Hannon Creates Millionaires
Just outside of Dublin, Ireland, is the town of Kildare, which is home to one of the most historic racecourses in the country. Horse racing has been hosted by the Curragh Racecourse since 1741, and today the venue hosts big races such as the Irish Field St. Leger, Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby and the Boylesports Irish Guineas. On Sunday, 28 September 2008, more than ten thousand spectators filled the Curragh Racecourse to enjoy a sunny day of racing, where trainer Richard Hannon stole the show.
Sunday’s racing was kicked off by the Waterford Testimonial Stakes, followed by other racing events such as the Juddmonte Beresford Stakes, Hacketts Bookmakers Irish Cesarewitch and the CL Weld Park Stakes. But the two biggest racing features of the day were the Parknasilla Hotel Goffs Million for colts and the Parknasilla Hotel Goffs Million for fillies. Each of these races had a rich purse of a million euros, and for one trainer to win both is quite an achievement.
Nineteen colts had been entered into the Parknasilla Hotel Goffs Colts Million. Soul City, ridden by Richard Hughes, had to fight off tough competition from strong competitors such as Akrisrun, Intense Focus and Gan Amhras. But he dug deep and held off the field to win the Parknasilla Hotel Goffs Colts Million. Richard Hannon could not have asked for more, but he was in for another surprise. He had entered Minor Vamp, alongside stable mate Luminous Eyes, into the Parknasilla Hotel Goffs Fillies Million, with Luminous Eyes as the favorite. But Minor Vamp proved to be more than anyone bargained for, as she dealt the rest of the contender field a huge blow by widening the gap in the final furlong and giving Hannon his second major victory for the day.
Both Soul City and Minor Vamp catapulted Richard Hannon into the history pages of this prestigious horse racing day. He could not express his excitement and amazement enough to the press, as he was overwhelmed by the success of his horses. And any trainer would be pleased with the performances of their horses if they were able to be victorious in both the Parknasilla Hotel Goffs Colts Million and the Parknasilla Hotel Fillies Million.
