It's all about the buzz - much-maligned Shergar Cup showed why building to a climax is the way racing needs to go

There was plenty of noise surrounding the Shergar Cup this month, which I had the pleasure of attending, but despite some criticism during and after the event, it was a thoroughly enjoyable day and a sporting success. The atmosphere suggested those who were at Ascot felt the same.

That, really, is the main thing. If people are enjoying themselves and the event is creating sporting entertainment, the barbs should matter less. Of course, it is possible to question the jockeyship while welcoming the level of prize-money, but criticism of overall riding standards felt oddly timed (particularly after Delphine Santiago had just ridden Tenability to victory, collecting almost £40,000 for the William Haggas yard in a Class 3 handicap). At a time when the sport is so often accused of failing to provide value, the Shergar Cup hardly seems a legitimate target.

Away from that, what really stood out was the way the anticipation and excitement built throughout the day, culminating in a spectacular final race, helped in part by team Europe’s late charge. It created a buzz you rarely see at the end of most racedays. Too often, when the feature is the fourth race on the card, the remainder of the meeting feels like an afterthought, crowds drift away before the final races and the atmosphere dissipates.