Spearing hoping to hit new heights with Crest

Many football supporters bemoan the lack of loyalty among modern sportsmen, with the example of a one-club-player such as Ryan Giggs very much the exception to the rule.

Of course racehorses have little choice in the matter when they move from one yard to another, but there is something extra to warm the heart when it comes to Whitecrest, whose 100th career start today at Brighton will be overseen – just as the previous 99 have been – by trainer John Spearing.

Perhaps Spearing's loyalty to the nine time winner is partly explained by the fact that he also bred the daughter of Ishiguru.