THE world has become more confusing and uncertain since last week’s column in some respects, so it is kind of reassuring to be able to report on an Irish Derby in which the status quo was upheld, with the Derby winner from Epsom, Harzand, landing the odds from the Derby third, Idaho.

There is little chance that the 16-runner contest at Epsom – run at a very strong pace and in which the field got well strung out – will represent anything other than good form. But so far so good, at least.