Nugget gives owners a golden moment in Spring Cup as he enters Royal Ascot mix

Richard Hannon was in rampant form at Newbury on Sunday, saddling a treble that included the taking victory of Nugget in the MansionBet Spring Cup.

The Hunt Cup at Royal Ascot could be next, but the Highclere Thoroughbred Racing syndicate who own him are happy to savour this success for now.

Highclere frontman Harry Herbert expressed his delight at the result and thanked members for their response to the coronavirus pandemic.

"It's been extraordinary," he said.

"We've got an incredibly loyal group of owners. I thought things would be cataclysmic when we hit Covid-19, but the remarkable thing is people have wanted to continue and carry on and even come into new horses.

"Having the optimism to look forward is very special in dark times and that's what a horse can do. It doesn't matter whether it's an unraced two-year-old or an improving handicapper like this. It's been frustrating for owners because you can't go and see the horses, but a day like this is great.

"It's special to win a race like this and means a lot."

Foxes Tales (blue) comes out on topCredit: Alan Crowhurst (Getty Images)

Family fortunes

Foxes Tales kept things in the family by winning division two of the mile maiden, which his half-brother Fox Chairman landed two years ago.

The pair race in the colours of King Power Racing, which was set up by late Leicester City chairman Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, who died in a helicopter crash in 2018.

Bloodstock agent Alastair Donald bought the three-year-old and, representing the owners, said: "They're still very keen and have a strong team this year. They've around in 90 in training, which is about the same as the last two years and probably only members of the Maktoum family would have more."

Snow Lantern (Sean Levey) is all classCredit: Edward Whitaker

Snow shines for Hannon

Snow Lantern, a daughter of 1,000 Guineas heroine Sky Lantern, earned Classic quotes after a smart victory in division one of the mile maiden.

She is 8-1 with Paddy Power and Betfair for the Qipco 1,000 Guineas, while those firms make her 16-1 for the Cazoo Oaks, which Richard Hughes – who rode Sky Lantern – thinks might be a better fit and it is not just fond memories he is basing his opinion on.

Richard Hannon, who trains Snow Lantern for Rockcliffe Stud, said: "I've never known a filly look so much like her mother and Hughesie has had a sit on her. I said, 'Come down – it'll take you back'. He said it felt like she'd get a mile and a half."

Results, replays and analysis

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