Unbeaten as he is, for now the Derby winner is arguably not even the most accomplished thoroughbred who happens to have an engagement on Saturday. For a few hours after Ruler Of The World attempts to extend his Epsom supremacy on to home soil, in the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby, an outstanding American champion sets a fresh challenge to such parochial perspectives as may have been re-inforced by the failure of Animal Kingdom at Royal Ascot last week.

1,000 Guineas heroine gains spectacular win in Coronation Stakes under trademark ride

Gosden filly can spring surprise against Derby winner Camelot and his Curragh conqueror

Investigations by the British Horseracing Authority into the use of Sungate in racing remain "ongoing" as the veteran trainer Clive Brittain became the latest to speak of the drug's use.

For each new scandal absorbed by the British racing community, their American cousins seem to contrive fresh consolation. Admittedly the craving for a first Triple Crown since 1978 has already been prolonged by defeat for the Kentucky Derby winner, Orb, in its second leg. But Oxbow's Preakness success none the less consolidated the romantic gains made by Orb, in himself satisfying the patient Derby quest of his admired, old school connections – notably his trainer, Shug McGaughey. Oxbow in turn restored two Hall of Fame titans, Wayne Lukas and Gary Stevens, from the shadows at 77 and 50 respectively.

Betting on the Qipco 2,000 Guineas is so skewed towards the two favourites that neither retains any vestige of value.

Gerard Butler claims that Newmarket vets recommended Sungate for joint injuries

Never mind that Menorah and Hunt Ball meet at Cheltenham today; or that the National winner is to be boldly returned to the fray at Ayr on Saturday; or even if Sprinter Sacre himself tops the bill at Punchestown next week. Always and unmistakably, Newmarket's first card of the season marks the formal transfer of centre stage from jump to Flat racing.

Ryan Mania, having been detained a second night in hospital, was discharged in time to head home to Galashiels for a celebration of his breakthrough success in the Grand National. Scans did reveal that the young Scotsman suffered a minor fracture of his C7 vertebra when taking a fall from his very next mount after Auroras Encore, at Hexham on Sunday. But Mania described himself as no more than "a bit tired and sore", having otherwise suffered only soft tissue and ligament damage, and stressed his determination to be riding again sooner rather than later.

Dubai Cup winner provides a glorious example to all would-be rulers of racing across the world stage

Whatever differences may persist between them elsewhere, on Dubai World Cup night at least Coolmore and the Maktoums seem to have become best of enemies. Since finding the prize-money at Meydan too lavish to resist, three years ago, his patrons have sent Aidan O'Brien to the homeland of their traditional antagonists with decorous compliments and sharp racehorses.

Adaptable US runner can lift World Cup while Bancnuanaheireann offers value in Lincoln

Having anticipated last week for so long, some Cheltenham diehards will be appalled to discover that a new Flat season opens at Doncaster on Friday. Others, however, will recognise that so rich a banquet can only really be followed by a total change of taste – even if Town Moor is set to provide conditions better suited to steeplechasing.

Moore brings Breeders' Cup solace to O'Brien but Excelebration finds the pace too hot in California