Analysis: There is quiet content within the FA that it got this one right

The theory that the jockeys' championship is nowadays a brute measure of stamina and consistency, rather than a proof of essential class, has this week been roundly rejected by the Maktoum family. On Tuesday, they hired Silvestre De Sousa to ride for Godolphin; and yesterday Sheikh Hamdan filled his impending vacancy, as retained jockey, with the only man to top De Sousa in last year's standings. For Paul Hanagan, the appointment is a gratifying breakthrough even after consecutive titles in 2010 and 2011, which had seemed to consummate long, uncomplaining service away from the big stage.

John Kelsey-Fry's successful defence of Harry Redknapp confirms his position as QC of choice for famous sporting figures who find themselves in the courts.

Verdicts are not just an embarrassment for the tax authorities but a major blow for the City of London Police

Hoof It, beaten favourite for the Nunthorpe Stakes at York 11 days ago, is to be given another chance at Group One level in the Sprint Cup at Haydock on Saturday. Mick Easterby's charge was yesterday added to the field for the six-furlong contest as a late entry and is one of 17 contenders at this stage for the £225,000 purse.

The whole dynamic of the jockeys' championship has changed since Kieren Fallon won it for a sixth time, back in 2003. Even so, the milestone he reached yesterday, when riding his 100th winner of the campaign, confirmed he could yet roll back the years at 46. Fallon still ended the afternoon 11 behind the defending champion, Paul Hanagan, but the satisfaction he would obtain from retrieving the title, after all his notorious vicissitudes, guarantees that he will be giving it everything during the coming weeks.

Apprentice plays waiting game to perfection as he guides Moyenne Corniche to victory in Europe's richest handicap

Jumps trainer Howard Johnson was left last night with his career in limbo after the conclusion of an inquiry into alleged breaches of rules governing horse welfare. Co Durham-based Johnson admitted the most serious accusation, that he had run the chaser Striking Article after the horse had undergone denerving surgery while in his care, but claimed he was unaware of the rule that states he should not have done so.

Mare follows in stablemate Frankel's hoofprints with Group One victory but former champion Ryan Moore's season is over

Today is not the first time Richard Hannon has reckoned he might have a shot at ending Frankel's perfect record. The champion trainer took him on at Newbury in April, and was mystified to see Strong Suit fold so tamely. A wind operation since, however, has permitted the chestnut to show his true colours – and a dashing success on the first day of the meeting here yesterday ensured that Richard Hughes, in particular, will be full of confidence when he meets Frankel this afternoon.

For a perfectionist, there can never be a perfect solution. And if that is how Aidan O'Brien came to find himself in his present predicament, then it may also show him the best way out.

A Halo slipped at Exeter yesterday, when a race that had promised to refresh the appetite of punters for jump racing instead served to remind them only of its hazards. Having finished fourth and second in the last two runnings of the Champion Hurdle, Celestial Halo would be as accomplished a hurdler as Paul Nicholls has ever sent over fences.