Bravo, Sir Mark, bravo! Prescott secures his legacy on a day we shall cherish

Remarkable things have happened on Longchamp's soil yet it is hard to believe any British racing figure has been so feted, lauded or loved as Sir Mark Prescott was this day. To witness it was a joy.

Just over three months ago, the master of Heath House Stables wrote an article for the Racing Post's Greatest Ever Race series, explaining with characteristic eloquence why Mandarin's victory in the 1962 Grand Steeple-Chase de Paris should rank above all others.

Mandarin was magnificent that afternoon – as Alpinista was this afternoon – but it was Fred Winter's heroics in the saddle that made the Auteuil occasion so iconic. With respect to all the great trainers and jockeys who have subsequently written their names into folklore, no British racing professional has subsequently received such a wonderfully warm reception on a French racecourse. From Winter to Prescott, a 60-year bridge has been built.