De Kock in fine fettle for Epsom

It's often difficult to recognise people when they are dressed in their finery, and Epsom last weekend was a typical example where most donned the traditional morning dress. Some even wore them not just in the morning, but right the way through.

I was easily recognisable however, as unfortunately my salary does not stretch to buy a top hat and tails. However, beneath an immaculate-looking top hat, which seemed almost as big as the person balancing it on his head, was Mike De Kock who appeared to be lapping up the occasion, but was also on hand to present the winning trophy to the connections of Indian Trail who won the “dash''.

He was keen to chat about his impressive winner, JJ The Jet Plane who flew home at Windsor last week and confirmed that Kevin Shea would be navigating when the South African speed star runs in the Golden Jubilee Stakes on the final day of Royal Ascot.

Perhaps more importantly though, the globe-trotting handler put a few of his other runners expected to represent the stable with other big-race assignments through their paces on Newmarket's Heath on Tuesday morning. Archipenko, who could be aimed at the Eclipse Stakes on July 4 worked alongside Stubbs Art, a horse that is entered to run at York in two days' time. As well as that quality duo, Falmouth Stakes entrant, Diana's Choice, who was twice a winner at the carnival, teamed up with Imbongi. The quartet showed blistering speed on the gallops and pleased their handler.

JOCKEYS PLEASE MOUNT...

For those watching the Derby at home, I hope you managed to see more of Aidan O'Brien's six runners prior to the running of the most prestigious Classic on the racing calendar than punters at Epsom did.

The perennial Irish champion trainer was handed a Dh5,000 fine after he failed to organise his runners to arrive into the parade ring on time and were consequently seven minutes late.

From a personal point of view, I am well aware of what goes on behind the scenes and how tacking any horse up correctly and with precision is clearly paramount.

The fact that O'Brien likes to saddle each single runner himself is testament to his skill as a world-class conditioner, but considering that none of his Derby jockeys were riding in the previous race, and the trainer himself was not represented, the softly-spoken Irishman had plenty of time to saddle up his charges and have them ready in the parade ring for those that had paid their hard-earned cash to be at the course to witness the runners in the flesh.

I know the fine is small change to a man that has won endless Classics, but I am glad the BHA decided to implement the measure.

For a sport fiercely debating how it can best sell itself to a wider audience, surely simple assignments like giving those that partly fund the industry a chance to view what they have actually come to see would be a little bit of a help.