Murphy now hugely valuable to a sport that needs more top horses to cost less

It was a Qipco 2,000 Guineas that took a long time to arrive, yet when it did, the season's opening British Classic delivered a contest that satisfied on a number of levels, not least because of the two riders who fought out the finish aboard Kameko and Wichita.

Frankie Dettori stressed in last week's Racing Post interview he has absolutely no plans to retire. Indeed, if he makes good on his desire to match Lester Piggott for longevity, we could be seeing flying dismounts for most of this decade. That would be good reason for celebration, for Dettori is not simply an outstanding jockey but also a priceless asset to his sport. So, too, is Oisin Murphy.

It has been said on this page before that Murphy is the ideal candidate to take on the "face of racing" role whenever Dettori decides the time has come to rent an allotment.