Young jockeys should have Knobbleeneeze

"This sums up a fantastic career and it is great for Mick too as he was at an early stage of his career when Knobbleeneeze joined him.

"They have both come a long way. Although we will miss him we intend to see him on a regular basis at Newmarket, and when he finally retires he will come home to us."

After his one-length win over Quids In, Knobs had to be put up for auction, but out of respect for the old-timer and knowing where he was bound, not one finger was raised as he walked around the winners' enclosure.

Later on, after a trip around the M25 and M11, he arrived at the Racing School in Newmarket to be greeted by the pupils and the director, Rory MacDonald.

He said: "That night he ate his food as if it had been just another day at the office. He will fit in perfectly and is a real star.

"The owner and trainer think he has done his bit on the racecourse and he looks just the job for the role he will do here." Knobs is now one of the 52 former racehorses enjoying a second career by training the 30 young boys and girls going into the racing industry, although Mac-Donald added: "The problem at the moment is that we are all getting bigger and fatter, and finding small people is difficult these days."

There are some famous names from the past knocking the young riders of tomorrow into shape like Decorated Hero, who was one of Frankie Dettori's 'Magnificent Seven' winners on that never to be forgotten day at Ascot, plus Three Cheers, placed in the Ascot Gold Cup and a Group winner for John Gosden. Old jumpers are represented by Land Afar, Mweenish, Hebridean and Spanish Grandee, among others. MacDonald, a great racing fan who was "something in the City" before taking up his teaching role eight years ago, added: "Someone once described our horses as the equine equivalent of the Royal British Legion.

"You can almost see the old boys looking at the new trainees coming through the gates and thinking to themselves, 'He looks a right little herbert - I'll have to watch him.'

"While they are here they are schoolmasters who are exercised well, looked after and hopefully stay for a good many years."

The school's old boys come back to call regularly. One of them - Jason Weaver, who has just returned from a stint in Mexico - will be presenting the award for best student at the forthcoming prizegiving. Other former boys made good include Seb Sanders, Royston Ffrench, Richard Mullen, Steve Drowne, Fergal Sweeney, Paul Doe and Paul Hannigan.

It was fitting, though, that young Corby, who rode Knobs to his last victory, is also a former pupil of the apprentice academy, which has its own private all-weather and grass gallops just outside the racing town.

MacDonald said: "This must be one of the most rewarding jobs in the sport. Trying to make things happen for young people and give them a helping hand.

"Knobbleeneeze will do his bit. He knows more about the game than they do at present, that's obvious."