I HAVE given it a brief mention in the race report, but having talked to a few people who follow the sport closely, it seems that not many are aware of the way that Newmarket Racecourse may have spoiled a great story through needless tinkering. It is very rare that an owner is able to win a major handicap three times in a row, and on the rare occasion it does happen, it is to be celebrated.

The competitive nature of the very best handicaps means they cannot be easily bought, and with fields of 25 and over for the most competitive events, it takes a lot more luck that judgment to hit the target. So it is that the achievement of Tony Bloom in owning two separate winners of the Cesarewitch in three runnings, is one for the record books, but should it have been three?