Coolmore will continue to dominate Derby if the rest continue to breed for speed

It was hardly surprising that many analysts and commentators seized upon the image of five Irish-based colts flashing past the line in glorious unison in Saturday’s Investec Derby and concluded that it epitomised a singular crisis for indigenous trainers in the premier Classic.

Circus Maximus rolled by that celebrated Epsom winning post a few lengths further back in sixth to complete the ignominy, ensuring Aidan O’Brien’s Ballydoyle battalion hoovered up five of the first six finishing berths.

With Madhmoon such a gallant runner-up for the redoubtable Kevin Prendergast behind Anthony Van Dyck, it all constituted a very convenient manifestation of a despondent pre-race narrative that couldn’t but focus on the strength in depth of the overseas challenge.