This week at Segefield even the most ignorant punter could have picked out one runner not to put his hard-earned cash on. The trouble was no one was going to offer odds on Quixall Crossett not winning because he makes such a habit of it. The 13-year-old gelding has never won a race, his string of 76 defeats making him the most unsuccessful horse in British racing history.

Quixall Crossett made the title his own last week when he finished last at Wolverhampton, going past the notorious Amrullah's tally of 75 defeats.

Given the general fondness for the underdog it is no surprise to discover that both Amrullah, now retired, and Quixall Crossett have their own fan clubs, both set up a few years ago with the foresight only hardened backers possess for spotting a loser. Both horses have got bigger cheers than the winner when eventually crossing the line in races.