HORSERACING is not all about numbers and facts, despite the impression this column may sometimes give: it is about tradition and history also. But sometimes the numbers, facts, tradition and history are – or should be – intertwined.

It matters to an appreciation of the sport, for instance, to know that Shergar’s 10-length win in the Derby at Epsom came by a record margin, that Frankel’s 147 rating with Timeform is the highest in history, or that Dayjur’s time of 56.16s in 1990 remains the fastest ever in the Nunthorpe Stakes at York.