A year on from the death of Queen Elizabeth II, a great supporter of British racing and a lifelong horsewoman who bred and owned many successful horses, racing paid its respects.

At Ascot racecourse an exhibition of photographs was displayed to remember her support of racing, with many figures across the industry acknowledging the loss to the sport a year on from her death.

Here, PA Media looks at how racing paid tribute:

Ben Stokes marked his ODI return with a resolute fifty as England started the first of four World Cup warm-ups against New Zealand by posting 291 for six at a sultry Sophia Gardens.

Stokes is back in tow as a specialist batter after reversing his 50-over retirement last month ahead of England’s defence of their World Cup crown in India and got back into the groove with 52 off 69 balls.

It was not his most fluent effort but was one of four fifty-plus scores on a tricky pitch after the hosts were asked to bat first, with Dawid Malan contributing 54 off 53 balls before Jos Buttler top-scored with 72 off 68 deliveries.

Liam Livingstone added some impetus with a sparky 52 from 40 balls at the back end of an innings in which left-arm spinner Rachin Ravindra finished with career-best international figures of three for 48.

The knocks of Malan and Livingstone are timely given their places in England’s provisional World Cup squad are thought to be the most vulnerable as Harry Brook makes a late case for selection.

Brook had an opportunity to push his claims after being shunted to open alongside Malan, with England cautious over Jonny Bairstow’s shoulder niggle sustained in the drawn T20 series and Jason Roy waking up on Friday morning with a back spasm that precluded his involvement.

It was his first time opening the batting in List A cricket and he tickled the first ball off his thigh to the boundary but it was Malan who stamped his authority on the union from then on, capitalising on wide or overpitched deliveries to the tune of six fours in the space of 18 deliveries at one point.

Malan was adept on the pull as New Zealand’s quicks dragged back their lengths, dispatching Kyle Jamieson then Lockie Ferguson to bring up a 48-ball half-century – his eighth fifty-plus score in 19 ODI innings.

He was unable to kick on, though, as Ravindra halted England in their tracks after an 80-run opening stand. The slow left-armer was already appealing when Malan missed a clip off his pads and only belatedly noticed the ball spin back and thud into off-stump.

Brook then departed in the next over for a pedestrian 25 off 41 balls as a brute of a bouncer from Ferguson brushed his glove on the way through to New Zealand captain Tom Latham.

Matters might have worsened for England as another sharply rising delivery caught Stokes out first up although the ball ballooned agonisingly over Glenn Phillips at gully.

Joe Root scratched his way to six off 15 balls but top-edged a slog sweep to Daryl Mitchell in the ring to give Ravindra his second wicket.

He conceded just eight runs in four overs before Buttler displayed a rare show of aggression by clattering the spinner over the shorter straight boundary for six.

With bowling all-rounder Chris Woakes at seven, Stokes and Buttler settled for watchful accumulation over outright might.

Buttler was busier and the pair both went to their fifties. But the ball after heaving Ravindra into the stands for his first six to go with three fours, Stokes clubbed to cover to end an 88-run stand.

Ravindra was taken the distance by Buttler while Livingstone upped the ante with three successive sixes off the expensive Jamieson.

Either side of two slower balls being shovelled over the leg-side boundary, Livingstone bludgeoned a pace-on delivery back over Jamieson’s head.

Livingstone and Buttler both miscued Tim Southee slower balls up in the air to end England’s hopes of a 300-plus total but David Willey’s 21 not out off 11 balls got them close.

John Gosden would love to provide Frankie Dettori with another memorable leg of his farewell “world tour” when saddling Gregory in the Betfred St Leger at Doncaster next week.

Gosden and Dettori have teamed up to win the final Classic of the season twice before, with Shantou in 1996 and Logician in 2019.

The Italian will be seeking a seventh St Leger success overall when partnering Gregory on Town Moor, with Classic Cliche (1995), Scorpion (2005), Sixties Icon (2006) and Conduit (2008) his other triumphs.

Dettori’s final year as a professional jockey has already featured a number of notable victories and Gosden joked: “I think the great world tour is going exceptionally well.

“He rolls into Deauville for one ride and wins the Prix Jacques Le Marois. He wins the Juddmonte International at York, Ascot Gold Cup, 2000 Guineas and he won the Dubai Turf earlier this year as well.

“So, I think the world tour is going extremely well and I’m sure he’d love to cap it off at Doncaster in the final Classic.”

Gosden can boast five St Leger wins himself and will now be chasing a first success since taking out a joint-license with son Thady.

Gregory is regarded by sponsors Betfred as the pick of their four potential runners and he currently heads the outright betting at 3-1.

The son of Golden Horn was a Group Two scorer at Royal Ascot over the Leger distance of one mile and six furlongs in the Queen’s Vase.

He then paid the price for setting too strong a pace when third in the Great Voltigeur at York, but Gosden senior is hopeful of turning the tables on the winner Continuous.

“Gregory went a little quick early in the Great Voltigeur Stakes at York,” said the trainer. “When I saw the early fractions, I thought ‘We’ve just gone inside 12 seconds for a furlong’.

“I think there were three of them trying to make the lead in order to boss the race and they all got into a scramble early on. You’re not going to do those fractions over the first three furlongs and finish a race.

“It was obvious where the winner came from, he was 20 lengths out the back. He actually ran a very good race and when Frankie put his hands down, he galloped out well to the line and after the line.

“He came out of the race at York in very good order. If the weather is set fair at Doncaster, that won’t bother him with it being top of the ground.”

Stablemate Arrest warmed up for another possible crack at Classic glory with a comfortable victory in the Group Three Geoffrey Freer Stakes at Newbury.

After running away with the Chester Vase in May, he disappointed in the Derby and at Royal Ascot but now looks back on track, although Gosden would like to see some rain hit South Yorkshire.

He said: “We’re very pleased with Arrest, he took his race very well at Newbury. He’s in top order but I think if it’s good to firm at Doncaster I think you’ll find him heading to Paris for the Prix Chaudenay rather than Doncaster.

“He’s a lovely horse but he rolls his knee and he’ll enjoy more what I call the autumn ground.”

Middle Earth is expected to be supplemented for the St Leger after coming with a late charge to land the Melrose Handicap at York under Oisin Murphy.

“I think Oisin was very impressed with him, he hit the line strong,” added Gosden. “He came from a long way back and finished off his race well.

“He’s been a horse we’ve always liked but we’ve had a few niggles along the way and haven’t quite been able to have a smooth run with him.

“Qatar Racing have won the race before and I think they are game to go. It’s the last Classic of the year and it’s for three-year-olds over a trip.”

Lion’s Pride could be another son of Roaring Lion to represent the Clarehaven team at Doncaster, having beaten Middle Earth at Kempton in July before finishing third at Windsor last month.

Reflecting on that defeat, Gosden said: “It was a trappy race on a difficult track. They went slow and he pulled, then he came on the outside. It was against older horses and he’s learnt a lot from that.

“I think there’s a likelihood he will run in the race as well, after all there’s only one St Leger.”

England and Argentina collide in their pivotal World Cup opener at the Stade Velodrome on Saturday with Steve Borthwick’s side in the unusual position of being considered underdogs.

Here the PA news agency examines five talking points heading into the fixture.

Moment of truth

England have been upbeat since their arrival in France, refreshed by the change of scenery that provided a locational reset in the wake of losing five of their last six Tests. The positive talk must now be backed up with action on the pitch but on the basis of recent evidence it is hard to see how the upset will be sprung given so many areas of their game are malfunctioning. The stakes are high – win and England suddenly have a cause to rally around, lose and each remaining game in Pool D brings do or die jeopardy.

Time to deliver

A curious feature of England’s dismal run of just three wins in nine Tests under head coach Borthwick has been the lack of form seen from stars such as Ellis Genge, Maro Itoje, Jamie George and Freddie Steward. If Argentina are to be dispatched, they will need to exit their slump with a bang. On paper, England have a strong starting XV but when so many are underperforming the odds are stacked against them.

Mitchell’s World Cup rollercoaster

Few shards of light emerged out of the gloom of a first defeat by Fiji, but the urgency brought at scrum-half by Alex Mitchell’s full debut was one of them. The Northampton player added zip to the game with speedier service and quicker decision-making and his selection represents a change in thinking from Borthwick, who was expected to pick England’s most capped player Ben Youngs in the number-nine jersey. Mitchell now has a central role in Pool D’s box-office clash despite not being included in the original 41-man training squad, his opportunity arising when Jack van Poortvliet suffered a tournament-ending ankle injury against Wales at Twickenham.

Curry reinforces England

It is a reflection of Tom Curry’s influence on England that he has been propelled straight into the back row despite missing the entire build-up campaign because of damaged ankle ligaments. The squad’s fittest player, his conditioning is never in question and he has experience of making a successful immediate return from injury lay-offs. Regarded as the team’s defensive kingpin, he will provide physical intent and add to England’s breakdown potency in his first appearance since Borthwick replaced Eddie Jones in December. A lot of hopes are being pinned on his return.

Pumas on the prowl

Argentina’s scrum may not be the force of old, but the Pumas have evolved their overall game significantly. Their appetite for forward combat remains undiminished, but is now led by the back rather than front row and their breakdown work has improved as a result. The threequarters possess genuine X-factor with the likes of wings Mateo Carreras and Emiliano Boffelli and they are a cohesive team who will fight until the final minute, playing with a sense of purpose grounded in their fierce national pride. There is much to admire about a team that stormed Twickenham in November and is capable of progressing deeper into the tournament.

England must leave everything out on the pitch as they aim to set the tone for their Rugby World Cup campaign against Argentina on Saturday, though Mike Tindall does not see Steve Borthwick's side as being among the favourites.

The 2023 World Cup gets under way in Paris on Friday, with hosts France taking on New Zealand.

England's campaign starts on Saturday, when they face Argentina in Marseille.

The Red Rose – who were runners-up to South Africa in 2019 – head into the tournament ranked eighth in the world, below Fiji and two places below Argentina.

After a disappointing Six Nations, England will be looking to put things right, and Tindall wants to see a fast start on Saturday.

"The first game against Argentina, they can't leave anything out there," he told Stats Perform. "They're not in a place where they can build something, they have to play [well].

"Imagine that is the World Cup final and then deal with the outcome of it and then rebuild to go into quarter-finals and semi-finals.

"Argentina for England is the World Cup final. 

"They have to play the biggest game in their first outing that should get them into a quarter-final and hopefully in that time you build momentum and they can then go on."

Asked if he fancied England's chances of going all the way, Tindall said: "To be honest, at the moment, I don't see them be the favourites.

"I think I think they can muster a challenge, and we are on the right side of the draw. France, New Zealand, South Africa, Scotland, Ireland, they're going to take chunks out of each other, and you don't know what's going to happen injury wise.

"So all you've got to do is try and stay in their strike, manage everything, and ultimately believe and if they can do that, I think they could create a shock. But I don't think that they're going in as anywhere near favourites."

For Tindall, New Zealand or France are the favourites.

He said: "Just from the grouping, I would say the winner coming out of the France, New Zealand group.

"Ireland are number one in the world but the schedule and the draw they're on is terrible. It's terrible for them.

"Even South Africa, who are built for big physical guys, I just think that France and New Zealand have that first big game and then they can sort of relax a little bit.

"Not relax, but they'll be able to manage their players and manage their time. And I feel that the winner could come out with those two."

Roger Varian believes King Of Steel looks stronger now than at any stage this season and is hoping his patience is rewarded with a victory in the Royal Bahrain Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown.

The Amo Racing-owned grey faces a rematch with his Derby conqueror Auguste Rodin over a reduced trip of 10 furlongs in the highlight of the two-day Irish Champions Festival.

While Auguste Rodin did follow up in the Irish Derby, he ran no race at all in the King George at Ascot, just like he had done in the 2000 Guineas.

King Of Steel, on the other hand, won the King Edward VII and ran well to finish third in the King George, after which Varian felt the extra time between that race and this would be more beneficial than heading to York.

“We’ve been delighted with King Of Steel since the King George. He ticked over nicely for a couple of weeks afterwards and we built up his work heading towards the Irish Champion Stakes,” said the Newmarket handler.

“I thought the King George was a very attritional race and he ran really well, but you’d be kidding yourself if you didn’t think he had a hard race, so we felt the extra two and a half weeks the Irish Champion Stakes gave us over the Juddmonte International was beneficial for a horse of his age and at this stage of his career.

“I think he’s been maturing and strengthening throughout the year and you won’t see the finished article maybe until next year, but his performances have shown you that he’s well up to performing (at this level) and we think he can only get better.

“He looks stronger now than he did three months ago and I think with a winter on his back he’ll be even stronger next year.”

Auguste Rodin now has something of a question mark hanging over him but having brought him back from his dismal run in the Guineas to win the Derby, Aidan O’Brien is not too concerned.

He said: “We’re really happy with him, the circumstances are all different for this. It’s a mile and a quarter, quicker ground, he’s drawn in rather than out and we’ve been happy with him since Ascot.

“There’s a lot of things different this time. Ryan (Moore) felt him come off the bridle early last time and didn’t take a chance, he took the decision to protect him rather than damage him, which definitely wasn’t the wrong thing.”

O’Brien also runs last year’s winner Luxembourg and Point Lonsdale.

“Luxembourg is very well also since Ascot, we probably rode him a little bit forceful over a mile and a half on that ground, he’s not a mile and six horse, he’s a mile and a quarter horse that gets a mile and a half,” said O’Brien.

“He has done a lot of hard, strong work and seems in good form.”

Owen Burrows, and in particular owners Shadwell, have enjoyed a stellar season in the top races and chase another Group One with the supplemented Alflaila.

With Mostahdaf winning the Prince of Wales’s and the Juddmonte International, Al Husn taking the Nassau and Hukum starring in the King George, the famous blue and white silks have been as prominent as ever this season, despite the streamlining of the operation.

“Touch wood, all has gone well and he’s had a nice prep from York,” said Burrows referring to his only start this season, a victory in the York Stakes.

“He’s not had a break as such, but he’s obviously had a nice spell between the two races. I’m not sure about it (bounce factor) to be truthful, but it certainly eliminates that possibility anyway.

“We’re all happy he goes there in good form and we’ll see on Saturday whether or not he’s good enough.

“He hadn’t run for a good few months when he went to York obviously, so he’s going to be sharper for it and he’s going to have to be.

“But he’s won his Group Threes and he’s won a Group Two and this is the logical next step up. There isn’t too much at home for him to go for and it’s sporting that Shadwell have supplemented him to give us a chance of being involved in another top, top race.”

Adding further spice is John and Thady Gosden’s multiple Group One-winning filly Nashwa, who lost little in defeat when beaten a length by stablemate Mostahdaf at York.

Teddy Grimthorpe, racing manager for owner Imad Al Sagar, said: “It’s really exciting to be going there with her in what looks to be a top-class renewal.

“She came out of York really well, she’s bouncing, and she deserves to be there.

“Her York run was a rock-solid performance in every way and we’re delighted to be there. The BHA viewed her York run as a career-best, they put her up to 121 which is the second highest in the race.

“Hopefully, Leopardstown could suit her style.”

Onesto was second to Luxembourg last year and is back for another crack for Fabrice Chappet – with Frankie Dettori on top.

“He has a bit of experience doesn’t he. He knows his way round,” said Chappet of Dettori.

“He was supposed to ride Onesto earlier this year and he has ridden for me in the past. I have no worries having Frankie aboard and we are all very happy about that.”

On comparing last year with this year, he went on: “The first two in the Derby look decent and a Group One race is never easy. But I am happy with my horse and he has worked well since his race first time out in the Jacques le Marois, which was a good effort.

“It’s not easy for me to say at this stage and at this time of the year is when we get the chance to compare the three-year-olds and the older horses. Before they meet each other, I guess it is difficult to say. It is consistently a good race.”

When Coco Gauff lost to Sofia Kenin in the first round at Wimbledon just over two months ago, the 19-year-old admitted it was time to go back to the drawing board.

Whatever she did, it worked. The American idol has won 17 of her last 18 matches since that surprise day-one defeat, picking up titles in Washington and Cincinnati, and on Saturday she will face Aryna Sabalenka in her first US Open final.

“Right now, I’m very frustrated and disappointed,” Gauff said in SW19. “It makes me want to work even harder.

“I feel like I’ve been working hard but clearly it’s not enough. I have to go back to the drawing board and see where I need to improve.”

Since then Gauff has linked up with American coach Brad Gilbert, tidied up her susceptible forehand and zipped through the field at Flushing Meadows.

“Yeah, definitely after Wimbledon I wasn’t expecting to do well honestly in this hard-court season, so I’m really proud of the way I have been able to turn this season around for me,” she said.

“I think, honestly, when I had that at Wimbledon I was really sort of thinking about the off-season and preparing for next year. You know, I still think I have a lot to improve, but yeah, 100 per cent I wasn’t thinking these results would happen.

“Even after DC, I didn’t think this would happen. Even after Cincy, I didn’t think this would happen. I’m really proud of myself, and like I said, there is still a long way to go.

“Yeah, I think I can improve a lot, but how I have been able to manage with the game I have now is something that I’m happy with.”

Gauff dispatched Karolina Muchova in straight sets in their protest-interrupted semi-final, before Sabalenka came from a bagel down to beat another American, Madison Keys, in a deciding tie-break.

The Belarusian, who will become world number one on Monday, said: “Going into this final, I think I just have to focus on myself and prepare myself for another fight.

“No matter what, just keep fighting and keep playing my best and do my best. You know, like, what else can you do? You just have to be there and you have to fight for it.

“Coco, I mean, she’s moving really well. She’s hungry. She kind of like has nothing to lose. She knows that the crowd is going to support her. I think that’s what makes her a really difficult opponent.

“I’m still hoping that maybe some of them will be supporting me. Just a little bit. Just sometimes. Please?”

Kyprios is due to make his highly anticipated return to action in Sunday’s Comer Group International Irish St Leger with Aidan O’Brien surprised his star stayer is in the line-up.

The Moyglare Stud-owned chestnut carried all before him last season, winning the Gold Cup at Ascot, the Goodwood Cup, this corresponding race and the Prix du Cadran by a staggering 20 lengths.

Unfortunately, he met with a setback in the spring and O’Brien and his team have been forced to use all the guile, skill and patience required to get him back in time to defend his title on Irish racing’s biggest weekend.

Having picked up an infection on the inside of a joint and then enduring a far from straightforward recuperation, O’Brien admits he did not expect him to be lining up so soon.

“I didn’t think he’d make it back (for the Irish Leger) to tell you the truth and I can’t quite believe that he’s going to make it back, there’s still another day to go,” said O’Brien.

“He had a massive injury and I didn’t think it was going to be possible to get him back but the team have done a great job to get him back here, everyone that has been involved in him along the way deserves the credit.

“We’re hoping that he makes it back, he starts off OK, comes home well and then we can start planning after that, really.”

Jody Scheckter does not believe Lewis Hamilton's recent struggles will impact his Formula 1 legacy, insisting he will be remembered alongside Michael Schumacher as an all-time great.

Hamilton equalled Schumacher's record of seven drivers' championship titles in 2020, but he has failed to surpass the German icon's tally due to the dominance of Max Verstappen.

Having captured the title in controversial circumstances in 2021 and defended it last year, Verstappen has now won 10 successive races to close in on a third championship, which he could seal as early as the Japanese Grand Prix later this month.

Hamilton, meanwhile, sits fourth in the drivers' standings amid another difficult campaign, which has been plagued by suggestions he could soon walk away from the sport.

However, Hamilton opted to extend his F1 career until at least 2025 by penning a new contract with Mercedes last week, and Scheckter is pleased to see him still enjoying his time on the grid.

"I retired at 30 years old. He wants to carry on," the 1979 world champion told Stats Perform. "That's such a personal decision. He's got to do what he wants to do, if he's enjoying it.

"He's doing a good job, too. I thought [team-mate George] Russell would be quicker. But you know, Lewis is quick, he's doing a good job.

"If he gets a team-mate that beats him all the time… it's going to come, there's no question about it, it will come sooner or later. But people will still remember.

"You can't win that many world championships and not be recognised as an all-time great. 

"Some people get off at the wrong time, they carry on and want to hold onto it until they lose that, and people forget some of the other stuff that happened before."

Asked how Hamilton's achievements compare to those of Schumacher, the former Ferrari driver added: "I put them all in the same category. You know, there's the car there. 

"I think Lewis was a cleaner driver than Schumacher. In his tactics and stuff, he was more like a gentleman on the track than Schumacher was, so I commend him for that."

Sitting above Hamilton in the 2023 standings is his former McLaren team-mate and long-term rival Fernando Alonso, with the 42-year-old enjoying something of a renaissance with Aston Martin.

Alonso has racked up seven podium finishes in 2023 after finishing ninth in the drivers' championship while representing Alpine last year, and though Scheckter has not always been the Spaniard's biggest fan, he respects his longevity.

Reflecting on his own decision to retire in 1980, just one year after being crowned world champion, Scheckter said: "Some people say they enjoy it. I used to say if I'm enjoying it, I'm not trying hard enough.

"But if you're enjoying it, you're going to carry on longer and longer, you know? Maybe I pushed too hard to try and do it, so it's just a personal thing.

"Fernando's obviously very good. I didn't like some of the stuff he did earlier in his career, I didn't like it very much at all, actually. 

"But he's good, he's aggressive. I don't think he's as good as some of the press think he is, but he's doing a good job. Now, he's doing a really great job."

Sarina Wiegman is an outstanding coach and could succeed Gareth Southgate as manager of the England men's national team, says former Spain captain Veronica Boquete.

With reports suggesting Southgate may depart after he leads the Three Lions to his fourth major tournament at Euro 2024, various coaches have been touted as potential successors.  

Manchester City's Pep Guardiola is a reported target for the Football Association, but Wiegman's name has also been mentioned after she led the Lionesses to Euro 2022 glory last year.

Wiegman was denied another trophy as England were beaten by Spain in last month's Women's World Cup final, but Boquete remains convinced by her work with the Lionesses.  

The 36-year-old midfielder – who captained her country at the 2015 World Cup – feels Wiegman's name should be in the conversation.

"I think this is going to arrive, there is going to be a moment where a woman will be coaching a high-level [men's] team or national team," Boquete told Stats Perform. "She has already showed that she is a fantastic coach, that she has the knowledge, that she is a leader. So why not? 

"What are they going to say? 'Oh, no, she cannot be the coach of the men's national team' – Why not? She has already proved that she is great. 

"For me, it's about capacities and knowledge and if the players want to be coached by the best. If she is the best, they should give her the chance. 

"Everyone would be supporting her because it would be something fantastic for football but also for society."

Spain's first Women's World Cup win was overshadowed by the behaviour of Spanish Football Federation [RFEF] president Luis Rubiales, who has been provisionally suspended by FIFA after grabbing Jennifer Hermoso and kissing the forward on the lips.

A group of 81 players have refused to represent La Roja if Rubiales remains in post, while head coach Jorge Vilda – who was the subject of a player revolt previously – was sacked a little over two weeks after lifting the World Cup.

Wiegman was praised for speaking out in support of Spain's players upon receiving the UEFA Women's Coach of the Year award in Monaco last week, and her comments further convinced Boquete of her leadership skills. 

"I think her speech was fantastic and it gave hope to so many people to really believe in change," she added.

"It's crazy that the coach of the team that loses the final offered her moment to those players that are in this crazy situation, to defend something in such a strong way. I already had so much respect for her on the sporting side, but obviously now also on the personal side. 

"I consider her a leader, globally, and her words were just fantastic. I think we need to say thanks so many times because it was her moment and we kind of stole it, so we really appreciate it."

Asked about the controversy engulfing women's football in Spain, Boquete claimed her nation had enough talent to win previous World Cups, only to be held back by the RFEF's poor leadership. 

"It is not easy to explain to other countries all the things that are going on behind the scenes," she said. "Everyone will say 'yeah, but you're winning, how is that possible?' 

"I say, yeah, we win because we have a lot of talent. Normally with their clubs, they have better conditioning so they develop and that's great, but can you imagine if everyone was working in the right way a long time ago? We could have been world champions 10 years ago. 

"We were missing a lot of chances. We just want change so that it doesn't happen again and Spain can always be at the top.

"We already had the talent before, we had amazing players that didn't win anything because the people in charge didn't help them develop. So we just want the [right] people on top, so everyone can just be focused on being the best."

India’s Shubhankar Sharma set a daunting clubhouse target on day two of the Horizon Irish Open at The K Club.

Following a 30-minute delay due to early morning fog, overnight leader Sharma raced to the turn in just 28 shots with seven birdies and two pars.

A first bogey of the week on the par-five 10th halted Sharma’s momentum and although he bounced back immediately with a birdie on the 11th, the 27-year-old could only cover the last seven holes in one over par.

The resulting 66 gave the two-time DP World Tour winner a halfway total of 13 under par and a four-shot lead over Germany’s Freddy Schott, who covered his last 14 holes in nine under par in a superb 64.

“It was a really early morning start for us so I was a bit sleepy but I managed to make a lot of putts on the front nine,” Sharma said.

“I had nine single putts which was amazing, I don’t think I’ve done that before. Everything was just flowing nicely, I was hitting it in the right spots and was really good inside 10 feet so it all came together.

“It was still as hot as yesterday, which is quite unusual for Ireland, but I quite like this weather and the greens were better today because we played in the morning.

“There are some tough pin positions but if you’re on with your putter there will be low scores out there. I made some changes in the first half of the season but I’m finally seeing the results.”

Sharma won his first DP World Tour title in December 2017 and his second just two months later, but has yet to taste victory since and has recorded only two top-10 finishes this season, although the most recent was in the Open Championship at Royal Liverpool.

“I took a four-week break after the Open and was sick last week so spent most of the weekend sleeping on my couch, but I still have good memories from the Open so I am just trying to continue that form,” he added.

“I’m obviously very keen on getting back into the winner’s circle but it’ll happen when it happens.

“I can only control the controllables, have a good positive mindset on the weekend and I’m sure it will happen soon rather than later.”