'It wasn't to be today' - Sir Michael Stoute's farewell runner trails in last amid plenty of goodwill for training giant

Sir Michael Stoute's farewell as a trainer did not receive a fairytale ending as Wanderlust failed to fire as favourite, but there was still plenty of goodwill for a titan of the sport as he bowed out quietly at Nottingham.

The Goodbye For 2024 From Nottingham Racecourse Handicap was also represented an understated goodbye to Stoute, whose remarkable career, one that has spanned six decades and more than 4,000 winners, ended when the 9-4 favourite trailed home last in a handicap won by Rock N Roll Pinkie.

The writing was on the wall before the home turn for the final runner from Freemason Lodge and, just like it began in 1972, Stoute ended his career at a low level, this time a Class 6 handicap at the final meeting of Nottingham's season.