Steve Cauthen: 'I was bulimic at times - and at some point you crack'

A milestone that came to pass more than 42 years ago remains firmly ingrained in the memory of Steve Cauthen.

It was a rain-drenched April day in 1979 when Cauthen, aka The Wonderkid, took his first mount in Britain. The teenage American sensation had been brought over by owner Robert Sangster to ride for trainer Barry Hills. His arrival ensured the parade ring at Salisbury was packed to the gunnels but there were obstacles to overcome before he could be legged aboard Marquee Universal.

First up was the state of the track, which was all but waterlogged. A deputation of stewards was dispatched to inspect the surface but their car got stuck in the mud. And when the vehicle was finally extricated the afternoon’s proceedings were further delayed.