'The best two-mile chasers live on the edge, and Moscow Flyer was one of those'

It was not Moscow Flyer’s jumping that made him special or the margin of his wins, which were rarely spectacular. What marked out the first great two-mile chaser of this century was a litheness between his fences and a toughness that made him almost impossible to pass.

The script became familiar, but no less riveting: Moscow Flyer in midfield, easing forward as the race developed, then powering to the front and staying there under Barry Geraghty.

In a three-and-a-half-year spell Moscow Flyer won 19 of his 23 chases, including an Arkle, two Champion Chases and two Tingle Creeks. And each time, once he took control, no horse could master him, with Geraghty driving away in his black-and-white silks, repelling danger.