AS definitive, if marginal at the finish, as the Classic and Distaff were, some of the other contests over the two days of the Breeders’ Cup were less satisfactory.

Not least, the Turf saw a snatch-and-grab of epic proportions from Seamie Heffernan aboard Highland Reel, who made all, initially at a steady pace, and went clear after halfway while his chief rivals were caught napping.

Highland Reel is a good horse, of course, but it has to be doubted whether he would have beaten Flintshire or Found had that pair not been set so much to do. Flintshire came from nine and a half lengths behind at halfway (according to the official chart) to be beaten by one and three-quarter lengths, while Found came from 13 lengths back at halfway to be beaten four lengths. The last-two-named both finished significantly quicker than par.

sectional timing

The sectional-upgrading methodology spelt out in Sectional Timing: An Introduction by Timeform has Flintshire and Found better than Highland Reel by a bit more than two lengths. Indeed, it has fourth-placed Ulysses – another who was never nearer – snapping at the winner’s heels, too.

Still, a horserace is about the partnership between a horse and its jockey. Highland Reel was both willing and able, but, in this instance, Heffernan was the one who really shone.