Richard Hannon trained Sky Lantern lifted the morale of the stable when the daughter of Red Clubs won the G1 Qipco 1000 Guineas Stakes on Sunday at Newmarket, beating Just The Judge by half a length. For the jockey Richard Hughes, it was his first British Classic success. The trainer jockey combination were low in tempo after the much fancied Tornado from the stables failed to impress in the 2000 Guineas just a day ago, ending up a tame fourth.

After a level jump at the gates, the 9-1 shot Sky Lantern was held back at the rear of the front bunch while the favourite Hot Snap and Just The Judge dictated the pace in front. Nearing the final 2 furlongs Hot Snap reeled under pressure when the rider Tom Queally went for the stick and lost position drastically. Winning Express joined alongside Just The Judge and two began to match strides. Richard Hughes brought Sky Lantern wide, creeping up to the fighting duo in front and with a big heave sped ahead inside the last 50 yards. Just The Judge was the runner-up while Moth, who had to traverse a rough passage finished on strongly to peg back Winning Express for the third place.

"It's about time!" said Richard Hughes on his belated first British Classic victory. "I believed in this filly and she came good. She is a very good filly who loves fast ground and she deserves this. They didn't go over fast and it was all about getting her plenty of cover."

"We were very low after yesterday”, said Richard Hannon Jr, the assistant trainer, “but this filly deserves a bit of luck. She didn’t get any in America and bumped into a very good filly last time who probably didn’t run her race today. I’m delighted for Hughes, he’s one of the great riders."

Watch the Video http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=2wJzFi9DnEI