Richard Hannon does Irish racing a favour by opening up entry system debate

That was a rather interesting little spat between trainer, Richard Hannon, and Horse Racing Ireland chief Executive, Brian Kavanagh, regarding the recent Group 1 Keeneland Phoenix Stakes at the Curragh.

Hannon began the debate on Channel 4 last Saturday when describing the Phoenix Stakes as “a farcical race.’’

He then went on to question the entry system for some of Ireland’s leading juvenile races. Hannon blamed no British representatives on early entry, for contests such as the Phoenix Stakes, for their lack of strength on race day.