These pacemakers aren't being given the respect they deserve so to call for their omission misses the point

Godolphin’s running – and riding – of Birr Castle in the Juddmonte International copped a fair bit of heat on social media last week.

The ill sentiment was perhaps summed up best by well-known race commentator Simon Holt, who tweeted: “Following today’s Juddmonte carve up and the joke Sussex Stakes result, I really think it’s time for pacemakers to be banned.”

He added: “Pacemakers are a menace. They are not ridden to obtain the best placing and, therefore, break the rules. @BHAHorseracing.”