THE Prix Ganay was merely the support act at ParisLongchamp last Sunday. Without doubt the main event was the presentation made by Leo Powell to Desmond Stoneham, marking his retirement as The Irish Field’s French racing correspondent after 43 years of continuous service.

In keeping with the paper’s tradition, a front page was mocked-up to highlight a few of Desmond’s memorable moments. In 2013, Desmond was presented with the Order of Agricultural Merit in recognition of his services to the French thoroughbred industry. Some suggested he should also have been honoured for his services to the wine industry, but that is another story.