Ballaghmor Class is a diamond. Oliver Townend, Ballaghmor Class’s partner and jockey for 15 years, says: “Of course I will miss [competing] him – although he’s not going anywhere – he’s my best mate. He is a hero of the sport, a cross-country deity whose spiritual homes were the world’s biggest, most challenging courses. Behind the headlines is a shy, brave, wilful, affectionate and needy character whose relationship with Oliver runs extremely deep. His stable is directly opposite Oliver’s bedroom window and everything about Ballaghmor Class’s life has been meticulously organised to suit the vagaries of his character for 15 years.