De Bruyne Horse nets opening Woodcote Stakes for Hannon
Richard Hannon notched his third win in the Investec Woodcote Stakes with the Middleham Park-owned colt De Bruyne Horse.
Named after the Manchester City midfielder, the son of Showcasing was one of the first under pressure in the hands of the all-conquering Ryan Moore.
Main market rival Cardsharp tried to stretch clear inside the final three furlongs, after getting an easy lead under Silvestre De Sousa.
De Bruyne Horse gradually ate into the leaders advantage and after drawing alongside a furlong out, strode clear in the run to the line to take the six furlong contest by two-lengths.
Moore said: "He stepped a little slow but he organised himself quick.
"He travelled well in the main, but once he got into gear and organised himself he was always going to win.
"He's improved with every run as Richard's two-year-olds do."