So Kieren Fallon chose Folkestone instead of Bath Racecourse on Monday but showed his judgement and race-riding is still sharp after his two-year layoff by riding a treble for Luca Cumani there.

Back at Lansdown Ted Durcan ruled with a double on Boho Chic and Hajmah. It was the latter who really caught the eye, both in the paddock and on the track.

From the Godolphin empire, Hajmah is a tall filly whose coat gleamed beforehand – chestnuts are notoriously difficult to get a shine on – and took up the running three furlongs out to be eased before the line and win by a couple of lengths. She'll win again in staying races.

Chelsea footballer Joe Cole had a runner in the Evening Post Jobsite Maiden Stakes but as the price drifted from 11/1 to 25/1 there weren't many backers for him.

But that didn't stop Poppanan from taking the lead a furlong out and holding on to win by a short head. Delighted trainer Simon Dow said afterwards that Cole was 'a pleasure to train for, a real gentleman'.

The footballer wasn't there but father-in-law Nigel Zucker was, commenting that the England international, out since January with a serious knee injury, was back in training and should be playing in a month or so.

Chronicle best bet Arab League ran on in the final furlong to take the amateur riders' race for Hereford trainer Richard Price.

There is racing again at Bath on Sunday when Bathwick Tyres sponsor every race.

Ryan Moore, nailed-on favourite to be this year's champion jockey, has a ride in all of them so following him should pay dividends.