How Godolphin have painted the racing year a fine shade of royal blue

By any standard 30 Group and Grade 1s across nine different racing territories is an impressive haul for Godolphin, in a year when they have reacted to their erstwhile rivals Coolmore’s own stellar achievements in 2017.

It makes for a powerful narrative, like a punch-drunk heavyweight rallying from the ropes to deliver their own flurry of counter-punches.

Certainly Aidan O’Brien’s record-breaking march to 28 wins at the highest level will have fired those at the head of Godolphin with a desire to return to their own former glories.