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Freak out: Richard Hannon feels the rhythm as Threat bags Champagne

Threat Doncaster
Threat (left) wins the Champagne Stakes under Pat Dobbs at DoncasterCredit: Mark Cranham

Richard Hannon admitted to being "freaked out" by Threat at home and the trainer was a little panicked on course after his Classic hope only narrowly prevailed in the Group 2 Pommery Champagne Stakes at Doncaster.

Carrying a penalty for his Gimcrack win last month, Threat cruised to the furlong pole but was required to pull out all the stops to deny Royal Crusade, getting up by just a neck as the 6-5 favourite.

A close second in both the Coventry and Richmond Stakes before York, the Cheveley Park Stud-owned colt was left unchanged at 20-1 for next year's Qipco 2,000 Guineas by some firms but Hannon insists he has something special on his hands.

"He's a talented horse who has freaked me out for a while," said the trainer. "I keep seeing what he did there up to the furlong marker, looking like an extremely talented horse at home, and then it breaks your heart if you get beat on the track."
Richard Hannon: two winners at Doncaster
Richard Hannon: two winners at DoncasterCredit: Edward whitaker
Hannon was unsure where Threat heads next but he has a clear aim for next year.

"I've always said we'll work our way back from the Guineas and we'll look at the Middle Park or Dewhurst," he said. "It was a very good race and he carried a 3lb penalty, and travelled like a horse who is special."

Charlie Appleby was thrilled with Royal Crusade on what was just his second start.

"The winner showed his experience and we were delighted with our horse," said the trainer. "William [Buick] said he has a bit of class and he'll have no trouble with a mile next year."


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Andrew DietzReporter

Published on 14 September 2019inReports

Last updated 19:27, 14 September 2019

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