Paul Hanagan column: Why Queen Kindly gets my vote in Haydock Sprint

Richard Fahey broke new ground when landing a first victory in the Group Two Al Basti Equiworld Gimcrack Stakes '“ the six-furlong sprint for juveniles at the Welcome To Yorkshire Ebor Festival.

Tomorrow, he saddles no less than a third of the field of 12 in the Group One Haydock Sprint Cup, a race that neither the yard nor I have ever won.

Yours truly takes the reins on Queen Kindly, a daughter of Frankel and victor in the Sky Bet Lowther at York last season.

Then – depending on declarations this morning – Don’t Touch could go for the Betfred Supports York Against Cancer Garrowby Stakes at York’s Family Raceday, a £50,000 Listed six-furlong contest, another race in which the yard hopes to break its duck.

Sprint choice: Queen Kindly will be ridden by Paul Hanagan in the Haydock feature.

Queen Kindly is taking her excellent York form over the Pennines as she returns to Group One company for the first time since the QIPCO 1000 Guineas.

It was hard for me to get off Musley Bank’s Kimberella for the Haydock sprint as he is one of my favourite horses, but I chose the mount who I think has the best chance.

Paul Mulrennan is in the saddle on Kimberella, while the yard is also represented by Mr Lupton, a York handicap winner from 2016, and Growl.

Yorkshire’s chance of claiming victory is enhanced by Kevin Ryan’s Ayr Gold Cup winner, Brando.

Though I am writing before declarations for Sunday at York are made, Richard Fahey is set to send a strong squad which is no surprise as we seek our share of the £132,000 record prize-money, on offer for the fixture.

As well as the Listed Betfred-sponsored Garrowby Stakes at 3pm, racing under rules starts at 1.55pm with a contest that will be especially poignant for both crowd and participants as it is an apprentice race that remembers Tom O’Ryan, a much-missed figure in Yorkshire racing.

As well as being the voice of the parade ring at York and racing correspondent for the Racing Post, Tom was a widely respected mentor to young riders, including myself.

Also a shout out goes to Freddie Gingell, aged just 11, who partners Wee Antony in the first of two Pony Races on Knavesmire, a big day for him and the other 16 young riders.

While the runners for York on Sunday will not be known until this morning, the fields for Newcastle this afternoon are already confirmed.

After two firsts and three seconds, Indomeneo probably offers me my best chance, in the 3.25pm nursery handicap.

Chief Justice, who I think was inconvenienced by a cross-noseband when refusing to race in the Group Three Tattersalls Acomb Stakes at York last month, should have a chance to atone in the opener at 1.40pm.

Then it is Haydock followed by the unique atmosphere of York on a Sunday; thoroughbreds, Pony Races, Pony Rides, My Little Pony and a certain bear called Paddington; it promises to be fun.

Children are admitted free of charge at York on Sunday, to book adult admissions from £10 see www.yorkracecourse.co.uk.