Named after the notorious highwayman and murderer, Dick Turpin was surely destined to race on York's Knavesmire, where his namesake was hung for horse theft in 1739. The colt will now get his chance, having been supplemented into Tuesday's Juddmonte International at a cost of £50,000.
Dick Turpin was last seen winning a Group One race at Chantilly and had been expected to return to France on Sunday for a lesser contest at Deauville. Instead, he will face top-class opposition at York on his first attempt at a mile and a quarter.
Richard Hughes, who will ride, said he thinks the horse should cope with the extra distance but added: "I couldn't put my hand on my heart and say he'll definitely stay."
His trainer, Richard Hannon, pointed out that the supplementary fee could easily be paid from the £470,000 won this year by the horse, who has been second in the Guineas, the French Guineas and the St James's Palace Stakes.
"John [Manley, the owner] takes the view that Dick Turpin owed him nothing and he is keen to have a go," Hannon said. "Full marks to John for being sporting enough to have a crack.
"Dick Turpin is staying in training next year, so, if he does stay, it will increase our options as a four-year-old. He is in great form at home and we'll give it our best shot at York but, if he finishes in the first three, John will show a profit, and he'll get almost £35,500 if he's fourth."
The decision to tackle Tuesday's race was doubtless prompted in part by the absence of the injured Harbinger, but the quality of entry remains high, including Rip Van Winkle, Byword and Twice Over. Dick Turpin was inserted as the 6-1 fourth-favourite by most firms.
There is still a remote possibility that Ryan Moore will miss York's big meeting next week as he continues to nurse the wrist injury he sustained at Windsor on Monday night. After examination on Tuesday evening, Moore was reassured that no bones were broken and no serious damage done but the joint remains badly bruised.
"It's a day by day thing," said his agent, Tony Hind. "He's going to ride out every morning, starting tomorrow, and, when he feels right, he'll phone me and ask me to start booking rides again. But he won't come back until he knows he's 100%, he doesn't want to let anyone down and if he's not happy he won't ride."
Asked about Moore's chances of being fit by Tuesday, Hind said: "We're hoping, but we can't know. It's a case of how long is a piece of string."