Canford shines in Sussex

Canford Cliffs was given a brief scare before adding to his Group One tally with victory in the Sussex Stakes at Glorious Goodwood.

Richard Hannon's colt looked to have left his charge too late but another blistering turn of foot saw him edge out Rip Van Winkle by a neck.

Jockey Richard Hughes tracked last year's winner heading into the straight and the 4-6 favourite had just enough speed to pip Aidan O'Brien's star.

The battle for third was won by Premio Loco, who just got the better of Beethoven.

Speaking after the race, a jubilant Hannon, who claimed his 50th Glorious Goodwood winner when King Torus ran out an impressive six-length scorer of the Veuve Clicquot Vintage Stakes earlier in the day, said: "He's the best horse I've ever trained.

Command

"I don't think the track suited him. If he comes home right I'd be very happy. He's got a turn of foot, this horse, and you need to switch him off.

"He was a bit too free early in the season but he's doing everything right now."

Hughes added: "He's a superstar. He's improved by 10lb and he actually ran a bit rusty there, he never got into full flight.

"I didn't want them to half-jump because we were downhill, so I missed the break completely because there were only seven of us and I could get him in behind.

"We weren't going that fast - the pacemaker was, we weren't. Rip Van Winkle nicked a length out of me, but I know how good he is.

"My horse pricked his ears in the last 100 yards and was in command."

Gently

O'Brien said of the runner-up: "He was a bit further back than we wanted him to be for Ascot and obviously we hoped that he would progress for it, and there was lovely progression there.

"This year we decided to go steady early and progress as the year went on as last year his form tailed off a little as he had a tough early part of the season so we've decided to go gently.

"We were a little bit further back than we wanted to be at Ascot. He could run over a mile, 10 furlongs or even 12 - all those race are open to him as he's very versatile.

"He travels very well and quickens very well but he just got a little bit tired in the last half furlong.

"York (Juddmonte International) is a possibility. Usually after these races we sit down and if the horse is OK we make a plan and hopefully pick the right target."