It was always thought that he just wouldn't stay 12f [sprinters on the dam side] but that his class would help him see the distance. But. instead of almost going to sleep in his races which is what he usually does, he virtually bolted with the jockey and burned himself out. It was sad to see because he's such a wonderful horse. the suspicion is that the trainer never wanted to run him over that distance but, he was bought by Sheikh Mo and there was pressure put on to run. York is the most wonderful track. We used to go to the Ebor till they switched it to the Saturday. It's really cheap on the inside track and you can see the horses being walked over from the stables, but you can't see them in the pre parade or paddock [the pre parade ring being my favourite place]. Ripon is a lovely little track as well, if you're oop north. I prefer NH racing but started folowing the long distance flat handicaps a few years ago and it's lovely to see the same horses coming back each year.
Passports not in the drawer I always keep them in. Turning the place upside down.