Hannon does it yet again

RACING: Richard Hannon continued his domination of Ireland's sales races with Hurricane Alan in last night's Goffs Challenge at the Curragh.

It was the English trainer's second victory in this contest and the winner indicated Group race potential in easily justifying favouritism.

For good measure Hannon's son, Richard Jnr, threw in the name of their main contender for the Tattersalls version later in the season."Cosmo won at Salisbury for us on Thursday and he looks the one for that," Hannon said.

The success came at a price, however, as Richard Hughes limped back to the weigh-room having banged his left foot off the starting stalls.

The jockey was stood down and will have to pass the doctor if he is to ride in England today.

Hurricane Alan, who cost £13,000 at last October's sales, could now go for the July Stakes at Newmarket.

"He is every bit as good as the ones we sent to Ascot but he didn't go because we have been looking at this race," Hannon added.

The 18- year old apprentice Justin Curran is less used to the No1 spot but the Blessington-born rider showed remarkable coolness in the Apprentice Derby to land his first winner. Sights On Gold, was at the rear coming into the straight but swept through off a fast pace to win.