Poignant wins, fantastic finales and a day of redemption – here's to more of the stories that remind us why we so love racing

One year is over, another one begins. While another 12 months of thrills and spills no doubt awaits us, it is worth having one final look back to remember some of the best stories of last year. 

For me the greatest moments did not necessarily belong to the biggest names. While the antics of City Of Troy, Charyn and Constitution Hill, for example, were ones of brilliance, it was victories of courage, defiance and heart I found myself most drawn to.

These race winners may not have had as much airtime as their Grade 1-winning counterparts, but they are as much deserving of recognition for maintaining our love of this great sport.