WILTSHIRE champion trainer Richard Hannon has given one of the clearest signals yet he is soon to retire from racing.

The Collingbourne Ducis handler, 66, told the Times he is poised to pass on the baton to his son, Richard Hannon jnr.

He said: "It might be nice to get out while I'm in front.

"I'll hand over soon. Richard in 36 now, it's time he got some winners on the board.

"It's been on my mind, but there are lots of people to inform before it gets done.

"We'll get through the next month and then see.

"I'd still be out with the horses every day. Nothing much will change."

Hannon has topped the Flat trainers' championship for the last two years, but underwent a second heart operation in March.

Hannon said: "The surgery took five and a half hours and it slowed me down for a while.

"I'm getting there now, feeling stronger."

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