I have been very lucky to have had the opportunity of seeing so many top class racehorses in the flesh at a racecourse. The first horse with a superstar aura was Sea The Stars at York in 2009 and then Frankel providing a memorable day at York in 2012. In more recent times and having more chances to go racing, I have seen a plethora of big names in the horse racing world. So, here is a who's who of equine talent. 

FRANKEL (Galileo x Kind) 

The people's horse with an incredible backstory. Named after an American hall of fame trainer, there were rumblings of something special about this horse even before he stepped foot on a racecourse. Trained by the legendary Sir Henry Cecil who had faced many ups and downs in his life and battled cancer, they had saved the best until last with Frankel. A career that spanned three years and fourteen wins in a row, ten of those in Group One races. I was lucky to see Frankel run in the Juddmonte International at York in the summer of 2012 and the atmosphere was like something I'd never felt before. A full house, no room for standing and an almighty roar as Frankel produced one of his greatest performances on the Knavesmire. Arguably the best horse to ever represent the pink, green and white silks of Juddmonte Farm, not many horses have drawn a buzz like Frankel did. Now a leading stallion in his post-racing career, his progeny have already made big waves in racing, following their dad's successes. 

Career Record: 14 Starts, 14 Wins, 10 Group Ones.

2010:
Royal Lodge (Gr.2), Dewhurst (Gr.1)

2011:
Greenham Stakes (Gr. 3), 2,000 Guineas (Gr. 1), St James' Palace Stakes (Gr.1), Sussex Stakes (Gr. 1), QEII Stakes (Gr. 1)

2012: 

Lockinge Stakes (Gr. 1), Queen Anne Stakes (Gr.1), Sussex Stakes (Gr.1), Juddmonte International (Gr.1), Champion Stakes (Gr.1).

Sire Of:  Alpinista, Cracksman, Adayar, Logician, Hurricane Lane, Soul Sister, Mostahdaf, Courage Mon Ami, Nashwa, Westover.

SOLE POWER (Kyllachy x Demerger)

The 2010 Nunthorpe Stakes at York was the scene of one of the biggest upsets seen in British racing as Sole Power well and truly announced himself on the big stage by winning the speed test. Sent off at the huge price of 100-1, he was the longest priced winner of a Group One race in Britain. For the next six years, it was proved that the result wasn't a fluke and Sole Power was widely regarded as the best sprinter in the world. Often a hostage to bad luck in running, the pairing with jockey Richard Hughes led to memorable moments as Hughes was seen at his brilliant best on the hold up horse. Regularly stuck behind a wall of horses in the final furlong, he would somehow squeeze through the smallest gap and snatch victory from the jaws of defeat with an electric turn of pace in a matter of strides. He won two Nunthorpe Stakes, two Kings' Stand Stakes at Ascot and two Palace House Stakes at Newmarket in a career that spanned sixty five races with twelve wins. 

Race Record: 65 Starts, 12 wins. 

2010:
Nunthorpe Stakes (Gr. 1).

2011: 
Temple Stakes (Gr. 2)
2013: 
Kings' Stand Stakes (Gr. 1)

2014:
Kings' Stand Stakes (Gr.1), Nunthorpe Stakes (Gr. 1)

2015:
Al Quoz Sprint (Gr.1), Flying Five Stakes (Gr. 2)

CRACKSMAN (Frankel x Rhadegunda)

Cracksman was the flag bearer for the first crop of horses from Frankel as a sire. He lit up the racing world in 2017 with some devastating performances and is arguably one of the most underrated horses. Winning on his debut at the tail end of 2016, a lot of big things were expected of Cracksman. A winning reappearance lined up a tilt at the Epsom Derby where he was favourite but could only manage third. He followed up that run with a second place but it wasn't until York's Ebor meeting where the true potential of Cracksman came through. A demolition job in the Great Voltigeur Stakes by six lengths silenced his critics. A win in the Prix Foy at Chantilly, a trial for the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe tempted connections to aim for the big race, but instead they chose to end his season in the Champions Stakes at Ascot. He faced a stellar field, including Poet's Word, Highland Reel and Recoletos who would have major success in their own right. Racing on soft ground, Cracksman truly excelled with a devastating performance that left the crowd stunned as he won by seven lengths. The decision was made by connections to carry on with Cracksman into his four year old career which was widely welcomed by the racing community. Starting off 2018 with a win at the highest level in the Prix Ganay suggested another great season was in store for Cracksman. He would then struggle with the camber of Epsom once again but he knuckled down well to score an unconvincing win the Coronation Cup. He would then taste defeat on rattling fast ground in the Prince Of Wales Stakes at Royal Ascot behind Poet's Word and the critics emerged once again questioning his achievements. The Gosden team decided to bide their time and wait for Champions Day at the end of the year, a decision which paid off spectactularly. Lining up to defend his Champion Stakes crown, Cracksman was again partnered as always by Frankie Dettori. Back on his favoured soft ground, he would face Group One performers Rhododendron and Crystal Ocean and St Leger winner Capri. In a devastating display just like twelve months previously, the gap between Cracksman and his rivals was staggering. Dettori was able to celebrate a half furlong from the finish given the ease of the win. The son of Frankel then bowed out and moved to stud where he has grown in stature in recent years. Arc winner Ace Impact has boosted his profile as a stallion for years to come. 

Race Record: 11 Starts, 8 Wins.

2017:
Great Voltigeur Stakes (Gr. 2), Prix Niel (Gr. 2), Champion Stakes (Gr. 1).

2018:
Prix Ganay (Gr.1), Coronation Cup (Gr.1), Champion Stakes (Gr.1).

Sire Of: Ace Impact

CHURCHILL (Galileo x Meow)

Churchill was the highest rated juvenile and three-year-old in between 2016 and 2017 after a highly impressive career. A descended of the mighty sire Galileo out of a very quick mare who raced over sprint distances, Churchill had a perfect mix of speed and stamina which saw him in good stead as a miler. His first race win was in the listed Chesham Stakes at Royal Ascot, it was the start of a seven race winning streak that took in the National Stakes, Dewhurst and a British and Irish 2000 Guineas double. Along the way, Churchill defeated big names such as Thunder Snow (a subsequent two time Dubai World Cup winner), Irishcorrespondent (a subsequent brilliant and champion older horse in Hong Kong) and Blue Point (subsequent top class sprinter). I got chance to see him in person in the 2017 Juddmonte International where ran bravely on his first start over ten furlongs when finishing second. He never won again and was retired at the end of 2017, but his fantastic juvenile season and classy Guineas double made him stand out amongst most. 

Race Record: 13 Starts, 7 Wins.
2016:
Chesham Stakes (Listed), Tyros Stakes (Gr.3), Futurity Stakes (Gr.2), National Stakes (Gr. 1), Dewhurst Stakes (Gr. 1).

2017: 

2,000 Guineas (Gr.1), Irish 2,000 Guineas (Gr.1).

Sire of: Vadeni, Blue Rose Cen, The Foxes.

SHISHKIN (Sholokhov x Labarynth)

Nicky Henderson is renowned as the leading trainer of two mile chasers and there is a constant conveyor belt of championship quality racehorses stepping off the production line. Starting with the likes of Remittance Man to more recent times with the brilliant Altior and Sprinter Sacre. 
As soon as those legends stepped into the shadows, a new star emerged from the mist. Shishkin arrived from the point-to-point scene with a big reputation and made his debut under rules at Kempton in a late-season bumper in March. He duly passed the assignment with flying colours and the expectations laid on the horse's shoulders appeared to be justified. A fall on his first start over hurdles came as a shock to many but the son of Sholokhov returned with a vengeance to go on a brilliant winning streak. Arriving at the Cheltenham Festival in 2020, it would be his biggest test. Despite having to negotiate some late fallers, Shishkin motored up the hill to pick up the Supreme Novice Hurdle trophy and start his road to stardom. The next step would be moving up to fences which came as second nature to Shishkin. The sheer effortlessness of his novice chasing career was a joy to watch as he breezed over fence after fence and pulling wide margins over his rivals. An Arkle Novice Chase win would join the Supreme Novice Hurdle on his Cheltenham record but it wasn't until Ascot at the start of 2022 where he faced his biggest test. Racing in the Clarence House Chase, he faced the also unbeaten Energumene, trained by Willie Mullins. It was billed as a clash of the titans and so it proved as Energumene appeared to be in control approaching the final fence. In a memorable late surge, Shishkin and jockey Nico De Boinville kept up their ten race unbeaten run. The highs soon turned to lows as Shishkin would then pull up in the Champion Chase at the Festival and injury issues would hold him back in the remainder of the year. In 2023, the niggles were ironed out and Shishkin was nursed backed to full health. Winning the Ascot Chase in the exhilarating fashon of old and then dispelling stamina doubts at three miles with a brilliant win at Aintree.
Shishkin can join the great stablemates such as Altior and Spriner Sacre, but his versatility in distance has set him apart. With a potential tilt at the Gold Cup in 2024, Shishkin has provided a great spark in National Hunt racing in modern times. 

Race Record: (To Date): 17 Starts, 13 Wins.

2020:
Sydney Banks Novice Hurdle (Listed), Supreme Novice Hurdle (Gr. 1), Wayward Lad Novice Chase (Gr.2)

2021: 
Lightning Novices Chase (Gr.2), Arkle Novice Chase (Gr.1), Maghull Novice Chase (Gr.1), Desert Orchid Chase (Gr.2).

2022: 

Clarence House Chase (Gr.1).

2023:
Ascot Chase (Gr.1), Aintree Bowl Chase (Gr.1)

MASTER MINDED (Nikos x Haute Tension)

There's something about two mile chasers that can take your breath away. Running at 40mph, trying to find the right stride and launching over six foot fences is awe inspiring and in 2008, that's exactly what Master Minded was at the Cheltenham Festival. He was just a five year old when he defeated the previous year's Champion Chase winner Voy Por Ustedes at Newbury in the Game Spirit with some ease, but he surpassed that feat with a devastating display in the 2008 Champion Chase, breezing through to win by 19 lengths. It was a feat rarely achieved by any horse, let alone a horse of such youth. He would go on to establish himself as a dominant force in the 2 mile division and landed the 2009 Champion Chase with ease again. Master Minded would go on to win fifteen of his twenty-five races over fences and won over a million pounds in prize money. An attempt at the three-mile King George Chase, the Christmas cracker of the jumps season, was ambitious but fateful as it would turn out. Master Minded suffered a racing career-ending injury and was subsequently retired as a legend. He is still enjoying life as an 20 year old nowadays and competes in the dressage scene, a much more relaxed atmosphere to what he was once used to. I was lucky to see him in the Retraining of Racehorses parade at the Cheltenham Festival in 2020. 

Race Record: 28 starts, 16 wins.

2008:
Game Spirit Chase (Gr.2), Champion Chase (Gr.1), Tingle Creek Chase (Gr.1).

2009:

Victor Chandler Chase (Gr.1), Champion Chase (Gr.1), Punchestown Champion Chase (Gr.1) 

2010:
Game Spirit Chase (Gr.2), Amlin 1965 Chase (Gr.2), Tingle Creek Chase (Gr.1).

2011: 
Melling Chase (Gr.1), Amlin 1965 Chase (Gr.2).

CUE CARD (King's Theatre x Wicked Crack)

Cue Card was in many eyes, the people's horse. After the retirement of the likes of Kauto Star and Denman, National Hunt fans needed a horse to lift spirits and warm the hearts of the masses. The horse to achieve this was the Colin Tizzard-trained Cue Card. Starting from modest beginnings, he won a minor bumper race at Fontwell on his debut, he won impressively but it allowed the opportunity to run in the 2010 Champion Bumper at the Cheltenham Festival. It would be there where Cue Card's name would be on the mouths of many afterwards and for years to come. An unconsidered 40-1 shot in the market, Cue Card stylishly cut through the pack and blitzed his rivals up the run in to win by eight lengths and become the first four year old to win the race in many years. It would be the first of a career total of seven Cheltenham Festival appearances in a row. The most famous chapter of his career was in the 2015-16 season where the Triple Crown was tantalisingly close. Winning the first leg, the Betfair Chase at Haydock, naturally fuelled dreams of a tilt at the Gold Cup, but before that he would take in the King George Chase at Kempton which became a modern day classic horse race and one in which videos will never get old. His unforgettable head-to-head duel with Vautour and sticking his neck as far as possible to gain the verdict was spine-tingling. 
Lining up for the Cheltenham Gold Cup, the pressure of completing the seemingly impossible Triple Crown and added one million pound payday never bothered Cue Card. He travelled through the race with menace, he arrived at the top of the hill at Cheltenham to take the third last fence. He missed a stride and went crashing out of the race to the sound of a gasp in the stands and around the country. 
The dramatic fall didn't affect Cue Card's confidence as he would fit in more wins in the Aintree Bowl at Liverpool and another Betfair Chase in 2016 before time was called on his career in 2018. He may not have won the fabled Triple Crown, but his popularity grew and grew as the years went on. A hugely loved racehorse for his small connections, a horse of a lifetime. His death at just sixteen in 2022 was a cruel blow to his legion of fans and the racing community

Race Record: 41 Starts, 16 Wins.

2010:

Champion Bumper (Gr.1), Sharp Novices Hurdle (Gr.2)
2012:

Haldon Gold Cup (Gr.2 H'cap)

2013:
Ascot Chase (Gr.1), Ryanair Chase (Gr.1), Betfair Chase (Gr.1)

2015:

Charlie Hall Chase (Gr.2), Betfair Chase (Gr.1), KIng George VI Stakes (Gr.1)

2016: 
Betfred Bowl Chase (Gr.1), Betfair Chase (Gr.1)

2017: 
Ascot Chase (Gr.1).

HONEYSUCKLE (Sulamani x First Royal)

There is a saying in horse racing that goes by the "king of kings", but in the case of Honeysuckle's career, she was the "queen of kings".

Trained in Ireland throughout her career by Henry de Bromhead and owned by Kenny Alexander, the daughter of Sulamani held a nice and progressive profile in her novice days by winning four in a row, culminating with a Grade One victory at Fairyhouse in 2019. As she stepped out of novice company, her profile and awareness from the racing audience began to grow. Winning the middle-distance Hatton's Grace Hurdle in late 2019 made people sit up and take notice of Honeysuckle. The new star of the show began her road to greatness by winning the Irish Champion Hurdle by a dwindling half length, but it would set up a first visit to the Cheltenham Festival. Competing in the Mares' Hurdle, the lineup looked a stellar one with previous winner Benie Des Dieux, Lady Buttons and Stormy Ireland all in opposition. Under a brilliantly judged ride by Rachael Blackmore, Honeysuckle saved ground on the inside and stormed up the hill to record the first of four Cheltenham victories and cement her place at the top of the tree. The following season was met with great expectations following a workmanlike defence of her Hattons Grace Hurdle crown, Honeysuckle delivered her very best in the Irish Champion Hurdle. Showing her customary high cruising speed and finishing kick to kill off her rivals and remain undefeated at the time. An empty house at the Cheltenham Festival due to the Covid restrictions was drained of atmosphere, but Honeysuckle still provided a sensational display to become the latest of very few mares to win the Champion Hurdle. It would also help to propel Rachael Blackmore in the history books as she became the first female jockey to win a "grand slam" race at Cheltenham. 
Her well known race schedule remained the same heading into the  2021/22 season and it included wins in the Hattons Grace and Irish Champion Hurdle for the third time in a row. Returning to the scene of her historic feat at Cheltenham, it was more of the same as the marvellous mare danced up the Cotswold hill to win back to back Champion Hurdles and this time, Rachael Blackmore was able to celebrate with a capacity crowd. The next season would see some setbacks. Tasting defeat for the first time in sixteen starts when only third in the Hattons Grace, it would be a sign of her slight decline. A spirited defeat in the Irish Champion led to the decision to change focus at Cheltenham and go for the Mares' Hurdle once again. It would be her swansong and for a long way through the race, she seemed destined for another reversal. However, once she hit the rising ground of the final two furlongs, Honeysuckle rolled back the years to the delight of the crowd once more. Returning to the winners' enclosure to a hero's welcome, it was a highly emotional scene and one that many will remember for years to come.

Race Record: 19 Starts, 17 Wins.

2019 -

Mares' Novice Hurdle (Gr. 1), Hattons Grace Hurdle (Gr.1).

2020 -

Irish Champion Hurdle (Gr.1), Mares' Hurdle (Gr.1), Hattons Grace Hurdle (Gr.1) 

2021 - 
Irish Champion Hurdle (Gr.1), Champion Hurdle (Gr.1), Punchestown Champion Hurdle (Gr.1), Hattons Grace Hurdle (Gr.1)

2022 - 

Irish Champion Hurdle (Gr.1), Champion Hurdle (Gr.1), Punchestown Champion Hurdle (Gr.1)

2023 -
Mares' Hurdle (Gr.1). 

MISHRIFF (Make Believe x Contradict) 

The term globe-trotter is given to horses who can perform to a high level in more than one country. A horse whose passport has been stamped by many customs inspectors and suitcase filled with trophies for their troubles. There have been just a few who have achieved more on the global stage than Mishriff, who set the bar high for total prize money won. 

Trained throughout his career by John Gosden, the colt didn't have particularly flashy breeding as a son of an American sire who had yet to break into Europe's top breeding operations. It took Mishriff three attempts to win a race, but when he did so at Nottingham in late 2019, it was in sensational style. Ploughing through the heavy ground and winning by ten lengths. As time went on, Mishriff began to grow physically and made into a much better three year old. Finishing second in Saudi Arabia on his first start in 2020, he returned to Europe to conquer the French Derby and another Group Two at Deauville. By now, Mishriff had proven himself capable on all kinds of ground and this helped to solidify his claim to a modern champion. The calendar soon wound its way to the start of 2021 and Mishriff was on his travels once again, returning to the lucrative Saudi Arabian festival. Winning the Saudi Cup on dirt was another boxed ticked for his versatility and he followed up by winning the Dubai Sheema Classic at Meydan. By now, Mishriff was widely acknowledged as the best horse in the world on ratings and he returned to Britain for a summer campaign. After two defeats in the Coral-Eclipse and King George, the four year old descended on York for the Juddmonte International. Despite the small field, Mishriff produced another devastating performance to win by six lengths.

2022 would see Mishriff's first full season without a win, but he picked up podium places in more Group One races to take home more prize money. He retired at the end of that season as the highest earning horse in history, earning a massive £10,000,000 through his career. While he lacked the alluring profile of an unbeaten record, Mishriff's versatility to win in numerous countries and on different surfaces sets him out from the rest. 

Race Record: 21 Starts, 7 Wins.

2020 -
Newmarket Stakes (Listed), Prix du Jockey-Club (Gr.1), Prix Guillaume d'Ornano (Gr.2) 

2021 -

Saudi Cup (Conditions Race), Sheema Classic (Gr.1), Juddmonte International (Gr.1). 

ENABLE (Nathaniel x Concentric)

While Honeysuckle may be the current Queen of the National Hunt scene, Enable was the Queen of the flat for three consecutive seasons. The white splash and thin line on her face would be widely recognised and always associated with a horse who ruled the world and gained the adoration of millions of racing fans. 
Enable began her career in modest surroundings, comfortably winning a maiden race at Newcastle at the tail end of 2016 but it would be her three-year-old career that would propel Enable to global status. A win in the Chester Oaks set up a streak of wins throughout the summer and autumn of 2017, her breakthrough moment coming at Epsom where she ran away in the Epsom Oaks by five lengths under driving rain and lightning flashes. A brilliant win in the King George and Queen Elizabeth Stakes against the colts for the first time was impressive and she signed off her standout season with a first win in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, Europe's most famous race, at Chantilly. Racing fans would be getting excited as it was announced Enable would be kept in training as an older horse and she continued in top form right up until her retirement in 2020. 
The winner of three King George and Queen Elizabeth Stakes, two Prix de l'Arc de Triomphes, two Yorkshire Oaks Stakes, one Irish Oaks Stakes, a Coral-Eclipse and an Epsom Oaks. The roll-call of a filly who meant a huge amount to the racing fraternity. Her trainer John Gosden labeled her as one of his best ever, she was a one last hurrah for her owner Khalid Abdulla; founder of the Juddmonte operation and the partnership with jockey Frankie Dettori was a key factor in her success. It was no secret at how much Dettori adored the filly, on one occasion after winning a second Yorkshire Oaks, the usually energetic Dettori was lost for words and emotional at her performance.
Two attempts at winning an elusive third Prix de l'Arc de Triomphes were scuppered by the weather, she finished 2nd and 9th in the 2019 and 2020 editions, but time was called on this brilliant career and a new chapter will begin as Enable becomes a broodmare. A filly that drew crowds in on the scale of the ones that came to see Frankel, many will be compared to Enable but only a small amount will be better than Enable. 

Race Record: 19 Races, 15 wins.

2017:
Cheshire Oaks (Listed), Epsom Oaks (Gr.1), Irish Oaks (Gr.1), King George & Queen Elizabeth II Stakes (Gr.1), Yorkshire Oaks (Gr.1), Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (Gr.1)

2018 :

September Stakes (Gr.3), Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (Gr.1), Breeders' Cup Turf (Gr.1). 

2019:
Coral-Eclipse (Gr.1) King George & Queen Elizabeth II Stakes (Gr.1), Yorkshire Oaks (Gr.1)

2020:
King George & Queen Elizabeth II Stakes (Gr.1), September Stakes (Gr.3)

SEA THE STARS (Cape Cross x Urban Sea)

A grainy, low-quality photo taken with a mid-range digital handheld camera was the only photo I have of arguably one of the greatest horses to step on a racecourse, Sea The Stars. He is one of those horses who you just wish you could travel back in time to enjoy once again in the flesh, 2009 was well and truly the year of Sea The Stars.
Trained in Ireland by the master John Oxx and owned by the Christopher Tsui, Sea The Stars already had a pedigree destined to the top. A son of the legendary Cape Cross and out of Urban Sea, the 1993 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe winner and also carrying the Tsui silks, it made Sea The Stars a half-brother to the superstar Galileo. The horse would form a legendary partnership with jockey Mick Kinane, a walking ocean of experience and talent and what he achieved on track might only be surpassed once in a blue moon.
The summer of 2008 saw this future icon make his debut, a promising 4th at the Curragh where he finished strongly and caught the eye. A maiden win was a formality next time and Sea The Stars would sign off with a win in the Group 2 Beresford Stakes, a breeding ground for future stars. He began 2009 with an aura around him, the big question being how good was he, how far could go? His first assignment was to be pitched straight into the big league, the first Classic of the year, the English 1,000 Guineas. Travelling powerfully, Mick Kinane brought his charge to the outside and he soon picked up hitting the rising ground and powered up the hill to win in great style. It was a performance that had all the hallmarks of a top stayer and the next step was to compete in the Epsom Derby. In similar fashion, Sea The Stars was so strong in the closing stages and pulled away from his rivals to complete the Newmarket-Epsom double. 
Racing fans were already seeing something special but the best was yet to come throughout the remainder of the year. More wins in the Coral-Eclipse and Juddmonte International, he would then blow the opposition away in the Irish Champion Stakes. His signature performance was ultimately his last performance, the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp. The field of rivals was full of top class Group One winning performers, it was a race to saviour. Despite taking his customary keen hold early on in the race, Sea The Stars had enough energy to remain in contention as the race arrived at its climax. Bursting through a gap on the rail, Sea The Stars put daylight between himself and his rivals and the moments in history were recorded and witnessed. The legendary call by commentator Jim McGrath of "Perfection in equine form" is a line that will reverberate for years and decades to come. 
 A truly remarkable horse, he was second to none. Trainer Aidan O'Brien threw every top horse he had at Sea The Stars throughout the season but Sea The Stars would just keep finding extra and hold any opponent at bay. Between May and October, Sea The Stars won a Group One in every month over distances between eight and twelve furlongs. Would Sea The Stars have won the St. Leger and completed the fabled Triple Crown? More than likely, but Sea The Stars will remain undisputed as the world's greatest horse of the modern era. 

Race Record:

2008:
Beresford Stakes (Gr.2)

2009:
2,000 Guineas (Gr.1), Epsom Derby (Gr.1), Coral-Eclipse (Gr.1), Juddmonte International (Gr.1), Irish Champion Stakes (Gr.1), Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. 

Sire Of: Stradivarius, Baaeed, Hukum, Sea The Moon, Taghrooda, Crystal Ocean, Harzand, Sea Of Class.

STRADIVARIUS (Sea The Stars x Private Life)

Simply put, a stayer supreme. There hasn't been many like Stradivarius and there may not be in the future, he swept up anything put ahead of him. A son of the aforementioned legend Sea The Stars, Stradivarius began life in modest surroundings but soon began to progress and develop into the horse we know and love today. Winner of a class four handicap at Beverley and defeated at Chester, things would only get better for John Gosden's superstar. A tough and determined win in the 2017 Queens Vase at Royal Ascot first introduced most people to the name of Stradivarius and as the saying goes, the rest is history. The flashy chestnut would land a first Goodwood Cup at the Glorious meeting and then finish a narrow third in a St.Leger jam packed with talent. An unbeaten streak of ten would begin at the start of 2018 and last until the end of 2019. Connections planned a yearly race schedule of York, Royal Ascot, Goodwood,York,  Doncaster and back to Ascot. The path was tried and tested and brought the best out in Stradivarius. A career that has seen the entire win a total of three Lonsdale Cups, four Ascot Gold Cups, four Goodwood Cups and two Doncaster Cups. A horse with an engine for stamina but a turn of speed like a sprinter, his finishing spurt would often excite many of his fans. The longevity of Stradivarius's career has been remarkable for a horse with significant breeding potential. His trainer and owner have been so supportive and accommodating with keeping Stradivarius in training up until he turned eight years old. 
Retirement was rightfully called by his owner and the curtain was brought down on a magical career. Stradivarius now resides at the National Stud where many people flock to see him on a regular basis, such was the love and affection for the horse to the public.

Race Record: 35 Starts, 20 wins.

2017: 
Queen's Vase (Gr.3), Goodwood Cup (Gr.1).

2018:
Yorkshire Cup (Gr.2), Ascot Gold Cup (Gr.1), Goodwood Cup (Gr.1), Lonsdale Cup (Gr.2), Qipco Long Distance Cup (Gr.1).

2019:

Yorkshire Cup (Gr.2), Ascot Gold Cup (Gr.1), Goodwood Cup (Gr.1), Doncaster Cup (Gr.2).

2020:
Ascot Gold Cup (Gr.1), Goodwood Cup (Gr.1).

2021: 

Sagaro Stakes (Gr.3), Lonsdale Cup (Gr.2), Doncaster Cup (Gr.2) 

2022:

Yorkshire Cup (Gr.2).

BATTAASH (Dark Angel x Anna Law)

There are fast horses, but then was Battaash. A sprinter with a well of talent but a temperament as unpredictable as the weather, he was lightning on his day but thunder when he felt like it. Even from an early stage, Battaash was causing issues. A wild, chaotic temperament meant anyone who sat onboard would need life insurance. The ability was on show at the same time though, a wide margin debut win at Bath showed the racing purists that he might be a little special. The final straw came at Royal Ascot where he was badly unruly at the stalls and lost all chance by boiling over. Battaash was gelded soon afterwards in the hope it would calm him down. Initially, it didn't and it would appear that Battaash would be forever untamable. However, like a fine wine, Battaash started to mature with age. As a three year old in 2017, the promise would fully develop and the best of Battaash was to come. Two wins at Sandown, a flat but speedy track, showed the fire was not only inside the horse but also on his hooves. A deeply impressive win in the King George Stakes at Goodwood set up another big event for Battaash, the Coolmore Nunthorpe Stakes at York. His alter-ego made an appearance as Battaash was extremely edgy walking across the Knavesmire from the stables to the racecourse area. He had used up energy even before he stepped into the parade ring and could only manage 4th. 
A familiar path would be trodden out for Battaash with visits to Haydock, Royal Ascot, Goodwood, York and Longchamp being the tried and tested route. 2019 would be a defining year for this popular and super sprinter as the hoodoo of the Nunthorpe Stakes was broken. Arriving in Yorkshire on the back of a comfortable victory at Goodwood, the big worry was the venue. Would Battaash show his temperament again and boil over? On that day, not a chance. Making all the running, Battaash bounded across the turf and spread-eagled his rivals to bolt up and win by nearly four lengths. The most significant aspect of the win was the time, smashing the five furlong record time by posting a time of 55.90 seconds, lowering a record that had stood for 30 years. 
He remained unbeaten in 2020 with three wins at Ascot, York and Goodwood but after two sub-par races in 2021, it was decided Battaash would be retired at the age of 7. A horse who has created a legacy and adoration for race fans and a horse of a lifetime for trainer Charlie Hills and jockey Jim Crowley. The 1990's may have been the era of sprinters with the likes of Dayjur and Lochsong, but Battaash made his own era just for himself. A horse that was renowned for being crazy mentally but crazily fast, it was a joy to see such a horse race at over 45mph and post devastating victories. He will be desperately missed on the racecourse. 

Race Record: 25 Starts, 13 wins.

2017: 
Scurry Stakes (Listed), Coral Charge (Gr.3), King George Stakes (Gr.2), Prix de l'Abbaye (Gr.1)

2018:

Temple Stakes (Gr.2), King George Stakes (Gr.2).

2019:
Temple Stakes (Gr.2), King George Stakes (Gr.2), Nunthorpe Stakes (Gr.1)

2020: 

King's Stand Stakes (Gr.1), King George Stakes (Gr.2), Nunthorpe Stakes (Gr.1).

PAISLEY PARK (Oscar x Presenting Shares)
It's common in the world of National Hunt racing for the public to fall in love with tough and tenacious horses who return year after year and keep their form and Paisley Park is still one of those horses. 
A useful novice with one win and three seconds out of his first five starts, it wasn't until October 2018 where Paisley Park's streak began. Winning a handicap hurdle at Aintree on his seasonal reappearance, he would take in a similar event at Haydock in dramatic fashion by getting up on the line with a strong late burst. He would be sent into the highest class almost immediately and he proved how good he was with a dominant win in the Grade 1 Long Walk Hurdle at Ascot.  Paisley Park would race unbeaten in seven starts between October 2018 and March 2020. An emotional win in the Grade 1 Stayers' Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival would put his name in folklore and even when it seemed like he was past his best, Paisley Park delivered with an epic display at Ascot in 2020 to land a second Long Walk Hurdle in a long and absorbing duel with old adversary, Thyme Hill. 
On the human side, his owner Andrew Gemmell is registered blind and his story was followed by millions of people and the display of emotions at the Cheltenham Festival when his horse landed the Stayers' Hurdle will live long in the memory.  

Race Record: 27 Races, 11 wins

2018: 
JLT Long Walk Hurdle (Gr.1), 

2019:
Cleeve Hurdle (Gr.2), Stayers' Hurdle (Gr.1), Long Distance Hurdle (Gr.1).

2020:
Cleeve Hurdle (Gr.2), Long Walk Hurdle (Gr.1)

2022: 

Cleeve Hurdle (Gr.2), Long Walk Hurdle (Gr.1).

PUT THE KETTLE ON (Stowaway x Name For Fame)

A real rags-to-riches story, but a demonstration of the expert handling of Henry de Bromhead. Put The Kettle On only won a hurdle in 2018 but it wasn't until 2019 where she would develop into the horse she is now. Landing a beginners' chase in May 2019, Put The Kettle On was reverted to handicap hurdles where she won again, but her immediate future laid over fences. She climbed the ladder with wins in minor novice chases and Grade 3 chases and arrived at the first Cheltenham meeting of the 2019-20 season in October already with bags of experience. She won well and would go on to carve her name into the Cotswolds' as a Cheltenham expert. After the win in October, Put The Kettle On was given a break through the winter to avoid the bad winter ground and her next race wasn't until the 2020 Arkle Novices' Chase at the Festival. Despite taking on rivals with more recent race fitness, the absence didn't hinder Henry de Bromhead's mare. She made all the run and saw off all challengers to power up the hill and land a surprise win. 
Another Cheltenham win would follow in the Shloer Chase in November 2020 but her crowning moment would be in the 2021 Champion Chase. A whole host of challengers looked set to put their name on the trophy, but none finished the race better than Put The Kettle On as she showed her customary late surge up the Cheltenham hill and landed the prestigious event. It was also part of Henry de Bromhead's incredible feat of winning the Champion Hurdle, Champion Chase and Gold Cup at the same meeting. 

Race Record: 20 Starts, 9 wins.

2019:
Arkle Novices' Chase Trial (Gr.2).

2020: 
Arkle Novices' Chase (Gr.1), Shloer Chase (Gr.2)

2021:

Champion Chase (Gr.1).

SNOWFALL (Deep Impact x Best In The World)

A filly who was capable of the sensational and another fantastic filly for the familiar team of trainer Aidan O'Brien, jockey Ryan Moore and owners Derrick Smith, John Magnier and Michael Tabor. As a juvenile, Snowfall looked modest. She was a tall and scopey two-year-old who only won a maiden race but ran well enough in Group races. When she reappeared as a three-year-old however, she looked a totally different horse, one who would create history. Starting off at York for the established Oaks trial, the Musidora Stakes, she chased the early pace but arrived full of running to win going away and by a wide margin. The natural next step was to go to Epsom and the crown jewel, the Epsom Oaks. It was a horrific day in terms of weather, in early June the rain fell hard and it was easily confused for a winter's day. Snowfall was ridden by Frankie Dettori as Ryan Moore decided to ride another O'Brien runner, it would soon be a bad decision. Making all the running in the dark and gloomy light, Snowfall and Dettori brought the field to the stand's side rail and then kicked on for home. The gap she soon placed between herself and her rivals was staggering. She would cross the line as a Classic winner but also one by sixteen lengths, something never seen before. The conditions that day almost certainly exaggerated the distance, but the talent would shine even brighter as Snowfall would complete a triple-Oaks winning season by winning easily in the Irish Oaks at the Curragh and then dismantling older fillies in the Yorkshire Oaks at York. 
Things may not have gone to plan after the summer of Snowfall as she was beaten in her final three starts, but as a true champion, she ran to her fullest credit and wasn't disgraced. 
Snowfall may have only been in the public eye for a year, but the devastation of her Epsom Oaks victory will be archived on video for years to come. 

Race Record: 14 starts, 5 wins.
2021:
Musidora Stakes (Gr.3), Epsom Oaks (Gr.1), Irish Oaks (Gr.1), Yorkshire Oaks (Gr.1) 

LORD GLITTERS (Whipper x Lady Glitters)

One of the biggest rags to riches stories in British racing has to be Lord Glitters. Arriving from France in the summer of 2017, this beautiful grey horse has gone from high end handicaps to winning at the highest grade of all around the world. His first five starts for trainer David O'Meara and owners Geoff and Sandra Turnbull yielded four seconds and one win, including a narrow defeat in the Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot. A year later, he would return to the Royal Meeting and gain a first Group One in the 2019 renewal of the Queen Anne and provoke jubilant celebrations for all connected to him. It would be on the world stage where Lord Glitters announced himself, as an eight year old he kept finding improvement and won the lucrative Group One Jebel Hatta at Meydan in Dubai, worth £113,000 to the winner. Later in the same year, when he looked on the retreat, Lord Glitters would return to the spotlight with a win in the Bahrain International Trophy at Sakhir and just a few months later at the start of 2022, now aged nine, he would win the Group Two Singspiel Stakes at Meydan on his beloved fast ground. A hugely popular horse both nationally and internationally, Lord Glitters has been a brilliant advertisement for North Yorkshire racing and for the older brigade. If a horse still loves his job, he's still capable of delivering at the highest level. 

Race Record: 46 starts,  11 wins

2017: 

Balmoral Handicap (class two).

2018:
Strensall Stakes (Gr.3).

2019:

Queen Anne Stakes (Gr.1)

2021:

Singspiel Stakes (Gr.2), Jebel Hatta (Gr.1), Bahrain International Trophy (Gr.1)

2022: 

Singspiel Stakes (Gr.2).

COPPER KNIGHT (Sir Prancealot x Mystic Dream)

He may not have won a Group One race or a Classic, but Copper Knight has captured the hearts of many racegoers and a smile will always go on faces when he wins a race. Starting life with Hugo Palmer in Newmarket, he was purchased by new owners and moved to Yorkshire with Tim Easterby. Copper Knight is best known for his exploits at York racecourse, where in 2023, he won for the seventh time on the Knavesmire to become the winning-most horse at York. Although it may not go into the Guinness Book Of Records, the competition between Copper Knight, Dakota Gold and Stradivarius always added intrigue whenever they ran as they attempted to take over at the top. 
A winner at listed level and even fifth in a Group One Nunthorpe Stakes during his heyday, it always brings a smile to racegoers when Copper Knight is seen on the track. A tough and hardy veteran in the handicap ranks.

Race Record: 87 races, 14 wins.

2019: 
City Walls Stakes (Listed).

ALLAHO (No Risk At All x Idaho Falls)

Distance is key to a racehorse, and there are few specialists at the intermediate trip than Allaho in training right now. Another to be purchased by Cheveley Park Stud, Allaho race just once in France and would be trained by Willie Mullins. On just his third career start, Allaho landed a Grade Three novice hurdle at Cork before taking in the Cheltenham Festival. For a horse with such little experience, it was a highly creditable performance to finish third in the Grade One Albert Bartlett Novice Hurdle. He would have a impromptu rivalry with future Gold Cup winner Minella Indo as the two crossed paths numerous times. As a winner over three miles over hurdles, the logical step would be to try three miles over fences for Allaho, but he just didn't have the legs in the finish, memorably being involved in the finish of the RSA Chase in which Champ swamped Allaho and Minella Indo in the final strides for a miraculous win. The Ryanair Chase is a Grade One at Cheltenham which proved to be Allaho's forte. For his first win in the race, it was a sensational display of jumping and galloping as one by one, his rivals were burned off by the gallop set by Allaho but the Rachael Blackmore ridden gelding bounded up the hill to record one of the performances of the week. He would repeat the feat with an easier assignment in the 2022 renewal Ryanair Chase to sign off the 2021-22 season unbeaten and a firm favourite for punters and fans alike. An exciting jumper who can dominate races with ease, he is a sight to behold in full flow. 

Race Record: 17 starts, 8 wins.
2019: 
Mercedes-Benz Novice Hurdle (Gr.3)

2021: 

Horse & Jockey Hotel Chase (Gr.2), Ryanair Chase (Gr.1), John Durkan Chase (Gr.1)

2022: 

Horse & Jockey Hotel Chase (Gr.2), Ryanair Chase (Gr.1), Punchestown Gold Cup (Gr.1).

A PLUS TARD (Kapgarde x Turboka)

A horse who needs little introduction now in the world of national hunt racing as he has played a part in making history, but A Plus Tard has been a high class and consistent horse throughout his career. In his nineteen starts over obstacles to date, he has impressively yet to finish out of the top three.  Starting life in France where he was trained in his early days, A Plus Tard was picked up by Cheveley Park Stud; a breeding operation commonly known for their flat racehorses but now taking over the world of national hunt racing. He raced four times as a novice chaser for Henry De Bromhead in the 2018-19 season and showed promising form when arriving at Cheltenham for the first time in the novice handicap chase. Ridden by Rachael Blackmore, he took many in attendance by surprise with the ease he won the competitive race. Powering up the hill like a five furlong sprinter instead of a two mile four furlong chaser. A return to the Festival followed in 2020 and he finished a close third to Min in the Ryanair Chase in a thrilling finish. Landing a breakthrough Grade One in the Savills Chase during the festive period of 2020 at Leopardstown, it set up a tilt at the Gold Cup. Ridden once again by Rachael Blackmore, his stamina reserves emptied at a crucial moment and had to settle for second behind stablemate Minella Indo. A Plus Tard would return a much improved horse by destroying the oppostion in the Betfair Chase before a second in the Savills Chase, headed only on the line in a heartbreaking reversal. Another attempt at the blue riband event at Cheltenham was on the cards and A Plus Tard was well supported for the Gold Cup. Held up off a steady pace, A Plus Tard arrived on the scene cantering and it was a matter of how far he would win by, not "if". In a display similar to his 2019 Cheltenham win, A Plus Tard burst up the hill to win by fifteen lengths to old adversary Minella Indo and in the process creating history for Rachael Blackmore becoming the first woman to win the Gold Cup as a jockey. 

Race Record: 22 Starts, 8 wins.

2019:
Novices' Handicap Chase (Listed), Paddy's Rewards Club Chase (Gr.1).

2020: 

Savills Chase (Gr.1)

2021: 
Betfair Chase (Gr.1)

2022: 
Cheltenham Gold Cup (Gr.1). 

ENERGUMENE (Denham Red x Olinight)

A rapidly improving and exciting two mile chaser, Energumene has turned the division into his own in just a short space of time. Trained by the master of Closutton, Willie Mullins, Energumene was scouted in the point-to-point racing scene, the grassroots area of national hunt racing, after winnng his only start impressively and was picked up by Tony Bloom. A defeat on his rules debut wasn't expected, but it proved to be a blip as Energumene transformed into a dominant racehorse in the coming years. Getting a first win in a national hunt flat race, Energumene was sent over hurdles and was highly impressive in making all the running and effortlessly winning on the bridle. Clearly pleased with what they saw, connections took the direct route over fences at the earliest opportunity and it was in this discipline where Energumene's name was on everyone's lips. Three wide margin wins over fences in the 2020-21 season including the Irish Arkle Chase prompted talk of a visit to Cheltenham where a match with the unbeaten Shishkin was a mouthwatering prospect, but an injury ended that hope. Reappearing at the Punchestown Festival in May of that year, he showed everyone what they had missed; a wide margin win where he barely left second gear. Talk of a first visit to Cheltenham was on the mind of racing fans once again as Energumene started the 2021-22 season with an imperious reappearance win to set up a clash of the titans race against Nicky Henderson's Shishkin at Ascot in the Clarence House Chase. Despite the murky conditions and small field, the race did not disappoint. Turning for home, Energumene had lead all the way and travelled strongly, having Shishkin in trouble as they jumped the final two fences. A major upset was on the cards as Energumene landed in front narrowly at the last fence but Shishkin threw the kitchen sink at him and overhauled his adversary in the dying strides. A rematch would follow at Cheltenham, but as Shishkin pulled up early on in the race, it was left for Energumene to collect the Champion Chase and a first for his trainer. 
The new leading star of the two mile division followed up his Cheltenham win with victory in Punchestown's equivalent event in April. The 2022/23 season appeared to be going without a hitch until a uncharacteristic display at Cheltenham on trials day saw him trail in third. Energumene quickly shrugged off that run with an imperious performance to land his second Champion Chase at the Festival.
A horse who is so exciting and barely breaks sweat in his races when unchallenged. The epitome of a daring and bold two mile chaser in full flight, his record speaks for itself with its high win to run ratio. It also feels that the son of Denham Red has been around for longer than he actually has, which gives credit to his list of achievements. 

Race Record: 15 starts,12 wins

2021: 

Irish Arkle Novice Chase (Gr.1), Ryanair Novice Chase (Gr.1), Hilly Way Chase (Gr.2).

2022: 
Champion Chase (Gr.1), Punchestown Champion Chase (Gr.1), Hilly Way Chase (Gr.2).

2023: 

Champion Chase (Gr.1), Punchestown Champion Chase (Gr.1).

BAAEED (Sea The Stars x Aghareed)
The undisputed star of the 2021 and 2022 seasons thanks to a near perfect record on track. A son of the mighty Sea The Stars and out of Aghareed, Baeed already had success in his family as full brother Hukum had established himself as a leading stayer, winning the Group One Coronation Cup in 2022.  
Trained in Newmarket by William Haggas, he was a homebred colt for owners Shadwell Estate. In the year following the death of their leader Sheikh Hamdan al Maktoum, a superstar was desperately needed to raise spirits after their loss. A knee injury kept Baaeed away from the track as a two year old, but he made an instant impact on debut, winning easily at Leicester in June 2021. Progressing through the ranks, he won at Goodwood's Glorious Festival before a first Group One win on just his fifth career start came in the Prix du Moulin at Longchamp. The style and ease in which he travelled through his races marked Baaeed as above average and a season ending victory in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes on Champions Day confirmed his place at the top of the tree in the mile division. 
2022's season would be eagerly anticipated, with many questions about which path Baaeed would take. Reappearing at Newbury in the Lockinge Stakes, he made it look very easy in beating high class rivals. A coronation at Royal Ascot saw him land the Queen Anne Stakes before taking Goodwood's Sussex Stakes in effortless fashion. The stamina influence in his pedigree suggested a step up trip was finally due and he arrived at York in August for the Juddmonte International Stakes. Holding the title of highest rated horse in training in Europe, a large crowd flocked to the Knavesmire to catch a glimpse of this superstar. The big question would regard the horse's ability to finish as strongly over the extra two furlongs, but the doubters would be silenced as Baaeed emphatically landed the race. Stretching further clear without maximum question was very impressive and would even pose the question of attempting the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.
Baaeed's final race start would be at Ascot, as the Qipco Champion Stakes was chosen over the Arc and Irish Champion Stakes. The seasonal wet weather caused the ground to soften, but Baaeed was still expected to deliver. The instant finishing kick was blunted on the soggy ground and Baaeed would be defeated into fourth to a modicum of disappointment to racing fans. 
He lost nothing in defeat however and was retired soon after the race. With ten wins from eleven starts, he was the first horse since Frankel to excite both the racing and wider public with his displays. His career on track was short, but the impact he made was huge.

Race Record: 11 starts, 10 wins. 

2021:

Thoroughbred Stakes (Gr.3), Prix du Moulin (Gr.1), Queen Elizabeth II Stakes (Gr.1)

2022:
Lockinge Stakes (Gr.1), Queen Anne Stakes (Gr.1), Sussex Stakes (Gr.1), Juddmonte International (Gr.1).

ALPINISTA (Frankel x Alwilda)
A brilliant mare who kept improving with age and a fine advertisement of the skills of trainer Sir Mark Prescott, her swansong came at the very top. 
The grey filly was a daughter of Frankel and hailed from a family steeped in stamina and class. Alpinista won on her racecourse debut at Epsom but her place in racing history wasn't obvious from the start. Winning at listed level as a three year old, Alpinista hinted at her talent when second in the Yorkshire Oaks in 2020 behind Love. As she developed physically with age, her talent bloomed. As a four year old, she reappeared with a win at Goodwood before a tour of Europe reaped in huge success. Winning three consecutive German Group Ones, she threw her hat into the mix for major honours in 2022. 
A seasonal reappearance at Saint-Cloud in France saw her win a fourth straight Group One in the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud before a rare British appearance at York for a second attempt at the Yorkshire Oaks. She faced the much younger Tuesday, winner of the Epsom Oaks, but readily dispelled that rival. It was one of the highlights of the 2022 season and even more would come in the first weekend of October. 
Horrible conditions would greet racing fans and athletes alike for the Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, the richest race in Europe. As the rain pelted down, the ground conditions became attritional but it would be perfect for Alpinista. Regular jockey Luke Morris waited and waited, desperate not to commit too soon on the tough run-in. Through the lung-bursting final furlong, Alpinista seemed to be a fresh horse as she powered clear, caked in mud, to win the biggest race of the Flat season. She had earned her crown as Queen of Europe. 
The Kirsten Rausing-owned filly had a unique pull for racing fans to get attached to her. The toughness and consistency to carry on winning, ending her career at the highest level as a five year old, she will go down as one of the best racemares in modern times.

Race Record: 15 starts, 10 wins

2021:
Lancashire Oaks (Gr.2), Grosser Preis von Berlin (Gr.1), Preis von Europa (Gr.1), Grosser Preis von Bayern (Gr.1)

2022:

Grand Prix du Saint-Cloud (Gr.1), Yorkshire Oaks (Gr.1), Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (Gr.1)

HIGHFIELD PRINCESS (Night of Thunder x Pure Illusion)

Only in Hollywood would you be able to find a story of a cheaply bought filly with unfashionable breeding suddenly finds form and relentlessly rises through the ranks to the highest step in racing. However, in the case of Highfield Princess, this movie plot turned out to be real life.

Trained in Malton by the highly respected John Quinn, the story of Highfield Princess begins in the lower regions of racing. After four modest runs, she found herself entering handicap company at class six level off an official rating of 58. Winning at Ayr, it began a run of form that saw the filly win a further three times before the season's end. Starting the 2021 season in better quality handicaps, Highfield Princess's first moment of glory came at Royal Ascot. In the pouring rain, she made light work of one of the most competitive handicaps of the week and was firmly on the up. Placings at York and Goodwood in Group company suggested she was heading the right way and a sixth in the Group One Champions Sprint Stakes proved that theory.

Now an established sprinter in British racing, Highfield Princess kept up her impressive progression with a dominant win in the Duke Of York Stakes in 2022. Her first win at the highest level came in France at Deauville, the Prix Maurice de Gheest. It would be the start of a dream treble for her owners and jockey Jason Hart as she completed a treble of Group One wins in the space of just over a month with the Nunthorpe and Flying Five Stakes. What struck a cord with many people was her high cruising speed. She could be placed in any spot during a race and still travel powerfully behind a fast pace. Her exploits were rewarded with a trip to America for the Breeders Cup in which she finished a respectable fourth. 
2023 saw more of the same with Highfield Princess running to her high level even without winning. Finishing second and third in two Group Ones in the same week during Royal Ascot was followed by a relative gallop exercise in a Group Two race at Goodwood. In the defence of her Nunthorpe crown at York, Highfield Princess went out on her shield, finding the rapid winner just too strong. A return to France saw Highfield Princess land the Prix de l'Abbaye in brilliant style, defying a wide draw and having to be pushed along from the word go. 

Having once spent time at the basement of racing, Highfield Princess finds herself at the throne of the sprinting division. A memorable journey in which very few others are likely to match. A fantastic advertisement to the support of her owners and skill of her trainer and rider, Highfield Princess has become the real life Hollywood movie. 

Race Record: 38 starts, 14 wins.

2021:
Buckingham Palace Handicap (Class Two), Queen Charlotte Fillies' Stakes (Listed).

2022: 

Duke of York Stakes (Gr.2), Prix Maurice de Gheest (Gr.1), Nunthorpe Stakes (Gr.1), Flying Five Stakes (Gr.1)

2023: 
King George Stakes (Gr.2), Prix de l'Abbaye (Gr.1). 

TIGER ROLL (Authorized x Swiss Roll)

If a group of people of differing ages sat down at a table and discussed the Grand National, plenty of old memories and recent champions would be mentioned. For the older generation, the exploits of the legendary Red Rum would be an instant hit given the achievements of his three Grand National wins, something which has never been repeated. For the current generation, their icon would be Tiger Roll. The unlikely hero who has become a cult hero in modern Grand National racing.

Originally purchased by Godolphin, the then yearling by Authorized out of a stamina laden mare, Tiger Roll was viewed as a potential Epsom Derby contender for Sheikh Mohammed. However, things in racing often fail to go to plan and Tiger Roll never raced on the flat. Instead he would be bought cheaply by Devon trainer Nigel Hawke to go hurdling. On his racing debut, Tiger Roll looked to possess a good amount of quality by winning on debut at Market Rasen. So much so that Ryanair chief Michael O'Leary opened the chequebook to purchase the four year old and moved him to Gordon Elliott. There would be instant success as Tiger Roll landed the Grade One Triumph Hurdle at Cheltenham on just his third career start. Instead of progressing to the top over hurdles, Tiger Roll began regressing and lost all confidence in racing. By the middle of 2016, patience was beginning to wear thin and the six year old was switched to fences. The change of routine perked his interests up once more and it began to road to immortality for Tiger Roll.

A second Cheltenham success occurred in the amateur jockeys' National Hunt Chase over four miles. The way in which Tiger Roll finished suggested long distance races would be his forte. A return to the Festival twelve months on would see another new discipline, the cross-country chase over a range of obstacles. It was clear that the horse was enjoying the new challenge and it set up a first tilt at the famous Grand National. In the race that stops a nation, the lottery nature of the race meant anything could happen but Tiger Roll took to the race like an old pro. Travelling strongly and having just enough in reserve to hold on, it would be the first Grand National success for the diminutive bay. 

The progression of Tiger Roll would be confirmed in the 2018-19 season as he enjoyed his best season yet, winning a Grade Two back over hurdles and a second cross country chase which set up a return to Aintree for the National. This time, the defending champion held the burden of becoming only the second dual winner of the race and many people tuned into the coverage to witness potential history. Tiger Roll would of course live up to the expectations and deliver the historic moment by crossing the line clear of his thirty nine rivals in effortless fashion. The first horse to win more than one Grand National since Red Rum and his place in racing folklore was settled.

Not finished with yet, Tiger Roll then landed a sixth win at the Cheltenham Festival with a hat trick of cross-country chase wins and in the process, solidified his legendary status. In 2022, it was announced that Tiger Roll would be retired at the end of the season and his final race would be at his beloved Cheltenham. In the pouring rain, Tiger Roll valiantly challenged before falling to his stablemate by just a neck. It was a memorable finish and both the winner and runner up shared equal adulation from the crowd. Time was called on Tiger Roll's career and he bows out as a modern great. A horse considered too small to compete in a Grand National ended up defying all expectations. A horse who won from two miles up to four and a quarter miles and over three different disciplines. There will be few horses in National Hunt to grasp the public like Tiger Roll. 
Race Record: 45 starts,  13 wins.

2014:
JCB Triumph Hurdle (Gr.1)
2017: 
National Hunt Challenge Chase (Class Two)

2018:
Cross Country Chase (Class Two), Grand National (Gr.3)

2019:

Boyne Hurdle (Gr.2), Cross Country Chase (Cl. 2), Grand National (Gr.3).

2021: 

Cross Country Chase (Cl.2)

NOBLE YEATS (Yeats x That's Moyne)

A highly unlikely Grand National hero who came from the furthest left field but after his day of glory at Aintree, his name was broadcast to the wider world and turned into the household name he has now earned. 

The story of Noble Yeats, a son of record breaking four time Ascot Gold Cup winner Yeats, began in the point-to-point scene where he would finish second on his sole start in the amateur steeplechasing scene. Picked up by shrewd owner Paul Byrne in early 2020, Noble Yeats minded his own business in bumpers and novice hurdles and won twice in his inaugural season under National Hunt rules without setting the world on fire. A winning debut over fences in October 2021 added to his progressive profile, but he then struggled in better company before the end of that year. Noble Yeats would post a career best effort in a Grade Two at Wetherby where he would chase home future Grade One winner Ahoy Senor. It would be an effort that caught the eye of potential suitors and headlines were made when Grand National winning owner Robert Waley-Cohen sent a cheque to Paul Byrne to buy Noble Yeats. A midfield finish at Cheltenham would question the purchase, but all roads led to Aintree for the Grand National of 2022. In the days leading up to the race, Sam Waley-Cohen announced in a post race interview that this season would be his last as the full time dentist and amateur rider would retire from the saddle. That statement would fuel extra intrigue over the chances of Noble Yeats and by raceday, it turned out to be a major clue.

In a high class renewal of the Grand National, the excitement for the great race was at a new high. Having been held up in the early stages, Noble Yeats began to creep closer into contention and by the second last fence, the brown and gold silks of Sam Waley-Cohen arrived on the scene. Bursting clear on the long run-in, it would be a surprising and famous Grand National win for Noble Yeats at 50-1. It was a brilliant equine feat as Noble Yeats defied stats and trends of the race to win the Grand National as a seven year old and also a brilliant human feat as the victory signified the shrewdness of the mind of trainer Emmett Mullins. Going to a Grand National with such an inexperienced and young horse whose only win over fences came over two and a quarter miles, nearly half of the distance of the Grand National and to deliver him on the day really earned Mullins the respect from the racing world.

Noble Yeats continued his career into the following season and overcame the curse of Grand National winners failing to win another race again as he landed a listed chase at Wexford and then made a successful return to Aintree over the standard fences. He was considered Gold Cup level by connections and ran a mighty race to produce a strong finishing fourth in the Blue Riband event. A return to Aintree would follow to defend his crown in the Grand National. Again showing an abundance of stamina, Noble Yeats was best at the finish by nearly snatching third on the line. Most horses would be showing wobbly legs at the end of the four and a quarter marathon, but Noble Yeats arrives on the scene as a fresh horse, almost as if he entered the race at the halfway point. 

He may not have the most race wins or an unbeaten profile, but his almost bottomless reserves of stamina have made him popular with racing fans and has bridged the gap between the Grand National and Grade One events. It is also a fine example of acute race planning paying off superbly. 

Race Record: 18 starts, 6 wins.

2022:

Grand National (Gr.3), M.W Hickey Memorial Chase (Listed), Many Clouds Chase (Listed).

2023:

Placed in the Cheltenham Gold Cup and Grand National. 

AUGUSTE RODIN (Deep Impact x Rhododendron)

Despite a few chinks in the armour of his profile, Auguste Rodin has been a major talking horse throughout his short career for racing reasons and for his future at stud.

Trained by the master of Ballydoyle, Aidan O'Brien, and carrying the famous silks of Michael Tabor, Auguste Rodin displayed the aura of something special ever since the first day he took part on the gallops at the stables. A son of legendary Japanese horse Deep Impact, Auguste Rodin would be from the final crop of Deep Impact's progeny before his sire's death; therefore, the star quality would be precious in both Europe and Japan. Also the son of Rhododendron, winner of a Lockinge Stakes and from the further family of Group One winners Magical, Halfway To Heaven and Cassandra Go. It would be a pedigree that oozed class and that would be inherited by the star colt.

Making his debut at the Curragh in mid 2022, he could only manage second but lost nothing in defeat as the inexperience showed. Natural progression between his debut and second start would see Auguste Rodin win for the first time and the performance was very easy on the eye. A step up in grade saw him take in the Champion Juvenile Stakes at Leopardstown over Irish Champions Weekend where despite showing a few worrying quirks, he showed exactly why he was so highly regarded. A trip to Doncaster for the final British Group One race would close out his first season and he would provide Aidan O'Brien with his tenth win in the race. On heavy ground which was far from suitable for the horse, he galloped relentlessly to the line and showed he was a true champion.

Throughout the winter, O'Brien constantly waxed lyrical about the horse being a potential Triple Crown winner, something very rarely seen in racing. However, those plans would fall at the first hurdle as Auguste Rodin suffered a rough race in the 2000 Guineas and on heavy ground, he finished third last. The aura was damaged somewhat, but the great trainer never panicked and all roads continued to the Derby. On a beautiful day, Auguste Rodin sparkled. Racing in midfield before quickening superbly on the challenging track and wear down the leader with the front pair many lengths clear of the third placed horse. The Derby double would be completed in the Irish version, but it wasn't as easy as expected. Ryan Moore had to give everything at his mount and just scraped home ahead of his stablemate. It may not have been pretty, but it was still another important accolade. Next up would be the King George and Queen Elizabeth Stakes in what was a vintage renewal. Once again, everything went wrong and Auguste Rodin was beaten before the halfway mark. Suffering a heavy loss and gaining even more critics. For the second time in the year, O'Brien was facing questions about how good his horse really was, but on his return to Irish Champions Weekend, Auguste Rodin was back to his absolute best. In a pulsating battle with his rival, the three year old powered home to land his fourth Group One win and silence the critics. 

A beautiful looking colt with a brilliant family and trainer, Auguste Rodin has done wonders to silence his critics as well as posting high class performances on the track. He may not be a Frankel, Galileo or Sea The Stars, but Auguste Rodin has been the star of 2023 and his legacy will hopefully serve the racing world in Europe and Asia.

Race Record: 9 starts, 6 wins.

2022: 

KPMG Champion Juvenile Stakes (Gr.2), Vertem Futurity Stakes (Gr.1)

2023:

Epsom Derby (Gr.1), Irish Derby (Gr.1), Irish Champion Stakes (Gr.1), Breeders Cup Turf (Gr.1)