After two pleasing efforts this season, today should be the day we see what Telescope is truly made of, and he earns the nap selection to give trainer Michael Stoute his eighth victory in the Hardwicke Stakes.

He may be attempting to burst the balloon in Saturday night’s Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby, but John Oxx can empathise with the pressure Camelot’s connections are under ahead of the Classic.

GROWTH was evident across all aspects of horse racing in Ireland during the past year, with attendances, betting figures and sponsorship all on the increase.