Respect for Fahey and Hanagan in York sprint

Utmost Respect allayed fast ground fears when finishing powerfully under Paul Hanagan to take the Duke Of York Blue Square Stakes.

Richard Fahey's charge got up in the closing stages of the six furlong event to beat fellow 16/1 shot King's Apostle by three quarters of a length, with front-running 7/2 favourite Tax Free just a neck back in third.

Andrew Kinsella's Rock Of Rochelle did best of the three Irish challengers coming home well to be beaten just a total of two lengths in fifth, with Duff eighth and Dohasa tenth in the 16-runner Group 2 sprint.

Fahey said, 'I was very worried about the ground but took a chance and got away with it, and he was in very good order. The ground is beautiful out there and they have done a good job but he has ran on heavy ground three times and absolutely trotted up. He's just better on it than the other horses.'

'I think to be a Group One horse he has to be on heavy ground, albeit today was a good performance. I was critical of the ground at Royal Ascot last year as it was very firm but went to Ascot the other day to have a walk and it was beautiful ground. If it turns up like that, I might think about the Golden Jubilee.'

'I always felt as he got stronger, seven furlongs wouldn't be beyond him either.'

Hanagan added, 'He just got away with the ground as he got quite unbalanced. It's been a great start to the season and it's nice to get a big one on the board.'

William Haggas, who saddled the runner-up King's Apostle, said, 'That was a commendable run with a penalty, and he is set for a good year. He's less buzzy then he was, and has taken it all in his stride.'

'He will head to Royal Ascot now, where he won't have a penalty, and we have nothing to lose having a shot at the Golden Jubilee.'

David Nicholls said of Tax Free, 'I thought he might win but I'm still pleased. He has won over seven furlongs so the trip doesn't bother him, and we will head to Royal Ascot.'