Emotions run high for Henderson and his team on an afternoon of two goodbyes

It had been on this day last year that the remarkable renaissance of Sprinter Sacre began. What he gave us then, and again on his return in March, was a joyous, uplifting experience that warmed the soul. On Sunday we lauded and applauded once more, but tears were also shed, first for him, then for another.

We had been invited to a noon briefing with Nicky Henderson in box 4038. Word had got out about the subject matter. We knew what was to be announced. We knew as well Henderson would be emotional.

"The bad news is I am not retiring. The sad news is Sprinter is." They were his opening words. He was already on the cusp.