'People like him because he's a bit of a git, but that's all in the past now'

It meant so much more than one more victory to add to his resume.

Battaash's blitz in the King's Stand Stakes propelled him into exalted company. He has now won all three of Europe's long-established five-furlong Group 1 sprints, having annexed the Prix de l'Abbaye in 2017 and last year's Nunthorpe Stakes. His record is increasingly commensurate with the hallowed sprinters of yore.

It has not been straightforward. Battaash has taken time to learn the art of self-expression but the tears welling up in the eyes of his closest attendants alluded to the significance of his latest romp.