Hannon and O’Brien neck-and-neck for Series Trainers’ Title

Richard Hannon celebrates another victory with Richard Hughes. Image copyright of Racingfotos.com

Toronado’s victory at Glorious Goodwood in the QIPCO Sussex Stakes has drawn his trainer Richard Hannon level with Aidan O’Brien in the British Champions Series Trainers’ Rankings.

Hannon’s three-year-old defeated Dawn Approach in their Duel on the Downs clash at Goodwood and the result means that the Wiltshire-based trainer is now equal with O’Brien on 85 points.

O’Brien, who won last year’s championship thanks to the achievements of Camelot and St Nicholas Abbey amongst others, has had huge success again this campaign with Epsom Derby winner Ruler of the World, Coronation Cup champion St Nicholas Abbey and Queen Anne victor Declaration of War.

Equally Hannon, a scorer of only five points last season, has had a magnificent year with Sky Lantern providing Champion Jockey Richard Hughes with his first British Classic and the yard’s beloved Toronado securing his first Group 1 triumph at Goodwood.

The next Champions Series race is the Juddmonte International Stakes at York where O’Brien is likely to saddle up a few contenders, with Ruler of the World, Declaration of War, Magician and Camelot all possibilities.

The Ballydoyle trainer will be hoping to put daylight between himself and Hannon, as the 68-year-old does not have a runner in the Knavesmire contest.

In the Jockeys’ Rankings, Hughes has opened up an impressive lead against his rivals, with the Irish rider now on 100 points – 30 points clear of William Buick.

The pair both had victories in Champions Series races at Glorious Goodwood, with Hughes partnering Toronado and Buick producing a shock win in the Nassau Stakes on Winsili.

Joseph O’Brien is close by on a mark of 60 along with Kevin Manning, while Lethal Force’s jockey Adam Kirby and the Gold Cup-winning rider for Her Majesty The Queen, Ryan Moore, are fifth and sixth respectively in the rankings.