Trawlerman, winner of the Gold Cup at Ascot last year, has been retired after picking up an injury at Goodwood. The eight‑year‑old, who won over £2m in prize‑money, also claimed the Long Distance Cup on Champions Day twice and an Ebor.

Trained by John and Thady Gosden, he returned from an eight‑month lay‑off to run a tremendous race in this year’s Gold Cup, pushing his much younger rival Scandinavia all the way before succumbing by just a head. He tackled that same rival again but was hampered by a loose horse, losing by a long way.

Just this year the Gosdens discovered a condition in their eyes that made them highly sensitive to sunlight, so they now wear ski goggles to protect them. “Trawlerman is happy and well, but unfortunately he came out of the Goodwood Cup with a leg issue and is now being retired,” said John Gosden.

At eight years old he has become part of the family at Clarehaven Stables and will retire to Wood Ditton Stud, where Godolphin has excellent facilities. Ben de Paiva and Richard Wilkinson, who rode him most of his career, will miss him greatly.