against John Magnier and Coolmoore over the ownership of
Rock of Gibraltar's multi-million-pound stallion rights, it
will prove to be the court case of the year.
The facts behind this sensational dispute are thin on the
ground. What is known for certain is that Sir Alex acquired
half of 'The Rock' after Royal Ascot 2001, a 50 per cent
share was registered with the Irish racing authorities and
the colt subsequently ran in his racing silks.
The rest, at the moment, is largely speculation. It has been
suggested that Sir Alex paid around £120,000 for his half
share in a horse who went on to win seven consecutive Group
One races and be crowned Horse of The Year in 2002.
My understanding is that he was given the half share and was
not required to pay training fees. I have also been told
that early on in the ownership, it was debated whether to
take a share of the prize-money or wait for the subsequent
stallion fees. Ferguson allegedly opted for the latter and
entered into a verbal agreement with Magnier.
Rock of Gibraltar's prize-money earnings totalled £1,269,800
- while his stud fees from covering mares in Ireland and
Australia during just his first year as a stallion have been
estimated at £10 million. If he proves a success at stud,
his stallion career could last 20 years.