The less said about last Saturday's Arlington Million the better; Mike De Kock's Archipenko was, undoubtedly, an unlucky loser to Sprit One but the post race reaction was over the top from all concerned – and the media have to take their share of the blame for reporting it in such a sensationalised fashion.

De Kock was disappointed and vented his frustration at Johnny Murtagh, accusing him of "the most ungentlemanly piece of riding I have seen in a long time.

"There was no need for Johnny to keep us in like that," de Kock added. "I am very surprised, it was as if he was looking at the horse from the start."

In the heat of the moment after losing out in such a prestigious race and bidding to be the first representing his country to win an American Group 1 (as he was the first to win a Group race many years ago) it's easy to let emotions run away with you.

Suffice to say he was not pleased with Murtagh, who rode his main rival Mount Nelson, and said so.

End of subject and rest assured the pair will be a potent force at the 2009 Dubai International Racing Carnival.