Meeting: Glorious Goodwood Dates: Tuesday 27-Saturday 31 July Coverage: Live on Channel 4; reports on BBC Radio 5 live & BBC Sport website

Rip Van Winkle and Canford Cliffs battle it out to the line

Odds-on favourite Canford Cliffs got the better of last year's victor Rip Van Winkle to take the Sussex Stakes on the second day of Glorious Goodwood.

The Irish 2,000 Guineas winner went off at 4-6 but was held up by jockey Richard Hughes until the final half-furlong of the mile-long race.

By that stage Ryan Moore was ahead on Rip Van Winkle but Hughes and Canford Cliffs were up to the task.

The pair attacked and overhauled their rivals to win by a neck.

Rip Van Winkle, who made a disappointing seasonal reappearance at Royal Ascot, looked impressive when he charged into the lead from stablemate and pace-setter Encompassing.

He led by about three lengths but once Canford Cliffs, who won last time out in the St James's Palace Stakes at the Royal meeting, got into gear and quickened up, they looked dangerous.

Premio Loco got the better of Beethoven in the battle for third behind Rip Van Winkle.

Hannon said: "He's the best horse I've ever trained. He's got a turn of foot, this horse, and you need to switch him off.

"He was a bit too free early in the season but he's doing everything right now."

Jockey Hughes, the son-in-law of Hannon, described the horse as a superstar.

Hughes added: "He's improved by 10lb and he actually ran a bit rusty there, he never got into full flight.

"I didn't want them to half-jump because we were downhill, so I missed the break completely because there were only seven of us and I could get him in behind.

"Rip Van Winkle nicked a length out of me, but I know how good he is. My horse pricked his ears in the last 100 yards and was in command."

Sussex Stakes

1. Canford Cliffs (R Hughes) 4-6 Fav
2. Rip Van Winkle (R L Moore)9-4
3. Premio Loco (G Baker)17-2
7 ran

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