1 October
TRAINER Richard Hannon took a giant stride toward landing back-to-back trainer titles with a one-two in the £500,000 Tattersalls Millions 2YO Trophy.
Coupe De Ville scooped the £270,000 first prize and stable-mate Tell Dad earned £110,700 for finishing a length behind him in second.
Hannon started the day almost £600,000 in front at the top of the table and with this afternoon’s windfall looks sure to finish out in front once again.
It wasn’t all plain sailing for Coupe De Ville as he had to survive a sandwiching incident just past the half-way point in the 7f contest.
But he flew home in the hands of jockey Richard Hughes to nail an 8/1 triumph - his fourth career victory.
“He nearly got tipped on the ground but we had a reserve - a good reserve,” beamed Hannon, tipping a thumb in the direction of the runner-up Tell Dad.
“Coupe De Ville got into plenty of trouble and would have been an unlucky loser. But he is an improving horse and we will probably leave him alone now for the rest of this year. He will probably get further in time.”
Hannon and Hughes had earlier initiated the first leg of a double through Campanology in the EBF Federation Of Bloodstock Agents Maiden. He had the bells ringing for his backers as he justified 11/10 favouritism with a one-length victory from Sheikh The Reins.
Hughes went on to win two more races securing a four-timer on the afternoon. He made it three on Encke in the British Stallion Studs Supporting British Racing Maiden Stakes. An empahtic victory earned the Godolphin-owned colt a quote of 33/1 for next year’s Derby.
Hughes was his absolute finest aboard Blanche Dubawi in the EBF Bahamian Bounty Boadicea Stakes. He produced the 2/1 favourite to lead right on the line, beating Anne of Kiev by a short head.
In the £300,000 Tattersalls Millions 2YO Fillies’ Trophy, Samitar took her career earnings to over £260,000 with a length-and-a-quarter victory from Hazel Lavery in the £300,000 Tattersalls Millions 2YO Fillies’ Trophy.
Just edged out by a head in the Group 1 Fillies’ Mile eight days earlier, she was the class act in the race and proved it for jockey Sam Hitchcott.
She was always prominent and successfully tackled long-time leader Glee over a furlong out. Indeed, through the closing strides she looked as if she had a bit left up her sleeve if required.
Afterwards, Hitchcott revealed he’d had the benefit of a phone-call from Jamie Spencer, who was unable on this occasion to partner Samitar because of a commitment in America.
“Jamie said to be very positive and don’t be afraid to commit on her,” reflected Hitchcott on the 5/4 win.
“She made my life easy and if anything she idled in front and saved that bit more for when she needs it. She is very tough and very genuine.”
Principal Role landed odds of 4/6 when winning the fourth Listed race of her career in the TRM Severals Stakes.
The daughter of Empire Maker was pushed all the way to the line by the runner-up, Poplin, but was always on top, winning by three-quarters of length.
Sir Henry Cecil, the winning trainer, said: “She was unlucky not to be second in the Nassua and has been consistent all year.
“She has done it well enough today and looks to be very genuine.”
Art History has shown a past liking for the Rowley Mile course and he nailed a second win on the track in the 32Red Handicap Stakes. Trainer Mark Johnston’s charge fought a gallant battle with Warlu Way, eventually winning by a short head.
The inagural Future Champions’ Day is the next fixture on the Rowley Mile next Saturday, 8 October. First race 2:05.
