Sir Alex Ferguson was smiling once again in the Aintree winner’s enclosure after Clan Des Obeaux successfully defended his crown in the Betway Bowl.

This day last year proved a memorable one for the former Manchester United manager as Clan Des Obeaux provided him with a Grade One treble following the earlier victories of Protektorat and Monmiral.

Twelve months on, Ferguson was doubly represented together with his fellow co-owners in the feature, with Dan Skelton’s Protektorat seemingly his chief hope of success after finishing third in last month’s Cheltenham Gold Cup.

The Paul Nicholls-trained Clan Des Obeaux, on the other hand, returned to Merseyside with a point to prove following a disappointing effort in the Denman Chase at Newbury in February.

But lit up by the application of first-time blinkers, the 13-2 shot took over the running three fences from home under Harry Cobden and soon put distance between himself and his rivals.

There was a brief scare for his supporters as Irish Gold Cup winner Conflated finished the stronger from the final fence, but Clan Des Obeaux clung on by a length.

Ferguson, who loved nothing more than winning Liverpool in his previous guise, said: “I had a great day here last year winning the three Grade Ones. I don’t think it’s ever been done here – I never won three in a row at Anfield, that’s for sure!

“We were confident today Clan would run well, but it was a good field and we thought Protektorat was probably the right favourite.

“It’s great for Paul to produce Clan at that level and fitness. I think the blinkers were a help and that’s what good trainers do – they try things.

“As soon as he took over, I thought he was a certainty – but the heart always goes a bit jumping the last!”

This was a fourth Grade One success for Clan Des Obeaux to go with his previous Bowl, two King George VI Chases and the Punchestown Gold Cup.

Ferguson added: “We’ve had a great time with him. This part of my life is more than football now. I have a few horses with Ged (Mason) and John Hales and we get great enjoyment out of it.

“He’s a 10-year-old now and he’s been the most successful horse I’ve had.”

Protektorat, the 5-2 favourite, travelled into the race looking a big threat leaving the back straight, but weakened into fourth.

Ferguson feels his Cheltenham exertions took their toll and already has one eye on a second tilt at Gold Cup glory next March.

He said: “I think Protektorat has got great potential. His performance in the Gold Cup at seven years of age gives him a big chance of having a right go in it next year.

“I know the winner was unbelievable – A Plus Tard just bolted up. I don’t think there’s anything as good as that, but our horse will be a year old and could possibly get a bit closer.”