Day one at Doncaster is perfect opportunity for racing to say thank you to towering figure of Sir Michael Stoute

Doncaster's St Leger festival used to kick off on the Wednesday with the 'Legends' race. This year day one will be all about saluting a man who has earned his way into the upper echelons of that most reserved of groups. Take a bow, Sir Michael Stoute.

Ten trainers' championships, 16 Classics and success from the Dubai World Cup to the Breeders' Cup. Shergar, Shahrastani, Zilzal, Singspiel, Pilsudski, Golan, Conduit and Workforce. His influence has been monumental.

This is a man who has redefined what is possible to achieve as a trainer of thoroughbreds. A man with a distinct style. A man who minded his horses, and mined from them their very best.