In Britain a total of 38 winners for Qatar Racing Ltd alone (not including partnerships) is four up on 2013, while prize-money has risen from just over £625,000 to more than £943,000. Irish input has been smaller, but two winners in 2013 rose to seven this year, while prize-money climbed from just over €40,000 to almost €240,000.

Derby fourth Arod was the main money-earner in Britain, ahead of sprinter Hot Streak, while the Ger Lyons-trained Cappella Sansevero and Roheryn were the leading contributors in Ireland.

Jamie Spencer is riding as well as ever following his decision to continue among the ranks of jockeys, and at Lingfield last week he brought up the most recent Qatar Racing winner, Master Of Irony, a son of Makfi trained by Ralph Beckett.