Loving life and still looking a picture ten years down the line

Monet's Garden knows change is afoot at Nicky Richards' Greystoke stables in Cumbria. His hazelnut eyes – generous in both senses of the word – are reflecting the warming sunshine from the yard outside, but spring is not the only new scent in the air.

It is ten years since the gallant grey won the Ascot Chase, that first Grade 1 win coming at the age of nine, and those lovely big ears perk up like white meerkats as he realises Richards' daughter Joey, who has looked after him since he made a winning debut in February 2003, is paying him a visit.

Joey, 17 back then and 31 now, has another treasure to care for now in her three-week-old daughter Lily, who is curled up cosily in her mother's arms. Monet's Garden gives Lily's socks an affectionate sniff, but "doesn't like the pushchair" according to Joey.