The much-missed sire whose enduring Quality is proving anything but Elusive

Amid all the post Breeders’ Cup chat of whether European runners are up to tackling the rigours of dirt racing, there was one powerful reminder of a certain thoroughbred for whom there were few peers when it came to versatility.

I’m quite sure that when Europeans recall Elusive Quality, the likes of Raven’s Pass and Elusive City spring to mind. And it’s quite likely that in the eyes of US breeders, the late Darley stalwart will always be associated with Smarty Jones, who came so close to sweeping the 2004 Triple Crown.

Turf or dirt, short or long, two-year-olds and older horses - Elusive Quality’s lengthy stud career for the Maktoum family was punctuated by runners of all genres, an attribute that stood him in good stead with a mix of international breeders.