HRI responds to Hannon 'farcical' claim

Horse Racing Ireland chief executive Brian Kavanagh has defended the five-runner Phoenix Stakes won by Caravaggio after trainer Richard Hannon described it as a "farcical race".

Hannon blamed the early entry system in place for many of Ireland's top juvenile races as being a major factor in some of those contests lacking strength in depth and cited the recent renewal of the Phoenix as an example.

However, Kavanagh said the presence of brilliant Coventry winner Caravaggio was a contributing factor to the small field size.