"He's always been a bit special" - Hannon purring about Rosallion ahead of Sussex Stakes

Richard Hannon has spoken in glowing terms about Rosallion, who'll attempt to complete a Group One hat-trick in the Sussex Stakes at Glorious Goodwood.

Having ended his juvenile campaign with a runaway Group One triumph in France, Rosallion has built on that promise in 2024. Richard Hannon's star finished second to Notable Speech on his reappearance in the 2000 Guineas, before scoring in the Irish equivalent of that Classic and in the St James's Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot.

Hannon has had the Sussex Stakes in mind for his stable star since that Royal victory. Speaking to the press on Tuesday, the 48-year-old handler gave a candid interview about his stable star.

"He improved in the Irish Guineas and his best performance was at Royal Ascot." Hannon told the press. "He seems to be getting bigger and stronger as the races go by. That can't keep going, but I'd like to think he'll continue to improve."

"People say to me the way he wins his races is exciting, although I find it horrible. The style of running, the way he cuts them down late, means he has sailed a bit close to the wind. He did well to get out at Ascot, but if you have enough horse you can pretty much get out of anywhere. He was travelling great that day and he picked up on a horse who had first run on him."

"We might ride him a little closer, but that's up to Sean. We've done our job ensuring he's fit and well and he'll go on and do his."

Hannon's father, Richard Hannon Snr scooped the Sussex Stakes three times during his career, most notably with Canford Cliffs in 2010. Hannon Jnr was second in command at that time and sees many similarities between Rosallion and the former five-time Group One winner.

Hannon continued. "It's a big buzz for everyone in the place having a horse like him. Like Canford Cliffs, he does everything easy at home and works really well. We've had some very, very good horses but he's always been a bit special.

"He's always been like them and sometimes you get caught calling horses what you hope they are rather than what they actually are. This fella, though, I feel has proved it and so you have to compare him to those horses and he might even be better."

Rosallion is the 5/4 favourite to take his own Group One haul to four on day two of Glorious Goodwood. The full betting for the 2024 Sussex Stakes can be found here on our website.