'His fighting spirit kept his rival at bay in the race of the meeting'

You know what they say – not everyone can be outstanding, or no-one would stand out. Of course that is true, but in 2017 there were still numerous wonderful runners who failed to secure a place in the top 50 but are more than worthy of a mention . . .

Big Orange

Backstory Dual Goodwood Cup winner whose generous style of racing had endeared him to the public, although he had never won at the top level.

What made 2017 so special? One race; sometimes one is enough. On the fast ground he relishes, on the greatest stage of all, the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot, this indefatigable gelding produced a performance that will be watched and rewatched until the internet breaks. Unproven at the extreme trip, he turned for home with a clear advantage but the top-class stayer Order Of St George was beginning a challenge that looked ominous for the leader. The final furlong was an invigorating, involving, incredible case of 'will he hang on?' as Order Of St George hawked him down, but his fighting spirit kept his rival at bay in the race of the meeting, the season, and he held on by a short head to universal acclaim. Subsequent events would indicate the runner-up was comfortably the better horse, but this was Big Orange's hour of glory.