in the paddock before a big race and would relish the chance to get his hands on yet another international sporting trophy with the talented son of Frankel.

"I think my competitive element was left in football," he told Racing TV’s Raceday.

"I never question the trainer and I never get upset if the horse loses because its a different sport for me – I can’t tell a horse what to do, but at least I could tell my players what to do. In that respect I’m not a critical judge at all, ever.

"I enjoy being there and if a horse wins of course you are excited, especially in big races.

"Spirit Dancer has given us great joy and I’ve started a stud and he’s the first product of the stud."

Meanwhile Spirit Dancer’s trainer is optimistic the six-year-old’s calm demeanour will be an asset when dealing with the rigours of international competition.

"The target all season was Bahrain because it’s a million dollar race and a good opportunity in trip, track and everything will suit," Fahey told Great British Racing.

"He’s a very laid-back