Fergie riled by Rock row

Sir Alex Ferguson's close friendship with Irish racing billionaire John Magnier was today on the brink of collapse.

The pair are locked in a furious row surrounding Ferguson's share of the breeding rights for Rock Of Gibraltar, the record-breaking horse they jointly own.

The Manchester United manager is considering legal action amid rumours that the partnership does not entitle him to lucrative stud fees for the stallion, who is worth up to £80million.

It is believed that Magnier's stance is that the partnership was only valid while the horse was racing.

Henry Ponsonby, Ferguson's racing manager, said: "Sir Alex is seeing his Irish lawyers this week. All he wishes to say at the moment is that he is very disappointed at the behaviour of John Magnier."

Ferguson, who is a huge horseracing fan, has been close to Magnier, owner of the renowned Coolmore stud, and his super-rich friend JP McManus for several years.

The Irish pair hold an 11.4 per cent stake in United through their Cubic investment vehicle - which makes them the club's biggest shareholder - and have repeatedly been linked with a takeover bid at Old Trafford. Ferguson owned a half share in Rock Of Gibraltar, a brilliant miler, with Magnier's wife Sue.

The champion horse won an unprecedented seven consecutive Group One races, including the 2,000 Guineas and the St James's Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot. During his career, the Rock's owners collected around £1.2m in prize money, but the real cash in racing is made from stud value. Should his progeny be successful on the racecourse, the horse could earn around £12m a year.