Royal Ascot is now the biggest international racing showcase in the world. It was there last year that Pat Smullen, for his rides on Free Eagle and Snow Sky, was finally given the recognition he deserved, world-class as Irish jockeys Johnny Murtagh, and Mick Kinane before him. The Investec Derby confirmed what pretty much every one of his countrymen knew, that there are few to rank above the Irish Champion jockey. Few frills, few mistakes, just get the job done. The Derby delivered a much deserved success for the whole Rosewell team.

Aga Khan breeding