Jockey Club staff cull leaves Derby feeling flat with Ascot and Goodwood riding high

Jim Allen’s drive, enthusiasm and focus will be a big loss to the five-year Epsom project to revive the Classic

The King George card at Ascot on Saturday was an day that showcased Flat racing at its best, and the sense of optimism at the end of the afternoon was only enhanced by the imminent prospect of five days at Glorious Goodwood this week.

Scandinavia and Trawlerman will reprise their Ascot Gold Cup rivalry in Tuesday’s Goodwood Cup. The “big three” of Bow Echo, Gstaad and Opera Ballo have all been declared for Wednesday’s £1.5m Sussex Stakes. Diamond Necklace, the French Oaks winner, is lined up for the Nassau Stakes on Thursday while on the final day, the fierce punting challenge of the Stewards’ Cup, one of the biggest betting races of the summer, lurks on the Saturday card.