Fergie horse fails at Chester

Alex Ferguson was narrowly denied a poignant victory at Chester racecourse on the day the legendary manager announced his retirement.

The football world was rocked yesterday morning when it was confirmed the Scot, 71, would stand down as Manchester United boss at the end of the season, having recently guided the club to their 13th Premier League title under his leadership.

Butterfly McQueen very nearly put the seal on a dramatic day when the Andrew Balding-trained three-year-old, whom Ferguson partly owns, finished second in the Boodles Diamond Maiden Stakes.