THE last week has brought with it two of the great spectacles in international racing, with the Breeders’ Cup taking centre stage last weekend before the focus shifted to Australia for Tuesday’s Melbourne Cup. Both events represent the pinnacle of the sport and delivered more than their share of excitement and drama.

From an Irish perspective, Iridessa’s victory in the Filly & Mare Turf last Saturday was the highlight of the action from America before Vow And Declare struck a notable blow for the local racing and breeding industry at Flemington on Tuesday.