After Ethical Diamond won the Ebor Handicap in August the obvious path was the Melbourne Cup but he did not meet strict veterinary requirements, so Irish trainer Willie Mullins bought a bell, and went to win the Group I Breeders Cup Turf with his seven time hurdler.

There is a sense of déjà vu for Pam Gerard as she navigates a muddled path to this year’s Gr.1 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m), but she is keeping her eye on the prize.