Horse Racing: Longest-serving patron gives Hannon 15th ton; SANDOWN.
Byline: by Gavin BeechRICHARD HANNON hit new heights yesterday at Sandown, where the Marlborough trainer saddled his 100th winner of 2006 - the 15th time he has reached the century milestone in the last 16 years.
Hannon, who sent out his first winner in 1970, was on hand to saddle Punta Galera in the 1m2f handicap, and his Zafonic colt posted his first success in handicap company, although much of the credit should be steered in the direction of Ryan Moore, who gave the three-year-old a perfectly executed front-running ride.
Hannon said: "He got a soft lead but takes much more of an interest when he's allowed to lead or race prominently."
Punta Galera is owned by Hannon's longest-serving owner, John Lazzari, who has been a patron for 22 years.
Lazzari's pink silks and black cap have been carried to Group-race glory by Ga-leota, who won the Mill Reef Stakes' Wallace, a Listed winner' and Orient Line, winner of a valuable handicap on Derby day at Epsom.
Kasumi doubled up on her maiden win at Salisbury by lowering the colours of hot favourite Scrummage in the 7f handicap.
The Inchinor filly was a 50th birthday present for Viscountess Fiona Trenchard, sister of winning trainer Hughie Morrison, and connections were naturally delighted with the performance.
"We might keep her in training as a four-year-old now," said the winning owner.
Morrison added: "She's proving progressive, but the overnight rain helped as she needs some give, as was the case at Salisbury last time. We didn't want to take Scrummage on early, so we dropped her in this time and she travelled wonderfully well."
Blue Echo was the only winning favourite on the card, but she justified her status as a long odds-on shot with a ready win in the opening 5f fillies' maiden.
She made all the running under Philip Robinson, who didn't have to get serious with the daughter of Kyllachy to gallop clear of her rivals.
Travelling head groom Paul Rutter said: "We expected her to win this pretty easily and she did.
"She stays six furlongs, so we've got options on that front, and although she's dominated in her recent races, she doesn't have to be ridden that way. She's definitely got a decent turn of foot."
Mango Music led the field home in a falsely run 5f sprint for Mick Chan-non and Ian Mongan, before Dane O'Neill rode a 63-1 double on Double Spectre in the 1m handicap and Piper's Song in the closing 7f handicap.
The latter, making his handicap debut for trainer Henry Candy, showed a really likeable attitude to get the better of more battle-hardened rivals and his trainer is hopeful he has a bright future.
"His babyishness showed in the closing stages but he is definitely going the right way," said Candy.
Star performance
Ryan Moore rode his fellow jockeys to sleep on Punta Galera, yet another example of why he is the champion jockey-elect
Ton up
Richard Hannon, who continues to churn out the winners, although he's still got plenty of work to do if he is to get anywhere near his record haul of 182 winners, achieved in 1993
CAPTION(S):
Ryan Moore: won from the front
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| Title Annotation: | Sports |
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| Publication: | The Racing Post (London, England) |
| Date: | Sep 13, 2006 |
| Words: | 535 |
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