NOW that the dust has settled, it seems appropriate to reflect on the fallout from Royal Ascot, and there were several subjects which sparked lively debate, aside from the relative merits of the winners and losers.

That discussion started straight after the opening race, with the use of pacemakers coming under scrutiny after Toscanini and Dutch Uncle set suicidal fractions in the Queen Anne. Neither could really be considered as doing their job effectively, and Toscanini in particular threatened to ruin the race for Ribchester by getting in the favourite’s way at a crucial stage. After his failure to get to the front at all in the Lockinge, it could be considered that he’s very much 0-for-two in his new role.