Racehorses must have physical sex for their foals to be considered thoroughbreds, an Australian judge has ruled, upholding an international requirement that prohibits the use of artificial insemination.

Owner Clive Smith spoke of being “extremely disappointed” last night in the reaction of trainer Paul Nicholls after Kauto Star’s abrupt exit from the yard on Tuesday afternoon.

Mikado Melody waltzed to victory in the opening ROR Second Career For Racehorses Novices’ Hurdle at Lingfield.