King Torus on his way for the Fortune Stakes at Sandown
When we talk about some of the most famous and successful trainers in the horse racing industry, one name that strikes out almost instantly is Richard Hannon. He has enjoyed a very thriving and blossoming career which still has way more to be added to it
as his credentials are nearly never ending.
Not only has he trained horses, he has been a role model and instrumental trainer for his key jockey and son in law, Richard Hughes.
With a license since 1970, he has trained more than 100 winning horses over 11 racing seasons.
Now his trainee, King Torus, is being tested for the Fortune Stakes at Sandown which would prove to be quite significant if he ends up winning it.
The 3-year-old, owned by Sir Robert Ogden, won the Betfred “Goals Galore” Superior Mile at Haydock on 3rd September with Richard Hughes onboard.
He was in lead very soon after leaving the gate and got chased for over three furlongs. He was yet again in lead while approaching the final furlong and made it to the wire with controlled, balanced and persistent effort.
Questioning, under John Gosden's training and ridden by William Buick, finished as the runner-up. Dark Promise joined the two under Neil Callan, classifying his position to be third.
It has been more than ten months that he has been off the track after being unable to win the Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere at Lonhchamp in October. However, he has won two Group 2 races last season, the Superlative Stakes and the Vintage Stakes.
His Haydock performance was considered to be compatible but the way he ran at the Stakes brought in some uncertainty which ultimately led the connections to go for an easier and slightly lower level.
Hannon said, "He ran a good race at Haydock, but I still don't think he performed to his Group Two ability when he won last time. He had been off a while and we've got to give the horse every chance. That's the reason we are keeping him at a slightly lower
level until we do step him up”.
The trainer added, "If he comes through this test satisfactorily, then we will be looking at a couple of Group races in the autumn. There are plenty of good horses in the race and he's coming up against older horses, so it is a bit more difficult for him”.
Evidently, the result of this race would set the future pace for King Torus.
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