Friday's action at York exemplifies the great diversity of European racing, with the lengthy spectacle of the G2 Weatherbys Hamilton Lonsdale Cup followed just over an hour later by the untamed velocity of the G1 Coolmore Wootton Bassett Nunthorpe S. While vastly contrasting in distance and style, both races which represent important links in the chain of the European Pattern have one major factor in common and that is the ability to showcase the people's most beloved equine characters. Very few of those who descend on York's famous "Knavesmire" need...