Fergie’s Give Me A Copper claims Badger Beer glory

Connections, including former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, were delighted with Give Me A Copper’s victory at Wincanton. The nine-year-old has been plagued by injury in recent times but put on a superb display under Harry Cobden to give trainer Paul Nicholls his 10th victory in the Badger Beer Silver Trophy Handicap Chase. Rock The Kasbah seemed a serious threat to Nicholl’s charge, stretching out the field down the back straight, but Cobden made sure his mount responded when necessary. Royal Vacation and Just A Sting were still in contention at the business end of proceedings, while Soupy Soups pushed the winner all the way, just losing out by a neck. Nicholls was delighted and pleased that co-owner Ferguson was on hand to see the race. “I’m thrilled that we’ve eventually got him right to win a big race,” he told ITV Racing. “Everything went right today, Harry gave him a great ride and even managed to save a bit for the finish. It’s great to have a winner in the boss’ colours.” Ferguson said: “I’m really pleased. We didn’t expect it to be honest as it was his first run and Paul said he might be a bit fresh, so it’s really nice.”