WILTSHIRE horse Toronado justified the unwavering faith of his connections when pouncing late to gain his revenge on Dawn Approach in the Qipco Sussex Stakes at Glorious Goodwood.

Toronado, trained by Collingbourne Ducis handler Richard Hannon, saw off 2000 Guineas winner and favourite Dawn Approach, with champion jockey Richard Hughes on board.

Hannon’s horse had been fourth to Dawn Approach in the Guineas and was beaten a short head in the St James’s Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot, but ran out a cosy half-length winner.

Hughes said: “(That) was very sweet. It was a great race and he was very brave, he’s brilliant.

“It was a true-run race and he was always travelling well but as I say, when I went to go it wasn’t quite as instant as it was in the mornings.”

Hannon, who had two winners on the opening day of the meeting yesterday, said: “Revenge is sweet I suppose, but they are two great horses.

“Richard Hughes said the other morning when he worked him that he was the best he had ever ridden. We’ve had some good horses, but he’s very good.”

Hannon was asked if the QEII would be the next target and said “it could be” before dismissing the Breeders’ Cup as an option.

Richard Hannon junior, assistant to his father, said: "We are delighted to have won one and the fact we didn't win the first two makes it that bit sweeter, I suppose.''

MORE SPORTS NEWS & PICTURES IN THURSDAY'S GAZETTE & HERALD