Sir Alex Ferguson was in wise-cracking form as he made a winning appearance at Goodwood yesterday.

The Manchester United manager was at the glorious West Sussex track to see his colt Rock of Gibralter claim a record-equalling victory in the £265,000 Sussex Stakes.

It was the horse's sixth successive Group One victory, a feat matched before by only the great Mill Reef, and it clearly delighted Sir Alex.

The United boss is busy building a team capable of regaining the Premiership title lost to Arsenal last season and is known to love his summer afternoons at the racing.

Whether he can make important race meetings when he should be in the dugout during the football season remains to be seen.

Questioned about that yesterday, he smiled and said: "I think I am due a couple of sick days after 28 years."

Winning jockey Mick Kinane hailed his mount as "the ultimate racehorse."

Richard Hughes, winning jockey for Pulborough's Amanda Perrett in the Tote Gold Trophy yesterday, replaces Richard Quinn on Persian Punch in a surprise move as Jeff Smith's stayer bids to win successive Goodwood Cups today.

Quinn was in the plate when Persian Punch was triumphant 12 months ago and when sixth to Royal Rebel in the Gold Cup on his latest outing.

Hughes has been successful twice in five rides on the nine-year-old.