Richard Hannon breaks new ground with North American winner

The five-year-old was a first winner on the continent for the trainer, and his win in the Kentucky event under James Doyle earned connections over £400,000.  

In doing so, it not only took the stable's earnings abroad to above their domestic return, but provided the handler with a feather in his cap that his father, Richard Hannon Snr, didn't have. 

Speaking on Luck On Sunday, he explained: "My dad didn't have one. He had the favourite in the Breeders' Cup - that didn't go well, Mr. Brooks, and a few other chances. 

"And I've had a few that have been very unlucky, like Sky Lantern. But it was kind of the monkey off our back and I'm delighted that he could do it because he's a very special horse and it's typical of him to do that.  

"There aren't many who can win over seven at Royal Ascot and then win over 10 furlongs at Royal Ascot. 

"We're looking at the Darley Stakes now at Newmarket and then probably the Man O' War Stakes at Belmont Park."

Hannon also outlined some potentially lucrative ventures to America for some other stable stars. 

"Persica might also go to the Man O' War, while Dover Street and Pershaada might go to the Breeders' Cup. 

"The Breeders' Cup, you have to go with a champion if you're going to have any chance of winning. But other races generally on turf - it's a bit of a cliche- but their turf horses are not quite up to what the European ones are. And for the prize money out there, if you've got the guts to fork out the money to get there, it can pay massive dividends."