Here's how we fix the interference rules and make Britain the envy of the world

A decade of negotiations between members of the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities ended in March 2018 with France and Germany adopting the 'IFHA preferred model' of stewarding, abandoning an approach which, it was argued, excessively favoured the 'victims' at the expense of superior horses in inquiries into interference.

With that, the war between two distinctly different philosophies was effectively over. The French carved out one key concession to the old ways but essentially they were joining every other major racing nation – Japan had jumped ship in 2010 – except for the US and Canada in adopting a starting point in stewards' inquiries that the best horse should keep the race.

Interference and stewarding is back in the spotlight this long, hot summer on the Flat following several controversial incidents that have suggested some jockeys are willing to push the rules further and further in the knowledge they are highly unlikely to be disqualified if they cross the line first. Most notably, The Ridler's win in the Norfolk Stakes – for which an appeal is still pending – came after jockey Paul Hanagan cut across many of his rivals.