In greyhound racing, dogs are lured around the track by a mechanical rabbit, but horse experts say the equine species isn't so easily motivated: "There is no way to teach a horse to chase a carrot, " said trainer Gary Contessa.

WSJ: Kentucky Derby: Do Horse Races Really Need Jockeys?

His ride in the Gold Cup is Keen Leader, whom he has ridden just once when the horse won the Tommy Whittle Chase at Haydock in December.

BBC: Pertemps Hurdle

Other triumphs included the King George VI Chase in 1985 on Wayward Lad - the name of the horse was later used as the title for his autobiography.

BBC: Bradley begins appeal