Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson is suing his club’s biggest shareholders in a row over the ownership of a record-breaking racehorse.
Newspapers reported on Tuesday that Ferguson’s solicitors have issued legal proceedings against Irish racehorse owners JP McManus and John Magnier, who control 23% of United, claiming half-ownership of Rock of Gibraltar, which could be worth between £50-million and £100-million, depending on the stallion’s success at stud.
Magnier has already made it clear to the Old Trafford board that he wants the row settled before Ferguson signs a new £five-million-a-year contract extension.
A statement from Coolmore Stud said: ”Coolmore Stud has today [Monday] been advised that legal proceedings have been issued against Mr John Magnier by Alex Ferguson alleging certain ownership rights for the stallion Rock of Gibraltar.
”Coolmore Stud and John Magnier consider the action to be without merit and it will be vigorously defended. As this is a legal matter, no further comment will be made.”
Ferguson alleges he was given a half-share of Rock of Gibraltar as a gift by Magnier and wants half the stud fees.
He has turned down the offer of four stud nominations to the Rock per year.
Rock of Gibraltar, trained by Aidan O’Brien, was retired to stud last year after winning seven successive Group One races, breaking the record of six set by Mill Reef in the 1970s. — Sapa-AFP