FEARS that Covid-19’s effect on the flat season could dissuade Irish connections from travelling their horses to Britain have proven unfounded this term and today, on British Champions Day at Ascot, the Irish cavalry has never been bigger.

Nineteen horses representing six different trainers are in Berkshire ready to compete in the finale of the British season. They are led by Magical, whose glittering career has sparkled on this day. She has won two separate Group 1 races on the card, the Champion Fillies & Mares and the Champion Stakes, in which she will defend her title in today (3:40).