Final salute to ‘horse of a lifetime’ Kauto?

It’s one thing for a champion to be roared over the line, quite another to be applauded away from the heat of an ongoing battle in the manner of Kauto Star yesterday.

It was an ovation that said more about the legendary 12-year-old than all his victories combined and one that echoed the reception received two years ago when he crashed out at Prestbury Park but rose to his feet unscathed.

Even in defeat, he has never lost our affections.