Although it appears that Hukum has come out of nowhere and hit the top-level this season, a re-examination of his career record leads you to realise that trainer Owen Burrows has carefully plotted his stable star’s rise to the top over a number of years.

Desert Hero (18/1) earned himself a place in the history books as the first Royal Ascot winner for His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Queen, prevailing in a thrilling finish to the King George V Handicap.