SO, Boris Johnson is out of the cabinet; England are out of the World Cup; and Ascot Racecourse will be leaving Racing UK , all of which could have been easily predicted with reference to the stars.

The week’s turmoil comes as a result of the forthcoming lunar eclipse on July 27, which will be the longest lunar eclipse of the 21st Century.

As the Sun, Earth and Moon become perfectly aligned, the Earth’s shadow will pass across the surface of the moon for approximately 102 minutes. But because light bends ever so slightly across the vast distances of spaces, the moon will take on a red hue – which was taken by our ancestors as a portent of doom.

It’s only natural, therefore, that we should expect a series of changes at this time – this week was the week of exits.

The England football team’s departure from the World Cup was of course the simplest event to predict.

Perhaps the greater surprise was that the youthful team had made it as far as the tournament’s semi-finals. It just goes to show what can be achieved with a good team spirit.

The disarray of the government over Brexit policy, on the other hand, demonstrates just how bad things can get when you have a deeply divided team.

Meanwhile, Ascot’s departure from Racing UK appears to be the result of not wanting to be part of any particular team – they have divided their media rights into packages which have been bestowed upon a range of different organisations with many different partners.

It’s a bit like grazing not just one buffet table, but all the best bits from every table at a mile-long street party.

So what else is on the agenda ahead of the blood-moon at the end of the month? Expect some unexpected guests to make a big entrance.

A leadership challenge will herald the downfall of Theresa May and make way for Britain’s next Prime Minister Jacob Rees-Mogg, who is expected to move into Number 10 with his nanny.

Jimmy Moffatt will win all seven races on Cartmel’s Cumbria Crystal Cup card, on Saturday, July 21.

Meanwhile, a new favourite will be unveiled for the future management of Musselburgh Racecourse at their Open Day on July 23 – in the shape of Tesco, who will also be opening new food outlets at the East Lothian track.

Finally, and perhaps most unusually, we anticipate that this column’s selections will actually start winning – this week’s tip is for Dash Of Spice in the 59th John Smith’s Cup at York. And if Dash of Spice scores, look out! Because the end of the world is nigh…