Weekend of bumper racing throws up plenty of thrills but luckily no spills

It was a bumper weekend of racing and also, as it turned out, a weekend of bumper racing, as Group-quality animals were allowed to collide at both Haydock and Sandown.

By the good grace of a merciful God, everyone remained upright and it appears no injuries were suffered but whether all the guilty parties were properly dealt with remains the subject of debate.

The good news is that one of the stronger Coral-Eclipses of recent times was not spoiled by interference, the collision coming after the line had been crossed. French raiders had become rare at this fixture, so it is hopefully good news for the race's future that Vadeni prevailed in a thriller, making Jean-Claude Rouget the first trainer to win the race from France in 62 years – unless you count the 1976 winner Trepan, who was subsequently disqualified.