Vibrant atmosphere fuels hopes of another vintage campaign

Roger Charlton made such an impact in his first year with a licence that it comes as almost a surprise to discover that last season was his best ever – record winners, record prize-money, Decorated Knight winning his spurs with three Group 1s.

"Oh yes, I'm a better trainer these days," says Charlton, drolly. "That's because I've got three good young assistants feeding me with good ideas. I'm more optimistic and enthusiastic about what I do than I might have been a few years ago, because the home support is helpful."

The rejuvenated Charlton – borne upwards on the backs of Cityscape, Al Kazeem and Decorated Knight – has expanded historic Beckhampton, gained a number of new owners, can count on more two-year-olds than ever before, and although there is no stand-out superstar in the yard at present there is fertile ground aplenty from which to unearth the next one.