Beasley a champion too as miracle comeback starts to gather pace

Whatever your opinion on how the Flat jockeys’ championship should be decided, there is general agreement we are in for a gripping climax to the official one, with Silvestre de Sousa and Jim Crowley locked in a protracted duel.

Everyone was aware of the format before the Stobart-backed competition began and if Britain’s (and the world’s) best jockey prefers to concentrate on quality rather than quantity then so be it. The dedication and skill of De Sousa and Crowley should be applauded.

But a mere number next to a jockey's name often fails to tell the whole story – the ups and downs each and every jockey experiences – and this is definitely the case with Connor Beasley, who might be way down the standings but in many ways has already displayed all the traits to be found in a champion.