Classic pictures look reassuringly familiar after fascinating trials

There was a vibrantly familiar theme to the recent Guineas trials at Newmarket and Newbury. A rite of passage scuppered by the pandemic 12 months ago threw up storylines which were instantly recognisable to racing fans in the pre-Covid era.

Collectively, the trials came as a shot in the arm as Britain prepares to emerge from lockdown. As the barriers tumble, the process of re-orientation will feel all the more reassuring for finding things as we left them early last year.

In many respects, that is what came to pass last week. Richard Hannon's stable is synonymous with 2,000 Guineas contenders who rarely get the respect they warrant. And here he was, enthusing over Chindit's prospects after the colt got up close home in the Greenham Stakes.