Hannon takes it to the max

Richard Hannon set a poser by running two in the European Breeders Fund Crocker Bulteel Maiden Stakes, the opening race on Diamond Day at Ascot.

And the trainer was a touch surprised when To The Max came out on top, with better-fancied stablemate Paceman out of the money.

Jimmy Fortune was at his strongest on the 15-2 winner, who laid it down to the 11-4 favourite Dijeerr in the final furlong, getting on top in the last 100 yards to score by three-quarters of a length.

Hannon was represented by his son and assistant Richard junior, who said: “It was obviously a good race. Jeremy Noseda’s horse (Dodge City) looked a nice one, while on the inside of us we had a colt who cost half a million dollars (Dijeerr).

“This fellow is very lazy at home. He looked like he was always getting there but I was watching the other horse. He got going when he hit the rising ground and he would appreciate seven furlongs or even a mile.

“Paceman has been on the weak side and is better than the form he’s shown today.”