Fans excited at racing’s return
Top trainer gives Mirror readers half a dozen horses to follow in the new season
RICHARD HANNON had a tough act to follow when taking over from his father, Richard snr, in 2014 but responded by landing the trainers’ title in his first season. Hannon (right) has enjoyed the usual mix of quality and quantity since — and expect more of the same this year, says
FLOATING ARTIST
Stepped up to a mile and a half for handicap victory at Ascot last July and matched that form when fourth in the Group 3 Gordon Stakes at Goodwood the following month.
It has taken a long time to get him right, but he’s a very nice horse. He’s still lightly raced and I think he has improved again. He’s been working very well and I think he will get a trip.
KING OF CHANGE
Excellent 66-1 second in the 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket and is unbeaten in two starts since, including a top-level triumph in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes on Ascot in October.
He’s got to be in our list for obvious reasons. We were delighted when he ran such a huge race in the Guineas and gave him a break after Newmarket.
He’s already a star but we always felt last year that he’d be a better horse at four, and I hope he can scale similar heights – at least.
MR TYRRELL
Win record – two wins from 30 starts – could be better, but has also claimed place money on 13 occasions.
He’s a nice older horse and you should see plenty of him over the coming weeks and months. He’s sound and genuine and has come back from a nice break in good form. He’s one to have on your side.
SAUNTON
A 57,000-guinea yearling by the 2,000 Guineas hero of 2005 and out of a winning half-sister to Fillies’ Mile winner Red Bloom.
I like the sire as Threat and Mums Tipple did well for us last year. He’s got entries at Newmarket later this week – and in the sales races later in the summer – and he sharp.
AL DAWODIYA
looks quite
Beat just one home at Goodwood in August on debut but improved for second placings at Chelmsford
and Kempton.
She made the running at Chelmsford and Kempton before just getting run out of it, but she looks a bit stronger this year.
I certainly wouldn’t question her enthusiasm – the way she works, she definitely wants to do it – and I hope she can win some races.
SOUNDSLIKETHUNDER
Half-brother to six winners by the stable’s 2,000 Guineas victor of 2104. Cost €100,000 as a yearling.
Obviously we trained Night Of Thunder to win the Guineas and the Lockinge, and he’s doing very well at stud.
This horse wants six and will want seven in time. I’m not sure you will see him at Royal Ascot, but he’s a very nice horse to watch throughout the year.
THE nation has been chomping at the bit for the resumption of horse racing, according to a survey by Ladbrokes.
The bookmakers’ Sport, It’s Good To Have You Back Survey, carried out by Perspectus Global, asked 2,000 sports fans for their views on what they missed most about watching their favourite sport and how excited they are to have it back.
More than half said the lack of sport on TV has made them realise how much they love it and nearly a third claim they watch horse racing on television every week.
Around 38 per cent say they plan to watch as much racing behind closed doors as possible, and 47 per cent per cent plan on watching even more than they used to.
It’s no surprise that half the fans interviewed said they will be tuning in and watching Newcastle racing today — many armed with the Daily Mirror pullout!
Nicola McGeady, Head of Ladbrokes PR said: “It really is good to have racing back.”