'You can't suddenly cut it completely - I would have ended up in an institution!' - love of the horse still driving Philippa Cooper on

As another of her horses crossed the line first in the new colours of Wathnan Racing at Royal Ascot, Philippa Cooper recalled some words of wisdom she had once received.

It is now twice in three years that the owner-breeder has sold one of her emerging stayers to an operation that doesn't seem to blink at making irresistible offers in the days counting down to the meeting.

French Master snuck up the inside to win on his first start over a mile and three-quarters at Goodwood in late May and was even better in the Copper Horse Stakes.