Racing: It would be a lot to ask for Richards Hannon and Hughes to replicate their nine winners apiece from the Glorious Goodwood of 2010, but Strong Suit helped the all-conquering team make the perfect start to this year's meeting with an effortless win in the bet365 Lennox Stakes.
A breathing operation was credited with the reason for the chestnut’s abrupt return to form in last month’s Jersey Stakes at Royal Ascot, with the performance hardly condemned when he finished a narrow third in a subsequent outing in the Group One Prix Jean Prat at Chantilly.
Although taking on older horses over his favoured trip of seven furlongs, this was essentially a drop down in class for the 5-2 favourite and that conclusion had to be drawn with Hughes barely moving a muscle as he defeated Red Jazz by a length and a half.
Hannon said: “The first time he ran at Newbury in the Greenham we were very disappointed, but we put the overhead camera on him and you could see his throat closing.
“That was sorted out and we worked him one day at Kempton with (top miler) Canford Cliffs and he worked so well we took our chance at Ascot and he won. He only got beaten a head and a nose in a Group One the other day and the Prix de la Foret might be the race for him.
“Canford Cliffs didn’t make him look ordinary - this is a good horse.”
Hannon’s son, Richard junior, offered the Hungerford Stakes at Newbury as another option while Hughes added: “When he’s good, he’s very good.
“Something upset him in France the last day, he was never at ease going to the start. I asked one of the guys if he got stung in the parade ring as he got very worked up, but I knew straight away today he was a different horse.”
Barry Hills said of Red Jazz: “The best horse won, but we’d have been very unlucky if we’d lost second because Richard Hughes cut across ours.
“He’ll end up in Hong Kong and it’s just a matter of picking some races before then.”
Moustache's later success in the Casino At Bet365 EBF 'Assertive' Maiden Stakesmade the day even better for Hannon and Hughes, the 6-1 shot appropriately beating the newcomer Llanarmon Lad by a nose.
Hannon added: “I thought he was a certainty at Chepstow last time but he was beaten and we found he had an infection. This could be a very good horse — he’s still learning and growing.”
Requinto (6-1) collected the bet365 Molecomb Stakesfor Irish trainer David Wachman.
The Tipperary Listed-race winner broke fast close to the stands rail before losing some ground at halfway.
Jockey Wayne Lordan switched to the middle of the track and it proved a wise move, as his mount picked up well to score by a length and a quarter in a good time.
Lordan explained: “There were a few horses in front of me so I just got him out and got him a bit of racing room. They’re only two-year-olds and it was only his fifth start so once I got a bit of room, he quickened up and went to the line very well.”
Coolmore representative Kevin Buckley added: “They went terribly quick in front but he’s got lots of speed, just like his dam (Damson).
“The faster the ground, the better. David will see how he is and make a decision, but he could maybe be one for the Flying Childers.”
The James Bethell-trained Arlequin (20-1) gained compensation for missing his main target as he held on to the bet365.com Handicapfrom the fast-finishing 100-30 favourite Modun.
“We wanted to go for the John Smith’s at York but we didn’t get in, and this was the second choice,” admitted Middleham-based Bethell. “It’s possible he’ll go back to York now for a handicap on August 17, although I do have him entered at Baden-Baden at the end of the month.”
There was a landmark moment for first-season trainer Ed Walker when his first Goodwood runner, Red Gulch (16-1), secured the Poker At bet365 Handicap.
“He had been running well but creeping up the handicap, so this is deserved,” said Walker. “This is great for us — I’m so grateful for the support of all the owners.”
Secret Asset (14-1) landed the closing Mobile At bet365 Handicap.