The good, the bad and the remarkable: racing's narrative covers all the bases

For those charged with telling racing's story the time between Epsom and Royal Ascot can be difficult because of the lack of top-quality action in Britain and Ireland.

There is generally a need for things to happen, and this year things did happen. Last week there was good news, there was sad or bad news and there was one story that covered both ends of the spectrum.

We learned of the death, at the age of 77, of Richard Barber, whose contribution to jumping was enormous, not least because, as Paul Nicholls so neatly summed up, he trained both great horses and great people. Sympathy is sent to all his loved ones.