Super Saturday for Channon as Storting completes double in Thirsk Hunt Cup

Mick Channon thought he was lacking 'Saturday' horses and then two emerged in quick succession, with Storting capping a golden 35 minutes for the trainer in the Cliff Stud Thirsk Hunt Cup.

The 18-1 winner stuck on well in the closing stages under Tony Hamilton to deny market leaders Nugget and Astro King for Channon, who won the Listed fillies' race at Goodwood with Illykato – his other runner on the day.

"Storting has always been a good horse but he's had a few little issues and his owners Jon and Julia Aisbitt, who also bred him, have had the patience of Job," said the trainer.

"We always thought there was a good race in him and it's all come together. The form looks solid and we'll see what there is for him, but he wants decent ground."

The Berkshire-based Channon is a multiple Group 1-winning trainer but believes his team for the season, which totals "50 to 60", is lacking strength.

"Funnily enough, we lack Saturday horses and these two, who are among our better ones, go and win," he said. "We are short of a bit of quality, but we have some nice two-year-olds to come."

Storting clearly enjoys his trips up to Yorkshire as his only previous win came at Pontefract in 2019, while four of the stable's last five winners have come in the county.

Ban for Hanagan

Paul Hanagan was banned for three days (May 16-18) and forfeited his riding fee after failing to weigh in following his ride on Semper Augustus, who was subsequently disqualified from fourth place in the mile handicap won by Delgrey Boy.

Results, replays and analysis

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