THERE’S something rather familiar about Chepstow old timer Regal Parade.

It’s not just the surge from the back of the field and the rally at the front, which has seen him get his brave little chestnut head in front twice over the past year.

As trainer Milton Bradley’s best horse, he bears racing resemblance to The Tatling, Royal Ascot winner of 2004 who was often seen rattling home late to glory.

Such a resurgence of horses of the age of nine is rare, but write off Bradley at your peril.

Like him, Regal Parade is a pensioner of the racing ranks – but the older brigade seem to gel.

Now a remarkable 16, The Tatling is still around at Meads Farm, but he’s let Regal Parade take over the mantle of Sedbury superstar as he enjoys retirement after a swansong victory of 2011.

Both warriors came from the wilds of the North after losing their way for Dandy Nicholls.

Late in life both found their winning streak, and like 77-year-old Bradley, they still have much to offer.

All three cut back on their days at the races but the ability is still there.

Bradley admits today’s Sky Bet Dash might be too quick a test for Parade but there would be no more a topical winner given his name and the birth of the third in line to the throne this week.

Bradley, who also farms cattle, sheep and grows corn, said: “The weather has been good for harvesting but the going has been a little on the firm side.

“Unlike most people, I’m hoping we get some thunderstorms.”

Under Bradley’s care, Regal Parade has won twice, a handicap at today’s course in September and a Haydock contest in May, on ground with plenty of give.

The first of those ended a barren spell of more than two years without a win.

“It’s nice for me to have the old ones,” said Bradley.

“We meet them half way. When you get older you don’t like to be pushed into doing something all the time.

“If you are buzzed up every day you go flat.

“We put him in the paddock and let him have a roll, we have got to know what he likes and dislikes.

“He does his work on his own and likes to go different places to keep him interested.

“On the racecourse he always tries his heart out.”

Bradley reports the gelding came out of his last run well, but he didn’t let himself down on the firm ground. It’s horses like Parade and his dedicated staff who keep the old man roaring in the winners.

“To be honest if I didn’t have my family helping I would probably give up. They carry a lot of weight off your shoulders, they keep me going on the right track,” he said.

The only certainty today – there’s a few more seasons in the old boys yet.