Paddington only halfway through his story and has potential to go even higher - but this is his sternest challenge yet

A million pounds guaranteed and just four runners have signed up for the Juddmonte International challenge, but maybe that’s because the modern-day Iron Horse is back.

Paddington started his campaign in March, when winning a handicap off a mark of 97, and is still going strong after racking up another five victories, including four Group 1s.

Those who are old enough to remember the millennium will know he isn’t the first to be given the ‘Iron Horse’ nickname. In fact, he isn’t even the only one from Ballydoyle because Giant’s Causeway earned that moniker for Aidan O’Brien in his remarkable 2000 season.