'I loved the way she bounced back from adversity'

Not many fairytales begin in a Class 6 handicap on the Fibresand at Southwell. Mecca’s Angel wasn’t even a blip on my radar that day in July 2013 when she scorched home by 12 lengths. It was another 14 months until I became a fully paid up member of the fan club.

I watch thousands of races, but there was something profoundly spectacular about the way she demolished some speedy rivals at Doncaster in September 2014, and then served up the same again at Newbury just ten days later. Mecca’s Angel was most definitely a filly to follow.

Mecca's Angel wins her second Nunthorpe under Paul MulrennanCredit: Alan Crowhurst

Her 2015 campaign was launched in May when she broke the five-furlong course record at Longchamp, but there was far better to come. Mecca’s Angel rose to superstar status at York when trouncing the so-called American wonder filly Acapulco by two lengths in the Nunthorpe Stakes. In my mind's eye is etched the beaming face of her jockey Paul Mulrennan and trainer Michael Dods. How refreshing for a small yard to scoop a top prize.

Mecca’s Angel’s final season was anything but plain sailing but now safe in the knowledge that she landed back-to-back Nunthorpes – smiles and tears this time from Mulrennan – we can wallow in the memory of her many triumphs.