Revenge sweet for Toronado
Canford Cliffs had been mauled by Frankel two years earlier before being retired prematurely due to injury and Toronado was odds-against as he clashed with Dawn Approach for the third time after a heavy defeat in the 2000 Guineas and a far narrower one in the St James’s Palace Stakes.
This time, though, after what has to count as one of Hughes’s most brilliant rides, there was half a length between them and there must surely be potential for a fourth round as the match justified what looked slightly excessive hype.
Dawn Approach (10-11 favourite), representing Jim Bolger and Godolphin, was himself a far more relaxed individual than the one who wrestled away his own chances in the Derby as he sat in behind his pacemaker Leitir Mor and was launched for a challenge with two furlongs remaining.
Hughes, who had felt aggrieved at Ascot, when he needed to go around the houses and lost the battle with Dawn Approach by a short head, kept his icy nerve amid building pressure as Toronado (11-4) ambled into contention and was readied to pounce.
The powerful chestnut Dawn Approach has always been reluctant to give an inch once in front but Toronado was soon on his heels and actually only needed a couple of reminders from his jockey to kick past his old rival close to the line.
“Revenge is sweet, I suppose, but they are two good horses,” said Hannon.
“Richard Hughes said the other morning in work that he was the best he has ever ridden. You know, with Canford Cliffs and everything, we have had some good horses, but he is very good.
“It was looking difficult two furlongs out, but our horse has a hell of a turn of foot.
“I’d have loved to see him win at Ascot, but I was just happy to see him back to form after his run in the Guineas.”
Hughes said: “(That) was very sweet. Just when I kicked him in the belly, it wasn’t as instant on that ground as it would have been on fast ground.
“My plan was ’wide, fast and late’ and luckily it worked. I didn’t want to get in a battle with Dawn Approach.
“It was a great race, when I didn’t go by Dawn Approach quickly I thought ’oh no, here we go again’ but he was very brave. He’s brilliant.”
*Jockey Kevin Manning was suspended for four days (August 14-17) due to using his whip above the permitted level.
