Richard Hannon and Richard Hughes left Goodwood dejected the last time the Sussex Stakes had been dubbed ‘Duel on the Downs’ but the latest renewal offered glorious revenge for Toronado.
Canford Cliffs had been mauled by Frankel two years earlier before being retired prematurely due to injury and Toronado was odds-against as he clashed with Dawn Approach for the third time after a heavy defeat in the 2000 Guineas and a far narrower one in the St James’s Palace Stakes.
This time, though, after what has to count as one of Hughes’s most brilliant rides, there was half a length between them and there must surely be potential for a fourth round as the match justified what looked slightly excessive hype.
Dawn Approach (10-11 favourite), representing Jim Bolger and Godolphin, was himself a far more relaxed individual than the one who wrestled away his own chances in the Derby as he sat in behind his pacemaker Leitir Mor and was launched for a challenge with two furlongs remaining.
Hughes, who had felt aggrieved at Ascot when lost the battle with Dawn Approach by a short head, kept his icy nerve amid building pressure as Toronado (11-4) ambled into contention and was readied to pounce.
The powerful chestnut Dawn Approach has always been reluctant to give an inch once in front but Toronado was soon on his heels and actually only needed a couple of reminders from his jockey to kick past his old rival close to the line.
“Revenge is sweet, I suppose, but they are two good horses,” said Hannon.
Declaration Of War, a leading four-year-old miler after his victory in the Queen Anne Stakes, was right in the thick of it but eventually two and a half lengths further back in third.
Trainer Aidan O’Brien said: “We knew we were taking on two very good three-year-olds and he ran well.”
