BIG achievements always promote moments of reflection. Ralph Beckett did exactly that as he waited for Westover to return to the winner’s enclosure at the Curragh last month, just after he’d spread-eagled an Irish Derby field by seven lengths.

Beckett thought back to his time in Ireland as a 21-year-old, when he spent two and a half years with Arthur Moore, the invaluable experience he gained in what really was an extensive undergrad served, working for trainers all over the world. He spent time in his homeland, America and Australia, but no stint longer than with Moore. So, to come back and win Ireland’s premier classic just up the road was special in that respect.