Michael has sent horses all over the world to win major races. He has also found the time to win ten English classics including the Derby twice. He was the only trainer in the twentieth century to win classics in five consecutive years. In addition he has won both the Triumph and Champion Hurdles at the Cheltenham festival.

His real forte though does appear to be the major races abroad. He also seems to specialise in winning the big events with older horses that continue to improve beyond their three year old career. Some of the races that he has won include the Breeders Cup Turf twice, the Japan Cup, the Dubai World Cup, the International Stakes, Irish Derby three times, and the Prix de l'Abbaye. A very impressive list by anyone's standard.