Crepello, Petite Etoile and Shergar: all in a day's work for Clifford Lines

Birthdates can be highly portentous. Few in racing could detonate fireworks like Lester Piggott, who was born on Bonfire Night. Conversely, a man who worked quietly in Piggott’s shadow was born on Valentine’s Day. His love of the game never waned.

Cliff Lines signed off his professional engagement with racing last week when he saddled a winner with his final runner. He went out with a Piggott-esque bang after Catapult made all at Lingfield on Wednesday.

It may have been the final act but Lines’s emotional engagement will continue to endure. There are simply too many memories. And Lines, 84 next week, has instant recall in meticulous detail.