ANILIN. For a few readers of a certain vintage this name might ring a bell. Half a century ago this horse, bred in what was then known as the USSR (Union of Soviet Socialist Republics) or the Soviet Union, made quite a splash on the world stage when he travelled to Germany for the Preis von Europa over a mile and a half and ran out the facile winner.

Such was his overwhelming domination of the race betting that punters only got their wager back when he won. Why was a runner from Russia such a hot-pot? Well, in his previous start he was fifth in one of the greatest fields for the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, won by the great Sea-Bird. His run in Paris was something of an afterthought as he had to be brought by road for his forays in Europe. Immediately behind him in the Arc was Tom Rolfe, while the Irish Derby winner Meadow Court was ninth.