Hydrogen: will be trained by Peter Chapple-Hyam

PICTURE: Edward Whitaker/(racingpost.com/photos), BY JON LEES6:12PM 18 NOV 2012

PETER CHAPPLE-HYAM on Sunday felt like he had won the golden ticket to Willie Wonka’s Chocolate Factory after learning that he was going to train the most expensive yearling bought at auction in the world this year, Qatar Racing’s 2.5 million guineas Galileo colt Hydrogen.

The Classic-winning trainer discovered he would have charge of Hydrogen, a half brother to Authorized, the colt Chapple-Hyam trained to win the 2007 Derby, at a yearling parade hosted by Sheikh Fahad and Hamad Al Thani.

The news was contained in an envelope that listed the names of 50 yearlings that will be distributed among the 15 to 20 trainers – including Richard Hannon, Mikel Delzangles and John Hammond – already on the Qatar Racing and Pearl Bloodstock roster, that attended Sunday’s event at David Redvers’ Tweenhills Stud.

Chapple-Hyam, who trained Caravan Rolls On to win four out of six starts for Pearl Bloodstock this term, said: “It’s fantastic news and I am very honoured. I didn’t really expect to get him but thought I might be in with a chance. He was picked by a very good team so only I can let them down. I had seen him at the sales before today and he looks a lovely horse.

“It’s a long way off but on his pedigree and everything else there is a big chance he could be a Classic prospect. It’s a big boost. We are not a big stable so this is a real pick me up. It’s like getting the golden ticket to Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.”

William Hill priced Hydrogen at 8-1 to win a Group 1 as a two year old, 50-1 to win the Derby, 66-1 to win the 2,000 Guineas.

domenica 18/11/2012 Racingpost