Nijinsky

WHAT constitutes a racing legend? It’s an open-ended question, since gauging the ability of thoroughbreds from different generations is a subjective exercise.

But there’s one litmus beyond reproach, devoid of conjecture, impervious to weights and measures. Racecourse achievement is inked indelibly into the record books, and in that respect, Nijinsky stands head and shoulders above any Flat racing legend portrayed in this series to date.

The simple truth is that in 1970, Nijinsky won the Triple Crown. The Triple Crown’s three-race trilogy is the ultimate test. Speed is of the essence in the 2000 Guineas over Newmarket’s straight mile. No Derby is won without the agility to negotiate Epsom’s undulations over a mile and a half. And the St Leger, over 385 yards short of two miles, places a premium on stamina and courage.

Nijinsky won all three races without feeling the sharp end of Lester Piggott’s whip. There was the occasional caress, simply to keep Nijinsky mentally engaged. He travelled so easily through those races that he probably worked harder for his corn in morning exercise at Ballydoyle, where he was trained by the incomparable Vincent O’Brien.

Further context on the Triple Crown serves to emphasise the magnitude of Nijinsky’s achievement. He was the first horse to