Richard Hannon: “I’m very happy with Threat and will be disappointed if he isn’t up to winning”

YORK, FRIDAY

3:00 Al Basti Equiworld Gimcrack Stakes

Threat (Oisin Murphy)

I would be wasting all your time by reminding everyone how much we like this colt and despite being beaten at Goodwood last time, he’s won and finished second in two Group Twos in just three runs so it’s clear for all to see how much ability he has. I’ve always said he is our Guineas horse so whatever he does as a two year old is a bonus as he’ll make a much better three year old. He tends to get a little wound up at the races so we’re going to box him up to the course rather than walk across the Knavesmire so that will hopefully keep him calm. We decided to have a change around with jockeys and put Oisin Murphy on board and he came and had a sit on him last week and they got on very well! Tom has done absolutely nothing wrong but sometimes a jockey switch can be enough to swing things in the right direction. I’m very happy with Threat and will be disappointed if he isn’t up to winning.

4:15 Convivial Maiden

Afro Blue (Andrea Atzeni)

He ran an excellent race at Newmarket on debut when running green but showed more than enough ability to suggest he’s up to taking his chance here. The Convivial Maiden always produces a good horse and hopefully this colt can prove to be just that. I’ve been very happy with his homework and he’s improved plenty for his debut so I expect a very bold show.

Don’t forget to book your tickets in advance for our exclusive open morning on 1st September. We’ve got loads going on so there’s plenty of fun for all the family and all proceeds will go not Wiltshire Air Ambulance, which is a vital cause for us, and also the Greatwood Rehabilitation centre. So please come along if you can, we’re limiting numbers to 500 so be sure to book yours to make sure you don’t miss out!