SEVENTY-TWO, not out. Actually, it is now 77 not out. If you didn’t get the subtly of the cricket reference, I am using it to describe the achievement of that sport’s great fan Sir Michael Stoute. The Newmarket trainer went into this week level with the late Sir Henry Cecil for number of Royal Ascot winners trained.

By the time Sir Michael sent out his very first winner at the royal meeting, Sir Henry (neither was titled at the time) has racked up eight victories. Cecil’s death five years ago drew his career to an end, but thankfully Stoute is in rude health and has no intention of even contemplating retirement. After all, there is the landmark 80 wins to think about, and beyond.