Cheltenham’s version may seem on another level of popularity but few Flat races get the general public as excited as Royal Ascot’s Gold Cup (4.20) on day three – with Oisin Murphy taken to enjoy an emotional victory.
The three-time champion jockey only had his first ride since November 2021 in February, having been suspended for breaking Covid rules and failing two breathalysers, but he has lost none of his ability and, in Coltrane, he has the ideal type for this afternoon’s demand of class and stamina.
