My list of the top five trainers of the year - and O'Brien, Appleby and the Gosdens aren't on it
Former Mail racing correspondent Marcus Townend looks back as the Flat season approaches a close

Jump racing is starting to get serious and the latest series of Strictly Come Dancing is up and running for those in need of a schmaltz overload to see them through the lengthening nights.
We are also entering the season when titles are secured and awards dished out.
At Ascot a week on Saturday, Oisin Murphy will be crowned champion jockey for the fifth time in the last seven years and, while there are enough chances left for Andrew Balding and the Gosdens to ensure he has to work a little bit harder, it’s highly likely that Aidan O’Brien will win his eighth trainers’ championship.
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Published on inMarcus Townend
Last updated
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