'We take huge pride in how successful they have been'

Lingfield’s undulations and its steep downhill left-hand turn into the home straight make it the closest experience available to Epsom itself, and the Derby and Oaks trials have proved their value again and again.

The Derby trial enjoyed a purple patch in the 1980s, when Teenoso, Slip Anchor and Kahyasi all won it before triumphing in the Derby. High-Rise in 1998 was the eighth colt to do the double and, while none has succeeded since and the race was downgraded from Group 3 to Listed level in 2013, it continues to enjoy regular support from Aidan O’Brien and other top trainers.

This year’s renewal was not a vintage one, but it was a strong race by Listed standards and third-placed Across The Stars went on to win a Group 2 at Royal Ascot.