'It never stops raining in winter and falls most of the summer too'

Every year around Lancashire Day a spoof advertising campaign does the rounds on social media carrying the slogan 'Welcome to Lancashire, like Yorkshire but nicer'.

Blackpool, hot pot and Peter Kay are just three reasons why being west of the Pennines is best, but even those with the most ardent alliance to the red rose (myself included) have to admit that when it comes to racing the vast lands of the white rose are far more fertile.

This particular war of the roses has always been a one-sided fight with many a trainer drawn to the established training centres of Middleham and Malton.