THERE was a time when the Irish just didn’t win the King George. Like, when Florida Pearl won the race in 2001, he was the first Irish-trained horse to win it since the Pat Taaffe-trained Captain Christy won the second of his brace in 1975. And before Captain Christy? Arkle in 1965. Ridden by Captain Christy’s trainer.

It’s a little different now. Kicking King won two and, when Hewick came with that run last year to get up and beat Bravemansgame and Allaho, Shark Hanlon’s horse brought up a second King George in three years for Irish-trained horses.