YOU Ryan ace books trip to Ascot after Cup win

HELLO YOUMZAIN made all the running to lift Haydock’s Betfair Sprint Cup — and this time had the limelight to himself.

When the Kevin Ryantrained three- year- old won the Group 2 Sandy Lane Stakes at the same track in May, the media focus was trained on John Gosden’s runner-up Calyx, who had suffered a shock first defeat at odds of 2-13.

But if that victory rang hollow – Calyx sustained a leg injury and was retired to stud – yesterday’s Group 1 triumph was altogether more satisfying as Hello Youmzain and James Doyle claimed the prize from last year’s winner The Tin Man.

After watching the 9-2 co- favourite justify support from morning odds of 7- 1 by half a length from the defending champion, Ryan said: “These horses don’t come along very often – it was an amazing performance.

“They’ve gone a good gallop and he has really quickened up well.”

Hel lo Youmzain followed his Sandy Lane Stakes success with a third to Advertise – a late scratching with a low-grade virus – in the Group 1 Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot.

But Ryan resisted the temptation to run in the interim, explaining: “This race was always the plan.

“We’ve been patient – it’s not all about this year. What’s he going to be like next year? He’s such a young horse. He’s going to improve and get more strength. You shouldn’t wish your life away but when we see him next term, he’s going to be bigger and stronger.”

Hello Youmzain will compete for the final time this year in the Champions Sprint at Ascot on 19 October – a race for which Paddy Power cut him to 6- 1 from 12-1.

The Tin Man’s trainer James Fanshawe praised the runner-up’s “fantastic race” which staved off retirement after a string of below-par efforts, most