English trainer Hannon plans to retire

Richard Hannon, five times a champion trainer in England, will retire as of Jan. 1, handing off his massive operation to his son, Richard Jr.

Hannon, 68, has trained since 1970, and in recent years has handled top-class runners such as Canford Cliffs, Toronado, Olympic Glory, and Sky Lantern, who concludes her 3-year-old campaign next month in Hong Kong. Though his stable’s training license will officially be handed over to 38-year-old Richard Jr., Hannon told the Racing Post on Thursday he intends to remain active in the activities at his two training yards, Herridge and Everleigh.

For all his success in England and other European racing venues – particularly with 2-year-olds -- Hannon failed to win a race from 15 tries in the United States. Olympic Glory was the most recent Hannon-trained runner to disappoint here, finishing ninth in the Breeders’ Cup Mile two weeks after an impressive victory in the Group 1 Queen Elizabeth II Stakes.