SIR ALEX FERGUSON struck up an unlikely friendship with a Coronation Street star while at the Cheltenham Festival.

Ferguson was in a jubilant mood as two of his horses rode to victory on Day Three of Cheltenham to see him pocket a cool £275,000.

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And he was certainly not acting in front of Corrie star Alan Halsall - who plays Tyrone Dobbs in the popular TV Soap opera.

The 82-year-old had four horses in action today.

Despite never winning at Cheltenham before, Ferguson caught the winning bug early on as Monmiral won the the 2.10pm Pertamps Handicap Hurdle to bank £56,270.

The trick was repeated in the next race as Protektorat came home to collect Ferguson's second win of the day and bag whopping £218,398.

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Speaking to ITV Racing following his first win, he said: "Well that was fantastic."

Fergie didn't manage to win the final race, though former Tottenham, West Ham and Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp did get a win of his own with Shakem Up'Arry to land £67,500.

This came in clutch for one lucky punter as they won £16,000 after a £5 bet on the three horses to win.

Ferguson was also joined by former Bolton and West Ham boss Sam Allardyce at the races.

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He has two more horses in action on Friday.

L’Eau Du Sud for the 2.10pm County Handicap Hurdle and Sonigino for the 5.30pm Martin Pipe Handicap.

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