Having run a blinder at Royal Ascot in the Coronation Stakes to finish second we were confident that we had a real live chance of SNOW LANTERN avenging her mothers (Sky Lantern) unlucky defeat eight years ago.
The top 3 in the Coronation Stakes also dominated the finish of Newmarket's Falmouth Stakes - despite being keen trapped on the rail, jockey Sean Levey kept his cool and when he managed to get out, Snow Lantern responded in electric fashion to fly home and win by half a length - reversing the form with Alcohol Free and Mother Earth.
Richard was understandably emotional at the success and said "It's so lovely for the breeders. There was a score to settle today in terms of her mother. She came here, Sky Lantern, and was run out of it late on by a good filly, Elusive Katie. It didn't go her way. Today there was none of that. I'm delighted for them. She was a bit unlucky at Ascot. She's a very special filly."
Huge congratulations must go to owners/breeders Rockcliffe Stud who, when asked what it would mean to win a pattern race with Snow Lantern, said "I suppose at the end of the day we owe it all to Sky Lantern because without her none of this would have happened. So to have multi-generational success – now that would put the icing on the cake.” We are so glad that Richard Hannon Racing has been a part of landing that fairy tail bloodline success!
Stable jockey, Sean Levey, also enjoyed his first Group 1 success since King Of Change landed the QEII in 2019 and said "She's learnt with every run. It's a pity going back that she probably should have run in the Guineas, but she showed in York she was immature and she had a bit to learn. It's taken her a couple of steps to get to this point and it's thanks to everyone in the yard. They have done a massive job. She's not the easiest, so it's great for everyone it's all come to fruition now. She's known to be keen, so my hands were tied as far as tactically what I could do with her. She came out of the gates fairly relaxed. As soon as they came over to that rail I knew I had to hold position when I was trying to settle her. I did think it would be very hard to get out of there. Lucky enough I was able to switch her round just in time to pick them up."
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The Falmouth came home, let's hope the football comes home tonight!