Northern highlights keep on coming as south suffers on wrong side of the divide

This is the time of year when you can see why the UK government is keen to be seen pursuing a 'levelling up' agenda to help the regionally disadvantaged; when the fate of those who find themselves on the wrong side of the north-south divide can move you to tears.

Being a racing fan in the south as late summer turns to early autumn is to experience the feeling of being in the wrong place at the wrong time.

The geographically blessed among us have been enjoying the Ebor meeting at York, the festival that beats Royal Ascot for fun and atmosphere and has staged the top-rated race anywhere in Britain in three of the last four seasons. But that is just an appetiser ahead of the veritable banquet about to be laid before northern cognoscenti.