Hogan banks on Byron

Tom Hogan believes Group One winner Gordon Lord Byron will have another day in the sun after missing out in the Diamond Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot.

Longchamp’s Prix de la Foret, which he won last autumn, is likely to be the end-of-season objective for the five-year-old – though Hogan hopes Gordon Lord Byron can collect a decent prize beforehand.

The County Tipperary trainer felt his charge did not let himself down on the ground which was loose on top after a drop of rain, but the horse still performed with credit when fourth to Lethal Force.

The Darley July Cup at Newmarket on July 13, the Invesco Pension Minstrel Stakes at the Curragh a week later and the bet365 Lennox Stakes at Glorious Goodwood on July 30 are among the races that will be given consideration.

“He’s come out of the race well. The ground was a bit loose on top and he didn’t quicken on it. We were probably drawn on the slower side of the track as well,” said Hogan.

“He ran a good race and you have to be happy with that. We might get our turn sometime later in the year.

“He’s still in the July Cup at the moment, he’ll be entered in the Lennox Stakes at Goodwood, and he has an entry in the Minstrel Stakes over here.

“He will be entered up and he will run when we find suitable ground conditions. He likes to get a grip.

“We will campaign away and the long-term target will probably be the Prix de la Foret again. Hopefully he will be able to pick up a nice race before then.

“He’s consistent and genuine and keeps producing it every day.”