The discussion about the competitiveness of the Irish middle-distance classics is likely to come to prominence again this weekend as the last-minute absence of what was widely expected to be the star of the show in Taghrooda has poured cold water over the contest.

In many ways, this situation highlights the complete flip side of the argument that prevailed after the Irish Derby. If the easy winner from Epsom shows up in the Irish Derby/Oaks, few are likely to be willing to take him/her on and the result is what is perceived as an uncompetitive race, albeit one with a star performer on show as was the case in this year’s Irish Derby.