Racing's marketing teams can sugar-coat it all they want, but, for many, the 2013 Flat season will not be remembered fondly.

Slick narratives and 'championship' events are all well and good, but this year has seen the core integrity of the sport questioned like never before.

In truth, it was always going to be a rather inadequate campaign once Frankel became safely ensconced within the breeding sheds.

But the death of his marvellous trainer, Sir Henry Cecil, in June was, of course, far more emotive for those who have even a fleeting interest in racing.

Cecil was a Great British one-off - a colourful genius whose understanding of the common man, despite his aristocratic background, and horses was as respectful as it was knowing.

The great Cecil and Frankel will never be forgotten, but, sadly, the Mahmood Al Zarooni scandal aroused even stronger feelings.

Questions frustratingly remain unanswered about the affair in which the former Godolphin handler was found to have given a number of horses in his care anabolic steroids.

The British Horseracing Authority reacted swiftly and banned Al Zarooni for eight years, with more stringent testing procedures now in place.

But by the time every horse in his yard had been subjected to testing, Al Zarooni had seemingly disappeared off the face of the earth.

Findings from Lord Stevens' inquiry into Sheikh Mohammed's racing empire, instigated at the Sheikh's request, are awaited with interest, but the residue from this ghastly business will continue to reek for some time yet.

As, too, will the bruising reminder that the removal of corruption in racing is never likely to be a root-and-branch cull after the well-regarded jockey Eddie Ahern was banned for 10 years in May.

The long-running Sungate saga, a consequence of which resulted in a five-year ban for trainer Gerard Butler and the souring of relations between Indian and British racing following Martin Dwyer's long-running suspension saga, aimed further belts of turbulence at an already wobbly vessel.

For many, though, prize money remains the biggest issue.

Levy Board increases partially soothed the situation this year, but rank-and-file trainers and owners who struggle to make a living from the sport must have looked on with incredulity as those at the top table fought it out for unspeakable lumps of dough at British Champions Day at Ascot.

Easier said than done, of course, and recently announced contributions by the Jockey Club and the Levy to make 2014 a record year are a definite step in the right direction.

But until the money which sloshes around Flat racing can be more thoughtfully divided, and the jockeying for power resolved, this savannah in class will continue to widen.

Happily, the gulf in quality was considered very much a good thing at Longchamp in October, when Treve ran amok in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.

Trained in Chantilly by the approachable Criquette Head-Maarek, the filly was the indisputable star of the Flat campaign with a truly astounding victory in what is always the best race of the year.

Treve has been given clearance to carry on racing by her increasingly sporting owner, Sheikh Joaan Al Thani, who enjoyed further big pay-days with Sussex Stakes winner Toronado and Olympic Glory, who took top honours in the QEII on Champions Day.

Sheikh Joaan's representatives also made quite a stir in the sales ring in October when they forked out a record-breaking fee for a yearling filly, who will be trained in France by Andre Fabre.

Little wonder, then, that his retained jockey, Frankie Dettori, is desperate to return to the saddle after he was denied Arc glory on Treve because of a broken ankle.

Dettori's summer comeback following his ban after testing positive for cocaine has, understandably, been a gradual process of rehabilitation, but, even so, it was a shame he could not get on the scoresheet at Royal Ascot.

That said, this season's yearly brouhaha had no shortage of neat storylines - none more so than Estimate, who set alight the meeting on the third day when victorious in the Gold Cup for the Queen.

For champion trainer Richard Hannon, however, the time has now come to bring the rodeo to a close.

Hannon signs off from a decorated training career with a record-breaking haul of winners during a season in which he also won the 1000 Guineas with Sky Lantern.

And with high-class stablemates like Toormore waiting in the wings, his son, Richard Hannon jnr, could not wish to have a better team to usher in the new era.

It will, conversely, be very much business as usual next season for Aidan O'Brien, who had another solid year.

Ruler Of The World's triumph in the English Derby was especially sweet, while the big-hearted Declaration Of War and St Leger winner Leading Light kept the Ballydoyle juggernaut at full tilt.