Divine Proportions

It's not yet nine o'clock and the office is almost empty, as good as new. Pascal Bary saw his last horses leave the day before, and he's offering one of his last employees their pick of the framed victory photos still displayed on a shelf.  Almost 45 years after obtaining his licence, the trainer with six French Derbys to his name is packing his bags. The yard is still bustling because his boxes will now be occupied by Mario Baratti, who is steadily climbing the ranks of Chantilly trainers today...

Observations on the European Racing Scene turns the spotlight on the best European races of the day, highlighting well-pedigreed horses early in their careers, horses of note returning to action and young runners that achieved notable results in the sales ring. Today's Observations features the debut of a half-sister to Group 1 winner Ribchester. 12.40 Ascot, Debutantes, £6,000, 2yo, 7fT MEGALLAN (GB) (Kingman {GB}) is the second foal out of the Listed Lord Weinstock Memorial S. winner Eastern Belle (GB) (Champs Elysees {GB}) who was placed three times at graded-stakes...

Fast approaching a silver jubilee of time served in the trenches, there remains nothing which acts as such an effective catalyst for in-house discussion and disagreement as our beloved niche, TDN's Rising Stars. "Genius is 1% talent and 99% hard work." So said Einstein. I don't suppose he gave that one a second thought, though his words perfectly illustrate the backstory of notable achievements in almost any sphere. However, for this publication's signature product, there is no small measure of luck required too. "TDN Rising Stars allow readers to identify...