OUR sport is dominated by superpowers who farm Group 1 contests whether on the flat or over jumps. It was therefore refreshing to see the Group 1 July Cup at Newmarket last week got to the Richard Hughes yard. The sheer delight and emotion on his face when interviewed after the race on ITV was a joy to see, a reminder that there is a place in this sport for all of those who put their heart and soul into this game.

On the track we saw two outstanding performances over the three-day July Festival and both of those will be analysed this week, but firstly, the Group 1 July Cup.