WITH Frankel’s reputation soaring, and on the eve of being crowned champion sire, it was inevitable that a horse of the calibre of Mirage Dancer would be shortlisted for repatriation to Europe for a stud career. The former Sir Michael Stoute trainee was among the best-bred horses in training and a Group 1 scorer since he’d settled into his new home in Australia.

Now he is proving to be a major attraction for breeders, reports of his first foals are excellent, and last year he was one of the busiest new sires in Europe, covering at least 135 mares. His book this year already looks likely to be bigger.