Hannon eyes strong Royal Ascot start

Champion trainer Richard Hannon says the first day at Royal Ascot will be “a massive day” for his team.

Hannon has duo Night Of Thunder and Toormore contesting the Queen Anne Stakes, the first race of Royal Ascot, and Log Out Island in the Coventry Stakes on the first day.

The trainer admits he hasn’t completely finalised his plans, but he feels the opening day will be crucial regardless.

“The first day will be a massive day – the Coventry, the Queen Anne, the Windsor Castle. It’s a big day for us,” Hannon told At The Races.

“In the Queen Anne we’ve got Night Of Thunder and Toormore. That’s going to be a very good race.

“I would say we’ll have Log Out Island in the Coventry and King Of Rooks will go for the Norfolk.

“We’re not sure about the Windsor Castle yet. Illuminate will go for the fillies’ race, the Albany.”