'I worry we might get pushed out by the mega yards - but I won't stop trying'

Dawn has yet to break but the early birds in their hi-vis jackets are already out on Warren Hill in Newmarket. Daylight is at a premium on what is officially the shortest day of the year and there is no waiting for Mother Nature to turn on the lights in Flat racing's heartland.

David Simcock is among the earliest risers and already heading back to his yard across town at 7.15am having just about made out first lot climbing to the peak of quite possibly the most famous schooling ground in the world.

From that moment it is like a who's who of Newmarket's training ranks, as one by one trainers pull up next to the gallop, disembark their vehicles and take their favoured spot on Warren Hill to watch their string stretch their legs.