ALAN King will have acknowledged Altior’s indomitable spirit, even though his own Sceau Royal was there with every chance at the last. The in-form trainer’s moment in the sun was not long delayed as Talkischeap landed the last big handicap of the campaign, the Grade 3 bet365 Gold Cup.

The seven-year-old had never raced beyond three miles before but the extra five furlongs caused him few problems. Lightly raced and with freshness on his side, he was always well in touch as last year’s winner Step Back and The Young Master alternated in front with the latter kicking on strongly under Sam Waley-Cohen as they landed over three out.