[Atavus]

Best horse I’ve seen in 22 years in the game (I started the year after Dancing Brave, but don’t feel any need to decide which of the two was better). The way he ambled up to the lead in the Guineas (when still green) and the Derby was casually impressive; Sandown showed his courage, in a race whose form worked out better than any I can remember; when he slipped through that tiny gap at York and then cantered all over Fame and Glory at Leopardstown you knew we were in the presence of a monster; and the Arc was the icing on the cake, which showed that no challenge was too great for him.

All along he’s been impeccably campaigned (imagine what would have happened if Gosden or Godolphin trained him), and the decision not to run again this season is sensible. It would have been great to see him again next year and it’s a shame for racing that he isn’t, but even though the owner doesn’t need the money the decision was predictable given the ludicrous greed of the super-rich. At least he goes out on a high, untarnished by defeat or injury. Thanks to trainer and jockey for some of the best moments I’ve had in the sport – this year’s Arc, where I was on Cavalryman at very big prices, was the first race I’ve ever watched where I wanted my bet to lose (well, didn’t mind losing anyway). Long live the king.

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