No, not the late great Tommy Handley, who lifted the public’s morale during our spat with Mr Hitler, but a certain Aidan O’Brien who added to his ultra-impressive portfolio of Group races last weekend.

First up on Saturday was the seemingly unbeatable Minnie Hauk which completed the Oaks double in efficient rather than spectacular style. At odds of 2-11 the purists could perhaps have expected something more flamboyant than this workmanlike performance, especially when all bar one of her opponents were rated no higher than 99, but her esteemed trainer seemed happy enough.

Described as  having had ‘an easy race’, the Yorkshire Oaks or even L’Arc itself are now on the cards.

On to Sunday and the Group 2 Minstrel Stakes, which was pouched by our hero’s runner Diego Valazquez who made up for a dismal performance in the Queen Anne at Royal Ascot, winning by a hard fought neck at 11-8.

Thought of as ‘a tank’ by his trainer, the Sussex Stakes may be next, although that would be against Field of Gold, which would be no contest we suggest.

It was a quiet week on this side of the Irish sea, although we must give a mention to Rod Millman, who went to the Goff’s sale last August and picked up a yearling for £6,000.

Called Anthelia, she made a winning debut at Bath, running in the wife’s name, after which a large chunk was sold to Middleham Park Racing. Two more wins followed, including a Listed race at Sandown when she went off at 25-1.

On Saturday she pitched up in the Super Sprint at Newbury and banked a trivial £134,091.50, beating the Windsor Castle Royal Ascot winner in the process and bringing her total winnings to £170,168 + the 50p.

Not bad for six grand, eh?