I HAVE not met a soul who did not rejoice in the weekend success of Alpinista (Frankel) in the Group 1 Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe at ParisLongchamp. On so many levels it was the perfect result, and for a team that enjoys great respect individually from all of their peers.

Let me hark back to what I wrote in my editorial in advance of the weekend’s racing. Speaking about John Oxx, I said: “Director now of Staffordstown Stud, he will be cheering on the homebred Alpinista who, should she win the €5 million race, would deliver the crowning achievement as a breeder and owner for Kirsten Rausing, an iconic figure in this business who has enjoyed enormous success in recent years.