COULD THE ROCK WRECK FERGIE'S RACING DREAM?; Utd boss and tycoon fall out over stud fees.

Byline: MIRROR REPORTER

ALEX Ferguson may not have paid a penny for his share of the wonder horse Rock of Gibraltar.

In a row that has shaken racing to its core, sources now reckon the Manchester United manager did not pay Coolmore Stud boss John Magnier anything for the top thoroughbred colt.

The Rock ran in Ferguson's colours in most of his races but the exact nature of the agreement between the pair is in question.

Ferguson figures he's entitled to half of the e21million annual stud fees the horse will earn since its retirement last November.

But Magnier is understood to be resisting any such arrangement.

One racing source said yesterday: "The tragedy about this is that Fergie and Magnier probably did a deal over dinner but wrote nothing down.

"No-one knows the precise arrangements but one thing is sure, Fergie is not giving up the stud fees without a fight."

The bitter spat between Fergie and Man United shareholder Magnier looks certain to end their friendship and could even head to court.

With both men refusing to comment publicly on the dispute, speculation is rife about who owns what, what deal was made and how the money was to be shared.

One highly-placed source reckoned Fergie agreed to waive the stud fees in return for the Rock covering (mating with) two of his mares every year.

Sir Alex, 61, who was named as a registered owner of the record-breaking horse, claims he is entitled to a share of the horse's earnings.

Beaming Fergie has often been seen leading Rock of Gibraltar,from the famous Tipperary stud, in and out of the parade ring during a pounds 1.82million-earning career in 13 outings.

When he retired from racing, Fergie even hinted at the money he could earn from breeding rights. He said: "While I will be saddened not to see him in action on the racecourse, I look forward to the future with keen anticipation and I have every confidence he will transmit his amazing talent and courage to his offspring."

Following his unprecedented success on the track in Ireland, Britain and France, it is expected he will bring in EUR200million, or EUR100,000 for each mare covered.

One source added: "I'd say Alex and John are both kicking themselves now they didn't put anything in writing. Otherwise the position would be perfectly clear."

Another well-placed industry source told the Irish Mirror yesterday: "It was great PR when Alex Ferguson became involved, there was a bit of glamour.

"But if he didn't give any money towards the horse, that puts the whole thing on a completely new footing.

"Everyone thinks he and Magnier are great buddies but they only meet now and again. The investment Magnier has in Man United, for example, is purely a money-making operation.

"When it comes to the money side of things, there'll be no love lost."

While Sir Alex was officially one of the registered owners of Rock of Gibraltar when he ran as a two and three-year-old, even Turf Club officials are not briefed about who owns what percentage.

Spokesman Cliff Noone refused to comment on the case but said: "We wouldn't know who owns what, but the names of the registered owners must be given."

One source close to Ferguson said: "With the Beckham book out, this affair and Sunday's 1-0 defeat, he's even less approachable now than he normally is."

A spokesman for Coolmore Stud declined to comment.

CAPTION(S):

NEIGH BOTHER: Fergie leads Rock of Gibraltar last year; DEAL: Stud boss John Magnier