Sir Alex Ferguson's favourite Protektorat claims a mighty win on the final day of Berkshire Winter Million
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Sir Alex Ferguson might have suffered a miserable day at Old Trafford but one of his favourite horses made up for it in spectacular style at Windsor. While Manchester United were losing to Brighton, Protektorat — a 10-year-old with the enthusiasm of a five-year-old — produced a remarkable display of jumping and galloping in the Fleur De Lys Chase, the highlight on the final day of the Berkshire Winter Million.
![[Protektorat has given Ferguson and fellow owners John Hales and Ged Mason terrific days]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/19/22/94275933-0-image-a-2_1737326834284.jpg)
Protektorat has given Ferguson and fellow owners John Hales and Ged Mason some terrific days, not least in the Ryanair Chase at Cheltenham last March, and trainer Dan Skelton is planning to send the gelding back to defend his title off the back of this demolition job — he beat the 5-4 favourite Djelo by 23 lengths.
‘We’re so lucky to have a horse like him,’ said jockey Harry Skelton. ‘It’s very hard to find them. It’s a massive day for him. He’s the maddest horse I’ve ever ridden, he’s crazy. 'He’ll come out tomorrow and want to go five times round the gallops but that’s what makes him so good, his will to keep galloping. He’s relentless.’.
The victory was also significant for Dan Skelton, as the £85,850 first prize strengthened his chances of becoming Champion Trainer for the first time. ‘We’re getting there,’ he smiled. Protektorat produced a remarkable display of jumping and galloping in the Fleur De Lys Chase, the highlight on the final day of the Berkshire Winter Million.
