Brighton forward Georginio Rutter receives boost before new Premier League season as his French Affair scores

Brighton forward Georginio Rutter will have an extra spring in his step ahead of the new Premier League season after French Affair scored in the opening 6f nursery.

Trained by Richard Hannon, the son of Mehmas is joint-owned by Jinky Farms and Rutter, who begins his second season for the Seagulls with a home clash against Fulham on Saturday.

Rutter was in attendance at Salisbury on Thursday to see Brighlee finish second, but had to watch French Affair's nose defeat of Penhallam from afar on the eve of the new campaign.

Hannon said: "Wherever he is he'll be jumping up and down because he genuinely loves it. There's one thing enjoying it, but he feels it too.

"He's a really lovely man and he's so into horses, never mind racing. He just adores his horses and he used to go racing with his dad in a tiny little province in France. He got the bug from there and when he came to the yard I was captivated by his infectious enthusiasm." 

Hannon, who completed a double with Slay Queen in the 6f fillies' novice, added: "Georginio's got a very nice filly with me called Orion's Belt. She's very nice and one for next year. She's in the Prix Marcel Boussac and she won at the July festival, and he has a few to look forward to."

Bow Echo: looked an exciting prospect after winning impressively at NewburyCredit: Edward Whitaker (racingpost.com/photos)

Exciting prospect

Billy Loughnane was pretty confident on his chances aboard Bow Echo, but the Group 1-winning rider was surprised at the manner of his victory in the mile maiden.

The George Boughey-trained juvenile grew into the race steadily before producing a powerful turn of foot that left Loughnane excited about his future.

Loughnane said: "It was a taking performance. His work had been good at home and I've always liked him. I couldn't believe how well I was going at the two-furlong pole."

Asked if he'd be the type for next year's 2,000 Guineas, Loughnane said: "He's got a long way to go before that and we're not 100 per cent sure what he's beaten, but I'd imagine George will have options for him. I thought he'd take a lot of beating but he's got to step up to any Classic credentials."

Hollywood Treasure (Rowan Scott, white cap) wins the St Hugh's StakesCredit: Edward Whitaker (racingpost.com/photos)

Treasure secured

Jockey Rowan Scott registered his second biggest career success when Hollywood Treasure continued her winning sequence in the Listed St Hugh's Stakes.

The Kevin Philippart de Foy-trained winner followed up from her debut success at Wolverhampton in April and it would have been an Amo Racing 1-2 but for Palmeira splitting Hollywood Treasure and Queen Mary second Flowerhead. 

Scott, whose other big-race win came in the 2020 Flying Childers, said: "She's only had the one start – she had a bit of a setback – and she'll get a lot of confidence from that because she won well.

"When the gap opened up she picked up well and she was strong at the line. She could get six, she's got a lot of natural speed so there are options for her."

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