Happy Lucky Dragon Win | Forget the International Jockeys' Championship: why not the International Senior Jockeys' Championship?

The inspired inclusion of ageing American stars of the saddle Gary Stevens and Mike Smith is the story of this year’s International Jockeys’ Championship (IJC), but the forced withdrawal of young bull Joao Moreira could be the catalyst for something even more spectacular.

Why not go the whole hog and turn back the clock? Forget the forward thinking and progressive marketing of Happy Wednesdays and the Beer Garden. Let's put something on for the oldies.

Moreira was suspended at Happy Valley last night and won’t get the chance to defend his IJC crown he won so spectacularly last year. So, let’s rethink the whole concept and change December 4 at the Valley from the IJC to the ISJC: the International Senior Jockeys’ Championship.

Only jockeys over 45 would be allowed to compete, and the way the veterans have been banging home winner after winner around the world lately, it would be a willing contest.

In most sports reaching the 40 milestone is the beginning of the end, and while many riders may be past their prime, there are a few notable exceptions who keep resisting father time. Hong Kong-based pair Douglas Whyte and Olivier Doleuze are both 41 and remain top five fixtures in the most competitive jockeys’ premiership in the world, while in Europe Frankie Dettori (42) and Johnny Murtagh (43) can still be counted on in a big race.