Three-card trickster Stradivarius puts the glorious back into Goodwood

It was an afternoon for windbreakers more than Panama hats. A dark, dank day on the Sussex Downs dulled the senses to the extent that it would take something out of the ordinary to put the glorious back into Goodwood.

Then it came to pass. From out of the sea fret that settled over the turn for home emerged an orange ball of fire. Here he was in full flight, propelled not so much by gusting winds as his own remorseless desire.

Here was Stradivarius in his pomp. And what a sight he made. The little chestnut, who'd been asleep on his feet in the paddock, was now quick-stepping to victory under Frankie Dettori. His winning streak now stands at eight, his stock rising as strongly as the value of sterling is plummeting.