A look back at the racing year in 1975 on the flat inevitably includes a reminder of the striking stable lads protest march at Newmarket following the 2000 Guineas. Ugly scenes, which included Willie Carson being dragged from his mount, were centred on pay and after much negotiation, which continued until August, a minimum weekly wage of £37 was agreed.

There was a 33/1 shock in the 2000 Guineas when Bolkonski, bred by James McVey at Woodpark Stud, won with Frankie Dettori’s father, Gianfranco, in the saddle. The son of Balidar was a first classic success for Henry Cecil who went on to win the St James’s Palace Stakes and Sussex Stakes with Carlo d’Alessio’s colt.