Having helped out in a racing stable for a number of years I love the theatre of racing at this time of the year. In 2001 I was in Ireland and went on a tour of the Irish National Stud. Magnificent stallions were paraded. A groom sidled up to me and said, "You're from Australia? I'll show you a horse you might be interested in". Off we went to the back paddock and we whistled up an old chestnut gelding. The big bloke came in. "Have a look at his bridle" the Irishman said. The name on it... Vintage Crop.
Not sure if this correct but a google search suggests he's still alive. Foaled in 1987 he would be 23 which is getting on in horse terms. He was a gentle old horse in 2001, I wheeled in an American lady in a wheelchair, paraplegic from a horse accident. She didn't know of the Melbourne Cup but appreciated the story. He was an absolute gentleman.