AN abundance of top-class racing awaits us this weekend, and none more important than the latest staging of the Derby at Epsom. The significance of the race result can never be overstated, bringing with it worldwide acclaim and enormous potential in terms of breeding.

Unfortunately the build up to the event has been overshadowed by the unseemly carry-on regarding the participation of the very moderate Diore Lia, and I fear she will get undue attention today during the broadcast of the race. This is regrettable, as the coverage of jockey Gina Mangan has been all week. No one emerges from this with any great credit.