So much for a Coolmore-Godolphin duopoly - 2022 has in fact been rich in variety

Qipco British Champions Day was conceived a decade and more ago for a variety of complementary reasons. There was the desire to have an end point to the narrative of the Flat season, while the growth of Arc weekend was proof of concept in terms of pulling together several existing jewels in the sport's crown for a Group 1-laden jamboree.

As we count down to what everyone hopes will be a stellar day on Saturday, there is also the celebratory aspect. Regardless of personality or predilection, everyone in British racing seems to put their shoulder to the wheel to promote Champions Day, despite the sure knowledge that a maximum of five sets of connections will walk away with the major trophies.

British racing faces huge challenges in terms of its finances and its profile with the public; few serious commentators could mount any kind of a convincing argument to the contrary. But in the spirit that Saturday is designed to engender, I think there are sound reasons to consider that the 2022 Flat season has been a fine vintage, and one of rich variety.