Kyllachy's retirement by no means the end of his story

Stallions able to maintain a level of popularity are a rarity in this fickle world, governed as it is by fashion. In that sense, Kyllachy bucked the trend.

He never stood for more than £15,000 but has appealed to a range of breeders throughout his career – something that in turn has led to longstanding favour in the sale ring, as anyone who tried to buy an attractive foal by him at Tattersalls last December would testify. Such popularity, of course, has to be backed up by success on the track. And as a consistent influence for speed, responsible for at least one stakes winner in every crop born since 2004, Kyllachy obviously ticks that box too.

Kyllachy was officially pensioned from duty last week by Cheveley Park Stud, his home since he retired as the first major son of Pivotal to stud in 2003. However, as events at the St Leger meeting show, his story is far from over.