Racing Centre

Hannon jnr - upbeat about Major Cadeaux's prospects

RICHARD Hannon jnr is full of confidence about Major Cadeaux’s chances ahead of tomorrow’s Stan James 2000 Guineas.

Assistant to his father Richard Hannon, the trainer-in-waiting is more than optimistic when assessing the impressive Greenham Stakes winner.

Adagio may head the sponsor’s market for the big race, but Hannon jnr has indicated that it would be wise not to underestimate 8-1 shot Major Cadeaux.

He said: “Major Cadeaux is the best horse I have seen at Herridge (Hannon jnr’s base). Adagio beat one of ours (Sonny Red), who is rated 99, by a length and a half, whereas Major Cadeaux beat a 121-rated Group 1 winner (Dutch Art) by three and a half lengths, so maybe the professionals have under-rated our fellow somewhat.”

Whatever the outcome, you can bet the day out will be enjoyed to the ‘max’ by Major Cadeaux’s enthusiastic ownership team..

The imposing colt was bought by Richard along with bloodstock agent Ross Doyle and cost 65,000 Euros but they didn’t have a specific client in mind at the time.

Reflecting on the purchase, Hannon jnr, who has his own team of owners, said: “He was not the most beautiful in the sale, but he was a fine, huge specimen and he had so much presence that we had to take a chance.

“However, by our standards he was a bit ‘lumpy’ and I just could not sell him on, so I persuaded three of my owners – David Mort, Norman Woodcock and Tony Pickford – to form a syndicate and have three horses between them.

“One won two sellers and the other was useless, but that is what makes syndication so great, and Major Cadeaux has enabled the boys to live the dream.”