Sir Alex Ferguson’s record-breaking horse pulled out of running on Grand National day

SIR Alex Ferguson’s record-breaking horse has been pulled out of running on Grand National day.

The former Manchester United manager was part of an ownership group that splashed £630,000 on Caldwell Potter at a sale earlier this year.

PA

Caldwell Potter is the most expensive jumps horse sold at auction – but won’t be running on Grand National day[/caption]

That was a world record for a jumps horse sold at public auction.

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Having moved from Gordon Elliott to Paul Nicholls, Caldwell Potter was said to be in ‘absolutely perfect’ shape ahead of his Aintree bow.

But the stunning grey was withdrawn from the 1.55 Turners Mersey Novices’ Hurdle with an infected foot.

Caldwell Potter, a Grade 1-winning hurdler, was strongly fancied to win the £55,000 first-place prize.

And further down the line he is being talked of as a Gold Cup horse.

But the wait to see him on the track in Sir Alex’s colours will go on after his late withdrawal.

Sir Alex could still have a winner on Grand National day, though, despite not having a runner in the big race.

He runs Cheltenham Festival hero Monmiral in the 3m William Hill Handicap Hurdle at 1.20pm.

Trained by Nicholls and ridden by Harry Cobden, Monmiral was a shock 25-1 winner of the Pertemps at last month’s Festival.

But he can be backed at around 9-1 for the first race on Saturday.

Sir Alex owns the horse alongside big mates Ged Mason and John and Lisa Hales.

Monmiral was part of a brilliant double for Sir Alex at Cheltenham.

He went mad celebrating Protektorat’s win in the Ryanair – a victory worth £220,000.

He couldn’t quite follow it up at Aintree, though, finishing a brave third in the Melling Chase behind winner Jonbon.

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