Doncaster joy for Hughes

Toronado held off Dundonnell to win the Group 2 One Call Insurance Champagne Stakes at Doncaster.

Richard Hughes set out to make all the running aboard Richard Hannon's unbeaten juvenile and he took the field along at a decent pace.

He was still at the head of affairs approaching the distance when 5-6 favourite Dundonnell began to make his bid for glory under James Doyle.

The pair were nip-and-tuck inside the final furlong but the market leader could not get past his gutsy rival as he crossed the line with a half-length advantage.

Toronado is into 12s with Sky Bet for the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket and 16s for the Epsom Derby.

Hughes said: "I always thought he was a good horse and today he's proved it.

This horse needs a mile but I wasn't going to go fast enough to set it up for the rest.

"He has a lovely way of galloping, he has a lovely action and it's a pleasure to be on him."

Richard Hannon jnr, assistant to his father, said: "Hughesie went out to make

it a test.

"He did it the hard way - they all had a chance to beat him and he hung on in the end. He's one of the best (two-year-old) colts we've got.

"He'll probably come back here for the Racing Post Trophy, but he was bought in France so there's a chance he might go for the Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere as there's a French premium.

"He's also in the Dewhurst so he's got those options, but I would say the Racing Post Trophy is probably the favourite.

"Then there's the Guineas next year and maybe the Derby.''

Hughes added: "I was in a Catch 22 situation. No-one else was going to make it so I had to make sure of my own gallop.

"I had to go slow and quicken up gradually from the three-furlong pole.

"I loved the way he quickened up. You had to be impressed with that.''

Dundonnell's trainer Roger Charlton said: "I thought he ran very well and was just beaten by a better horse on the day, I guess.

"James (Doyle) had a big problem pulling him up again and he'll get a mile, but no decisions have been made about other races.

"My only excuse would be that a stronger pace would have suited."

Simon Crisford, Godolphin racing manager, said of third home Tha'ir: "I'm pleased with the run and he's a solid benchmark who makes the handicapper's job easy.

"He's a nice horse to have around."