Colin Keane added his name to Tom Queally’s and Ian Mongan’s on the list of jockeys to have won the Juddmonte International sporting the famous green, pink and white silks as Item wore down Almaqam at York. Keane may have had questions to answer in some quarters heading into his first full season as retained rider for the owner/breeders, but he has silenced any doubters now. Two Group One wins on Blue Bolt, a famous victory on Kalpana in the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes and now the richest race ever won at York on a horse who was supposed to only play a supporting role. With Constitution River fading late after chasing his own pacemaker and Ombudsman supposedly finding the good to soft ground too soft, it was left to Almaqam and Item to fight out a thrilling finish, with Andrew Balding’s three-year-old joining Frankel and Twice Over as Juddmonte-owned winners of the race. Item is now unbeaten in three at York, and Keane said: “He seems to really love it round here but at no point was I really confident to be honest. I was surprised Ryan (Moore) was as close as he was to the pace – his horse jumped and travelled well whereas I was never really comfortable. “When William (Buick on Ombudsman) came to me he got in between two horses and that got him going. But he was very gutsy to get back at him (Almaqam). In the last 50 yards I thought I would get Kieran (Shoemark). The one thing he won’t do is stop. “It is special to win in these colours and it is brilliant that they sponsor it so they get their money back. “The rain was a negative but it was nothing like Epsom (Derby day) today, that was heavy whereas today was soft and loose and you could get through it. “Maybe he was struggling early on through it, I was never going well enough to get out. “When horses came either side I wasn’t quick enough to get out and then when I did get going the gap closed. Once he got out he flew.” For Balding, just a few weeks on from Kalpana’s win, his dream summer continued, but it never ground to a halt when Item developed a foot problem earlier in the week. “Everything bar the last 48 hours had gone to plan and when he jogged up fine this morning we were happy. It was unorthodox though as usually our runners come up the night before,” said Balding. “He was very tough today and Colin did a beautiful job, as ever. “I thought he was in a bit of a pocket because he’s a big horse, but very wisely Colin got him out and found him some space and he really hit overdrive.” As for the future, the dust will now be allowed to settle and despite a huge bonus on offer for the winner of this race to follow up in the Japan Cup, Balding was unaware. “I didn’t know there was a bonus for the Japan Cup, but that’s not my decision,” he said. “We feel extremely lucky to be sent these horses, there’s any number of trainers that could have done well with them so I’m not saying it’s all down to us but it’s a fantastic ride. “Juddmonte are the best team to deal with, they really offer great support and wise counsel, and it’s a pleasure to be involved. “It’s quite something winning a Juddmonte for Juddmonte, my instruction was to keep the money in house and that’s what we’ve done! “I’ll probably have to get two tattoos now!” he said in reference to a promise he made to his daughter if Kalpana won the King George. By Nick Robson, Press Association

Former champion jockey Jim Crowley won the Juddmonte International at York twice, on Ulysses in 2017 and the mighty Baaeed in 2022. Here the recently-retired rider gives Press Association the lowdown on Wednesday’s highlight on the Knavesmire: So how do you best ride York? Because it is such a long straight horses tend to get racing a long way from home so jockeys can afford to ride a patient race and just creep into it. What I would say though is normally horses would race up the middle at York, but if they decide to stay far side it can cause traffic problems. It happened to me once when I rode Elarqam (third to Japan in 2019) and it can inconvenience some of the runners, particularly hold-up horses. What do you remember from your two wins in the race? Ulysses won very easily, beating a St James’s Palace winner in Barney Roy. It was an easy race to ride, as I just rode him patiently. It was like riding a piece of work, the race just unfolded in front of me. I tried to keep it all smooth and not hit the front too soon. Baaeed was different. York had made such a great effort with flags and scarves everywhere and everybody had come to watch him in his first run over a mile and a quarter. I had never really pressed the button on him, as I was always minding him and thinking of his next race, but that day (racing manager) Angus Gold said to me, ‘Let’s see what he’s got’. He was still on the bridle pulling hard a furlong out. It was like watching Sea The Stars win, but even easier. The reception he got was unbelievable and probably one of the best days of my life in the saddle. How do you see the tactics playing out? Ombudsman is in stall one, but I quite like Ryan Moore’s draw on Constitution River in seven and I think he could be a little bit further forward than Ombudsman throughout the race. Turning into the straight it is going to depend on where they go. If they stay on that far rail it is all going to be very tactical. William Buick will not want to get too far back with an inside draw, that’s for sure. Did Minnie Hauk let the Prince of Wales’s Stakes form down in the King George? You cannot crab Ombudsman’s form at all, whatever happened last time. He is the highest-rated horse in the world on turf and deserves it. I remember him beating me on a horse called Anmaat at Royal Ascot (Prince of Wales’s Stakes in 2025). Anmaat was a very good horse who had beaten Calandagan in the previous season’s Champion Stakes. He came past me that day like he had just jumped in at the furlong pole. I could not believe it. He is a very, very good horse. Are the pacemakers in to make the pace or to get in the way? Certainly not. I don’t think it benefits anyone to think that would happen. A little bit too much was made of the team tactics element at Ascot. Both horses want a good honest pace and that is what the pacemakers are there for. Nobody benefits from this being turned into a sprint. The faster they go the less chance there is of being boxed in. It will elongate the field. And that will suit both horses. So is this a two-horse race? I’ve seen a few turn-ups, especially in the Juddmonte. I saw Arabian Queen turn over Golden Horn in 2015, so it can happen. Anything is possible and the connections of Item may fancy their chances. He is rated 122 as a three-year-old getting weight from older horses. Almaqam is also rated 122, but he’s an older horse. Hawk Mountain and Pride Of Arras are useful. Zaydann has done absolutely nothing wrong and has brilliant connections. But for me it would be a turn up if any of those win. You can overlook the pacemakers, too, so yes this looks a match. Call the race for us I see William tucking in, but hopefully not too far back. I see Ryan and Constitution River getting first run on Ombudsman once into the straight, but I get a feeling Ombudsman will chop him down late. That is how they have ridden him in all his races. It suits his run style. I can’t get out of my head 12 months ago when it looked for all the world he might not get there and then, all of a sudden, he was going away and winning well. Constitution River is a fantastic three-year-old, but he has to step up again to beat Ombudsman. By Gideon Brooks, Press Association

French 2000 Guineas hero Rayif bounced back to form to repel a strong raiding party in the Aga Khan Studs Prix Jacques le Marois at Deauville. Francis-Henri Graffard’s colt struck Classic gold on what was his seasonal debut in the Poule d’Essai des Poulains in early May, but his summer campaign has been interrupted, with a planned visit to Royal Ascot scuppered by a minor setback after which he ran a little below par when fifth in the Prix Jean Prat. He had plenty on his plate stepping back up to a mile, with Aidan O’Brien’s Irish 1,000 Guineas and Coronation Stakes winner Precise the hot favourite after bumping into top-class older filly Blue Bolt on her last couple of starts.

Fozzy Stack’s Prix Jean Prat victor Thesecretadversary took the field along for much of the way, closely pursued by Karl Burke’s Zeus Olympios, who looked the likely winner after quickening to the lead inside the final furlong. But Mickael Barzalona delivered Rayif with a withering late run and he got up to deny Zeus Olympios an elusive first Group One success, with Precise close up behind in third. “I’m very happy, it’s a wonderful race to win, a very hard race to win,” said Graffard. “I kept my confidence in the horse. He ran pretty well the other day with excuses and he was in top form (today). Over that course you need the perfect trip and we had the perfect trip today. “He travelled really well and picked up really nicely, he’s very tough and game.

“He won the Poule d’Essai on very soft ground so everyone was saying he’s a soft ground horse, but you need to keep trying and if these horses are to find their place at stud they need to be performing at this level. “The Jacques le Marois is a very famous race – probably the second most famous race in France after the Arc – so it’s a wonderful race to win. It means so much.” Rayif has a range of options for the second half of the season, including the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Ascot on Champions Day, for which he was cut to 4-1 second-favourite from 14-1 by Coral. Graffard added: “It depends if we decide to go for the Prix du Moulin (September 6) or give him more time and the Prix de la Foret (October 4) could be an option – I wouldn’t be afraid to drop him back in distance. “There is the QEII at the back-end and we know he can handle soft ground.”

Of the gallant runner-up, Burke said: “We always thought and hoped he would produce that sort of performance in a Group One. I think physically he’s improving and he showed that today. “He quickened twice there – first time I thought we’d got it, then he got challenged and then he quickened again and I thought we’d got it and so did Cliff (Lee, jockey). “The winner, fair play to him, has come and cut us down. Francis can do no wrong, can he? “We’ll get him home and see how he is. It’s got to be discussed, but as a trainer I’m very hopeful he’ll stay in training next year and I think he’ll just continue improving physically and strengthening, so hopefully if he doesn’t win his Group One this year he’ll certainly get it next year. “I’d say the race at Longchamp (Moulin) will probably come a bit quick for him, maybe we’ll wait for the QEII at Ascot.” By Press Association Sport Reporters

Zavateri is primed for his tilt at the City of York Stakes, according to Eve Johnson Houghton, as 18 runners remained in contention for the seven-furlong Group One highlight at York on Ebor day. After a setback in the spring which ruled out a Guineas campaign and Royal Ascot, Johnson Houghton’s three-year-old colt is still looking for a first win this campaign. But a comeback race full of promise when fifth behind Bow Echo in the Sussex Stakes suggested he retained all his ability and now his trainer is keen to make up for lost time, back in trip to the seven furlongs on Saturday. “I think he was a bit ring rusty and he had a good blow at Goodwood so he probably needed it more than I thought he did,” said Johnson-Houghton. “But he has come on a bundle since and I couldn’t be happier with him. “I can’t see why he won’t run well at York. He is very, very straightforward. So absolutely it is all systems go for the race.” He could renew rivalry with Queen Anne winner Ten Bob Tony, a place and a length and a half a length ahead of him at Goodwood as well as Lennox Stakes winner Lake Forest, just under two lengths back in seventh, who was having his second run in two days. Lockinge winner Notable Speech may drop in trip while Japanese raider Satono Reve could be an intriguing runner stepping up from placed efforts in top sprints like the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes and the July Cup. Aidan O’Brien’s 1000 Guineas winner True Love spearheads a possible three-strong entry from Ballydoyle with Puerto Rico and Dorset also among the entries. Andrew Balding’s Flora Of Bermuda, Native Warrior, a Group Three winner at Leopardstown last time out, and Chipchase winner Paborus give Wathnan Racing a potentially strong hand. Lennox second Rogue Diplomat may get the chance to continue his upward progress at the highest level among the 18 who remain. Damysus will aim to go two places better than on the Knavesmire last time out following his third to Item in the York Stakes if lining up for the Group Two opener, the Sky Bet Strensall Stakes. The John and Thady Gosden-trained four-year-old will be one of the leading fancies for the nine-furlong contest which has attracted 14 entries at the five-day stage. Boiling Point (Karl Burke), Geryon (Ger Lyons), Persica (Richard Hannon) and Archivist (Hamd Al Jehani) are other notable entries. Burke and Wathnan Racing could also team up with the likely favourite when Wild Blossom bids to build on the promise of her Alice Keppel Stakes win at Goodwood in the Julia Graves Roses Stakes. Molecomb Stakes runner-up Adonius looks set to provide the stiffest competition in a race that has attracted 22 entries at the five-day stage. By Gideon Brooks, Press Association

It is 59 years since Arthur Stephenson’s Forlorn River took his place on the Nunthorpe roll of honour, but now County Durham’s Tracy Waggott is dreaming of recreating the glory days of a proud racing region with her horse of a lifetime, Heavenly Heather. Thoughts immediately turn to The Thinker and his snow-laden Cheltenham Gold Cup success of 1987 when Stephenson’s name is uttered. But 20 years prior to his Prestbury Park heroics it was in fact York and its showpiece sprint that would provide the incomparable ‘W.A.’ with his first notable success. He would enjoy further success at York’s Ebor Festival when Forlorn River’s son Rapid River stormed to Gimcrack honours in 1972, while Bishop Auckland neighbour Denys Smith only enhanced the region’s rich racing heritage with his own stellar career including Red Alligator’s Grand National triumph of 1968. However, with Stephenson and Smith’s achievements consigned to the walls of the local pubs adorned in racing memorabilia, it is Waggott – whose Spennymoor base is just a strongly thrown stone away from Stephenson’s old Crawleas centre of excellence – that is attempting to rekindle the glory days in a land that takes the utmost pride in its equine heroes. Waggott, who also trains just 13 miles from where Michael Dods sent out Mecca’s Angel to win back-to-back Nunthorpes in 2015 and 2016, said: “Every time I go to the shops someone asks me how such and such is going, or telling me don’t worry this one will win next time. There’s always someone asking a question about the horses or offering their best wishes. “I enjoy training where I am. I used to work for Denys Smith and I’ve always had a lot to do with the lads at Arthur Stephenson’s. I’ve always been really friendly with them all throughout my life so it’s good to be representing the area. “We’re just keeping our fingers crossed now they’ll have something to cheer on at York.” That something to cheer will hopefully be provided by the improving Heavenly Heather, a horse whose journey started local and one who has already secured her place in northern racing folklore thanks to her shock 200-1 All-Weather Championships Finals Day success in April 2025. Still a maiden, but with plenty of Gosforth Park experience under her belt, it was a late call from Waggott to send the horsebox on a short trip up the A1 that would not only pay dividends but also provide the biggest success of her training career to date. Remembering that unbelievable first triumph of the five-year-old’s career, Waggott explained: “I was scanning the entries at 11.45am and I was left thinking ‘this is a bad race’. “We threw her in and she won which was tremendous and then she has just gone from strength to strength. “I didn’t back her – I wish I did – but I did think we would be in the first four.” Heavenly Heather, named after part-owner Chris Rain’s late mother, would return with regularity to Tyneside as her stature began to grow, but it is since turning her attentions to turf that she has taken the bold leap into elite company, mixing it with the very best of the sprint division this term. “She was going really well and she liked Newcastle but I do think she’s a better horse on the grass now,” continued Waggott. “She’s got loads sharper and every time she has run she has needed to come further back in trip and has just been getting faster and keener and then the last one off the bridle. Now she’s just a star here.” Heavenly Heather’s progress would see her fulfil her owner’s long-held dream of competing at Royal Ascot, a first for the trainer and one that brought a whole new level of nerves and anticipation to accompany the glitz and glamour of the summer’s most regal event. Now having firmly eclipsed the achievements of Waggott’s former sprinting star Intrinsic Bond with her sixth-place King Charles III Stakes performance, all eyes turn to Heavenly Heather’s Nunthorpe bid in a race not afraid of offering up a romantic outcome. “She’s definitely got a touch of class and along with Intrinsic Bond is the best we’ve had here,” added Waggott. “She was our first runner at Ascot and the owners always wanted a runner at Royal Ascot so we had to go. It was a tremendous occasion and she deserved her chance there and she ran exceptional. We were over the moon with her. “It’s a bit more local this time, just down the road which brings a little less stress. She’s a very free sweating mare but I love going to York as the stables are out the way and she will be nice and relaxed. “We’ve really freshened her up and we’ve now just got to keep our fingers crossed. If she gets a nice draw at York and a bit of cover I really do think she will run well.” Margot Did, Jwala, Alpha Delphini and Live In The Dream have all surprised on the Knavesmire since Sole Power’s daring late dart at 100-1 in 2010 in a race that has a habit of throwing up big-priced winners. By Adam Morgan, Press Association

The Highveld’s eight-race Vaal programme on Wednesday 19 August offers punters plenty of ammunition, with potential doubles for trainers Fanie Bronkhorst and St John Gray, while jockeys Philasande Mxoli and Craig Zackey also have realistic opportunities to strike twice. Bronkhorst could make a serious impact when the Pick 6 gets underway in Race 3. Korcula has been a costly customer for punters, but five successive third-place finishes tell their own story: she is knocking loudly on the door. The four-year-old daughter of Hawwaam gets a new rider in Calvin Habib, and this could be the occasion when he finds the little bit extra required to finally get her head in front over 1400m. If Korcula delivers, stable companion Uncle Bob could complete the quickfire double in Race 4. This three-year-old has finished runner-up in his last two starts over 1600m and does not need to improve much to break through over the extra 200m. Zackey partnered him in both those races and his decision to stick with the son of Heavenly Blue is a significant positive. Punters should take the hint. St John Gray’s Olympian Gold is another runner whose recent form deserves close attention. The lightly raced Potala Palace colt made a winning seasonal return over 1600m on the Turffontein Standside track and now steps up to 1800m in Race 5. The five-point penalty is unlikely to stop his progression, particularly with further improvement expected over the extended trip. Mxoli, who produced the winning ride last time, retains the partnership and can give Gray a chance of a double in Race 7. After Hours may be nine years of age and a veteran of 109 starts, but the old warrior has been rejuvenated and is capable of making his experience count over 1600m. Mxoli knows him, and that familiarity could prove valuable. Zackey, meanwhile, is still searching for his first winner of the new season (at the time of writing) after his well-earned break, but the champion jockey has several opportunities to put that statistic right. His best chance of a second winner on the card may come in the finale aboard Quiet Winter for Lucky Houdalakis. The What A Winter filly has been nearing a return to form and now gets an appealing set-up: a career-low mark, a favourable outside draw down the Vaal straight and a rider with plenty to prove after his quiet start to the campaign. At the right price, she could be the value play that rounds off the meeting. Earlier, in the opening race, Tony Peter’s three-pronged attack sets the tone, where Master Christmas looks the one to beat. The Master Of My Fate gelding is proven at a higher level, is ideally suited by the distance and should appreciate this drop in class. Kabelo Matsunyane’s mount looks a solid banker-type option to kick-start proceedings.   Clive Robinson

Race 5 No 4 THOUSAND MILE EYE Jumping well from a wide draw last start, he was steadied to settle towards the rear before unleashing a sustained run in the straight to finish fourth over this track and distance. The stewards have since advised that a review into the running and handling of the gelding will be conducted at a date to be fixed. With more positive tactics this time, he looks capable of making his presence felt in what appears a below-par Class 4 field. Race 6 No 5 BANKER’S WARRIOR He failed to see out the mile in a Three-Year-Old feature last start, where he was also caught wide while racing on the speed, making that run best overlooked. Prior to that, he showed tactical speed to finish a close third over 1300m in Class 3 company. Highly suited by the drop back in distance, he should be able to take up a prominent position and is expected to give them something to catch. Race 10 No 9 ALL THE WAY MAE She has had little luck in both local starts, travelling wide throughout on her local debut before an awkward jump compromised her chances last time out. She may also have found the Class 4 company a touch too strong at this stage of her career, having had just four starts to date. Ideally weighted under Weight For Age conditions, she should appreciate the drop to Open Maiden company, while the rise in distance also looks in her favour. Race 13 No 11 IRON RULER Since causing a major upset five starts ago, he has shown that victory was no fluke, finishing in the Top 4 in each of his four subsequent starts. Despite being hindered by a difficult draw last time out, he still found the line strongly to finish third over 1150m. The step up in distance looks ideal this week, and he appears well placed to maintain his consistent run of form.

Fresh from a remarkable six-win haul at Selangor last weekend, Bernardo Pinheiro returns with another strong book of 12 rides across Sunday’s 13-race programme. The Brazilian has been a dominant force this season, booting home 25 winners from 125 rides at an impressive strike rate of 20%. He has also recorded 23 seconds and 17 thirds, highlighting the consistency that has made him one of Malaysia’s most sought-after jockeys. Pinheiro will again combine prominently with trainer Simon Dunderdale, beginning with The Star in Race 3 and Friend Of Honor in Race 4. He will also partner Swey City Flyer, who has drawn ideally in barrier one for Race 7. The headline booking comes in Race 9, where Pinheiro reunites with stable star Antipodean. The accomplished gelding must shoulder 60kg from barrier seven but shapes as one of the most interesting runners on the programme. His other mounts include Sunny Day, Dontellmywife, Witnessimpact, Mega First, El Chubasco, Rizzler, Northern Star and Lim’s Bestbreaker. With confidence soaring after last weekend’s six-timer, Pinheiro will be looking to maintain the momentum and further strengthen his outstanding record at Selangor. We caught up with Bernardo and he discussed his rides and how he sees their chances this Sunday. RACE 1 SUNNY DAY “First race is Sunny Day. I really love the mare, you know, she’s in good form. She ran a super race with me coming back from a longer long break. And of course, I only expect improving after her first up run. The trainer says she pulled up well and she’s good. So, I like to hear that, she’s a very good ride. But, you know, 1000-metre race and having to jump from barrier 12. We just, just need a bit of luck from that draw, you know, and that’s how. She’s one of the favorites of the race, but just makes a bit harder the, the better 12 on the track 2, you know, can be a bit tricky.” RACE 2 DONTELLMYWIFE “So race two, this horse won with me two starts ago. It went well also last start. I didn’t ride him, but he ran a good race in fourth as well. They, they offered the ride back. I’m happy to, to be back on the horse. I think the horse goes well in this race, you know, as a bit open few of a couple of horses with chances. I know the horse well. He has a good draw in the middle. So I think he’s a good chance as well.” RACE 3 THE STAR “Race three. I ride The Star. This horse is not in his best form. He’s trying to get back previous best. He already leads, but has faded in the straight. I galloped him on Tuesday. He gave me a good feeling. And I believe he can go well, you know, the same way that he’s not in his best form in a positive way to think he’s been dropping the ratings as well. So he’s still in the class for, you know, but I think caring, carrying just 56.5kgs might help him to find a good form as well.” RACE 4 FRIEND OF HONOR “Race four, we have Friend Of Honor. This horse has been very consistent since I arrived. He was my first winner back here this year. And after that he really disappointed me, he was in a good form. Gave me a good gallop, but he really disappointed. He’s a very fresh horse. Only question mark is because barrier 12 and track two and 1275 might be his limit because he’s a sprinter, you know, but he won over this distance before a while ago. So, the horse in a good form of being bribing him in a track work as well during the week. Let’s see if I managed to, to get him leading up there from barrier 12. I think he run to his form.” RACE 6 WITNESSIMPACT “Race six I ride Witnessimpact. This horse, if you go back on his form a long time ago, I am two from two on this horse. So when he was young I won on him after that, you know, he, he got sold, he got some excuses also. If you go to his veterinary record, he had a wind surgery I think. So, you know, he does have some excuses. He has also gotten old. He’s not the same horse when I rode him. But at the end of the day, I’m still two from two. The way I remember him is good. And I go for, I go for the race confident on that, that mindset, you know, very open field, very strong race. He’s the lowest handicap in the race. So 54kg might help him. Just need to be positive on him.” RACE 7 SWEY CITY FLYER “This horse has won twice with me over class five. Class four is a question mark for him. He ran a super race first time in the class for last time over 1500. His first time that he’s going to run over a mile, I believe the horse that’s been improving race by race. I have a good draw, but we need to respect the field. It’s not an easy field. A couple of good horses in the race, but the horse is going to keep running his form. I’m sure of that.” RACE 8 MEGA FIRST “It doesn’t look like a class three race; it’s a very strong field. If you come from horse to horse, you know each horse has his own merits and you’ll be very competitive and interest rates to have the number one Pacific Padrino is dropping in class. King emperor is a very capable type. Good Friend, I liked his run in the Selangor Mile, that day was impressive. You know, this Secret Phantom is a horse that comes from far behind, but his turn of foot is quite impressive. So it’s a very strong field. We need to expect. But I love my horse. Mega first run a super race with me. They start in the three years old mile. He’s one of the lowest handicapped in this race. That’s the, the weight he is carrying is going to help us out very well. So I’m very well positioned to fight it out in this strong race, you know, I will go for it. RACE 9 ANTIPODEAN “Supreme A is Antipodean. If you ask me what’s the horse I’m looking for want for the weekend? You don’t need to ask me that when I’m riding this horse. Because anytime I ride his horse, I’m looking forward to this one because this horse I can say without the words I love him! It’s my favourite horse in Malaysia. And one of my favourite horses in my career here. And fortunately, I have been riding good horses all around the world, but this horse has a special place in my heart. And it’s a horse that every time I ride him, he just gave me his all. He’s a very honest horse with me. He’s still the best horse. Carrying 60 kilo, keeping weight for all the good horses getting lightweight makes it a tough job. Pacific Energy, you know, is very, very consistent horse less time. His race looks better than it shows the result. Really looking forward this race and partnering him again.” RACE 10 EL CHUBASCO “In the Maiden I ride El Chubasco. These horses don’t have much form. I galloped him. He goes okay. The race is quite weak. He’s open maiden. So he has his chances for sure.” RACE 11 RIZZLER “Reseller, I believe 1200 can be a bit far for him. He always runs well with me. He’s a very, very fresh horse. If he finds the front, he can run well. He will run well for sure. I just believe this distance can be a bit far for him though.” RACE 12 NORTHERN STAR “The replays I saw. He’s been running well. So I’ll go to the track confident and happy with the replays I see. It has quite a few, a couple of horses coming down from class four and in good form. But, yeah, I think he has the chance to run well,” RACE 13 LIM’S BESTBREAKER “Race 13 my horse is emergency one at acceptance time, so I don’t know if you’ll get the run or not. If he has the run, I think he can run well, his races are better than the results looks like, you know, last time I got outside draw. I click him to be close to the speed, but he over raced and was on the long course. But the horse in this class he can fight for the winning for sure if he gets in.” By Scott Bailey

The 2026/27 Hong Kong racing season will feature a total of 88 race meetings, with racing taking place at both Sha Tin and Happy Valley from September 2026 through July 2027. Of the 88 meetings, 49 will be staged at Sha Tin Racecourse, while 39 will take place at Happy Valley Racecourse. The calendar includes a combination of day, twilight and night meetings, providing a full programme of racing throughout the season. Two of the major highlights on the calendar will once again be the LONGINES Hong Kong International Races (HKIR) and FWD Champions Day, both staged at Sha Tin. The LONGINES Hong Kong International Races will take place on Sunday, 13 December 2026, forming the 29th race meeting of the season. As one of the biggest dates on Hong Kong’s racing calendar, HKIR traditionally brings together leading horses, jockeys and trainers from Hong Kong and around the world. Later in the season, FWD Champions Day will be held on Sunday, 25 April 2027, as the 66th race meeting of the 2026/27 campaign. The meeting is another major international showcase at Sha Tin and one of the key fixtures during the second half of the season. According to the fixture schedule, the season’s 88 meetings are made up of 40 day meetings, seven twilight meetings and 41 night meetings. Sha Tin will host all seven twilight fixtures, in addition to 39 day meetings and three night meetings, while Happy Valley will stage 38 night meetings and one day meeting.

Brazilian jockey Bernardo Pinheiro is on target to break his personal Malaysian record which stands at 33 winners which was achieved back in 2019, his first season of riding in the country. Currently placed 4th on the premiership with 25 winners and striking at 20%, Pinheiro has developed a cult following with local punters who would have filled their boots last Sunday with the inform jockey steering home six winners on the eleven-race card. No doubt Pinheiro will be looking to continue that rich vein of form before he departs for Dubai where the new UAE racing season commences in October. The 30-year-old is on track for multiple winners again this weekend with six-year-old SUNNY DAY to kick off proceedings in Race 1 (1020m Class 5B). Although she does possess a low strike rate of one win from 26 starts, the mare has improved with race experience and will strip fitter from her first up effort when she closed off well to finish runner up over 1150m here three weeks ago. Pinheiro was riding the HY Cheng-trained DON’TTELLMYWIFE for the first time when the five-year-old broke a winning drought two starts back over 1200m on July 5. The pair will be reunited in Race 2 (1150m Class 5A) and will be a major player in the local markets. LEGEND SIXTY-THREE resumes from a long break on the downgrade and usually goes well first up. His 5L trial win on July 21 suggests he is primed for a forward showing on his racetrack return. SWEY CITY FLYER, for trainer Simon Dunderdale, has been racing well this year and is expected to bounce back in Race 7 (1600m Class 4). The four-year-old has scored twice in its career, with Pinheiro aboard on both occasions, and generally races best off a solid tempo. This will be the gelding’s first try at the mile but was a 1500m winner two starts back and is a chance to break through in the grade. MEGA FIRST was far from disgraced in the 3YO Mile Championship on July 19 and appears well weighted with 55kg in Race 8 (1600m Class 3), Finishing 3rd, 3L behind the winner, MEGA FIRST was sent out favorite following his prior run at Class 3 level when finishing 2nd behind Selangor Mile place getter ANJOU CROWN on July 5. Another horse to watch in this race is GOOD FRIEND, which raced above expectations when placed 4th in the mile feature. Coming from 10th at the 400m mark, GOOD FRIEND was able to weave a passage between runners and close off well in a race that suited the back markers. Pinheiro has combined to win aboard talented six-year-old ANTIPODEAN on eight occasions and the pair look the testing material in Race 9 (1600m Supreme A). The G1 Selangor Gold Cup winner two years ago is on track to contest the second leg of the Triple Crown on September 27. However, this race will be highly competitive with some progressive types engaged including 3YO Selangor Mile winner ACQUITAINE, stable mate ANJOU CROWN and also BANKER’S HONOR. These three gallopers all performed well in the mile feature and whereas nothing could be taken away from the winner who like the other pair reeled off a fast final sectional, ANJOU CROWN and BANKER’S HONOR came from wide barriers. OMNIARCH cannot be left out of calculations either despite finishing 2nd and 3rd behind ANTIPODEAN in his last two outings over the mile trip. OMNIARCH is also on target to contest the Selangor Gold Cup next month.

Punters seeking a profitable Sunday on the Highveld should look to Turffontein’s Inside track on 16 August, where trainer Paul Matchett and jockey Kabelo Matsunyane hold several of the better betting aces.

The eight-race programme offers plenty of wagering opportunities, with Matsunyane an attractive each-way proposition in the opener aboard Reece’s Wish over 1600m. The Candice and Tammy Dawson-trained daughter of Vercingetorix arrives in compelling form, having finished outside the first two only once in seven starts and winning twice.

She comes off a smart 1450m success on the Vaal Classic track. A resultant five-point penalty makes this tougher, while the rise in class against male opposition are obvious negatives. Nevertheless, she remains open to improvement and, with just 52kg to shoulder, is exceptionally well treated from a weight perspective.

Reece’s Wish could therefore represent the value against likely favourite Calla Lagoon. The Stuart Pettigrew-trained British import has respectable credentials, having won once and placed three times from six starts in Britain, including a runner-up finish in a Listed race at Pontefract.

However, Calla Lagoon returns from a lengthy layoff and must overcome the effects of international travel. Reece’s Wish, by contrast, arrives race-fit, progressive and attractively weighted.

Matchett’s first major chance comes in Race 3 over 1200m with Mocha Magic, who returns after an encouraging debut over this course and distance. The Rafeef colt showed considerable promise when finishing third despite an alarming market drift, and the booking of Craig Zackey is particularly noteworthy. The reigning champion jockey retains the ride, indicating that Mocha Magic has continued to please the Matchett stable. He should be sharper for that initial experience and looks capable of making a winning return.

Matchett has another interesting runner in Race 4 over 1200m when Elusive Dragon drops back to maiden company. She was hopelessly outclassed in Grade 2 company over this trip at Hollywoodbets Greyville, but this represents a substantial reduction in class. Philasande Mxoli is reunited with the filly and, judged on earlier form, she has enough ability to make a significant impact.

Matsunyane and Tony Peter have developed into a potent partnership, and Star Magnolia could provide another winner in Race 8 over 1200m.

The Danon Platina filly has taken significant strides since equipment changes were introduced. She improved with earmuffs when runner-up before going one better with pacifiers added, opening her account in a Work Riders’ maiden last time.

Her handicap debut is tougher, particularly against male opposition, but she remains lightly raced with plenty of scope for improvement. The rise in class is a concern, but underestimating a filly getting better with every start could prove costly.

Star Magnolia could complete a potentially lucrative Matsunyane double.   Clive Robinson

The winner of last year’s Listed Southeaster Sprint, The US Of A has been hinting that he is capable of taking the next step up the ladder. He comes into race 2 over 1200m at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Saturday weighted to be very effective and, if allowed to use his biggest weapon, his turn of foot, he could claim career win number six. Take note that this race could be run over 1250m around the turn, with a decision to be taken after Wednesday’s racing.

Trainer Paddy Kruyer has shrewdly placed him to utilize a pleasing swing at the weights. His last run came over 1250m at Hollywoodbets Durbanville, where he finished 2,8 lengths fourth behind Gold Giboski, carrying 51kg. He finished ahead of Dumbledore and Dance Variety and is now 1,5kg better off with both. The handicapper also gave him a two-point reduction, putting him in a lower band of this A Stakes.

Callan Murray takes the ride. The US Of A is most deadly when left alone to find his feet and power home. He does not need to be last but can switch it on and loves to run them down.

The opposition is talented, but most have reasons for not being at their peaks. Dance Variety has beaten The US Of A before, but this task looks tougher. Dreamworld showed huge ability as a two-year-old but returned from an eight-month rest last time and may need another run. Winter Snap is also likely to need the run after not being seen since December.

There is pleasing form in race 1. Red Flag improved when second behind Juliet Of Verona over 1250m and looks to be on the right track. Onthewingsofadove was a beaten favourite last time but finished second behind World Of Secrets.

Chinwag looks nailed on to win race 3 over 1600m after a fine run in the Listed Iridescence Stakes, finishing less than a length behind Grapes Of Wrath. She should get the job done under Murray for Michelle Rix.

Born To Master ran a career best when second behind Ready For The Road and will need to show that was no flash in the pan in race 4 over 1800m. Masteronthemoon was just behind him and little should separate them.

Fort Liam turned over the promising Trip To Camelot last time and could complete back-to-back wins in race 5 over 1800m, although the drop in trip is a concern.

In race 7, Major Apollo got back on track when second behind Moody Blue and looks ready to win soon. Magical Place had everything go wrong last time but represents huge value in race 8.

Ruby Rex has plenty in her favour in race 9 over 1000m. She beat William’s Woman by two lengths last time and, despite a 0,5kg deficit, should stay ahead.

A powerful international field is assembling at Deauville for Sunday’s Group 1 Aga Khan Studs Prix Jacques le Marois, where Classic winners Precise and Rayif could face leading milers from Britain and Japan. The €1 million feature is staged over 1600m on Deauville’s straight course and remains one of Europe’s defining contests for three-year-olds and older horses. This year’s renewal lost its headline attraction when unbeaten British champion Bow Echo was retired after sustaining an injury in training. His absence has opened the race considerably, however, with 12 horses remaining at the latest confirmation stage. Five members of the Classic generation are still engaged, headed by Irish 1,000 Guineas winner Precise and French 2,000 Guineas hero Rayif. They are joined by accomplished older milers More Thunder and Zeus Olympios, while Japanese stars Sixpence and Strauss add further international depth to a fascinating renewal. Precise brings outstanding Group 1 record The early market has installed Precise as the horse to beat following another consistent campaign at the highest level. Trained by Aidan O’Brien, the daughter of Starspangledbanner has already won four Group 1 races, including the Irish 1,000 Guineas and Coronation Stakes this season. Her Royal Ascot victory confirmed her position among Europe’s leading three-year-old fillies, while subsequent defeats have done little to diminish her reputation. She finished behind Blue Bolt in both the Falmouth Stakes at Newmarket and Prix Rothschild at Deauville, maintaining a remarkably consistent record without managing to reverse the form. Sunday’s race would require her to meet colts and older horses, but her experience on Deauville’s straight mile is an advantage. She also receives the allowances available to a three-year-old filly, which strengthens her claims in a race containing several closely matched contenders. O’Brien has also left Puerto Rico in the contest. A dual Group 1 winner as a juvenile, Puerto Rico has yet to reproduce that level across three appearances this season. His best form would make him relevant, although he arrives with more to prove than his stablemate. French hopes are led by Rayif, who represents trainer Francis-Henri Graffard and race sponsor Aga Khan Studs. The son of Sea The Moon produced the most important performance of his career when overcoming an interrupted preparation to win the Poule d’Essai des Poulains at ParisLongchamp in May. That victory came on testing ground, although his connections have long believed that a sounder surface may allow him to show his best acceleration. His season has not unfolded entirely to plan. A mild fever prevented him from travelling to Royal Ascot for a clash with Bow Echo in the St James’s Palace Stakes, forcing connections to redirect him to the shorter Prix Jean Prat. The drop to 1400m did not play to his strengths. Rayif settled too far behind a moderate tempo and was unable to make sufficient ground, finishing fifth behind Thesecretadversary. Returning to 1600m should be much more suitable. Rayif has also won at Deauville, having scored on the corresponding Jacques le Marois programme as a juvenile. His preparations for Sunday have reportedly progressed smoothly, giving him a more conventional build-up than he had before either of his previous starts this year. Graffard and the Aga Khan team are attempting to claim Deauville’s feature Group 1 for a second consecutive weekend following Samangan’s victory in the Prix Maurice de Gheest. The presence of Prix Jean Prat winner Thesecretadversary would add another significant dimension to the race. Trained by Fozzy Stack, the three-year-old defeated Samangan and Rayif over 1400m at Deauville last month, earning his first Group 1 success. The Prix Jacques le Marois would require him to stretch back to a mile and meet stronger international opposition, but his Jean Prat performance established him as a leading member of his generation. His participation is not yet certain, with connections also considering the Group 1 City of York Stakes the following weekend. That race is staged over 1400m, which may be viewed as a more natural fit. Power Blue holds the same two options. The Robson Aguiar-trained colt returned to winning form in the Group 2 Minstrel Stakes at the Curragh and has the speed to be effective over shorter distances. His ability to reproduce that performance over Deauville’s straight mile remains the key question. Japan launches a two-horse challenge Japanese interest centres on Sixpence, winner of the Group 1 Yasuda Kinen at Tokyo in June. The Hiroyasu Tanaka-trained runner arrives as a proven elite miler and will attempt to emulate Taiki Shuttle, who completed the Yasuda Kinen–Prix Jacques le Marois double in 1998. His presence gives the race considerable international significance. Japanese horses have become increasingly prominent at Europe’s major meetings, and Sixpence brings form strong enough to test the best European milers. Adapting to Deauville’s straight course will be crucial, but his combination of tactical speed and top-level experience makes him one of the most intriguing runners. Strauss also offers a contrasting profile. Trained by Ryo Takei, Strauss produced an impressive international performance when winning the inaugural US$1 million Abu Dhabi Gold Cup in February. The son of Maurice is yet to establish himself at the same level as Sixpence, but he possesses enough ability to warrant respect. Both Japanese horses have already arrived in Deauville, allowing them time to settle before Sunday’s assignment. The race will also be offered to Japanese punters through the JRA, underlining the growing international importance of the meeting. The three-year-olds face an experienced British challenge led by More Thunder and Zeus Olympios. William Haggas prepares More Thunder, who has developed into a high-class older miler and is prominent in early betting. His maturity and experience could prove valuable against younger horses stepping outside their own age group. Zeus Olympios represents Karl Burke and the late Sheikh Mohammed Obaid’s breeding operation, the same connections responsible for Bow Echo. Like the retired champion, Zeus Olympios is a son of Night Of Thunder. A victory would provide an emotional conclusion to a difficult week for the team, although he will need to produce a career-best performance in this company. The remaining French-trained contenders are Dreamliner, No Lunch and Sir Tommy Cen. All three would be making their first appearances at Group 1 level. Dreamliner represents Stéphane Wattel, while No Lunch runs for Christophe Ferland. Spanish-trained Sir Tommy Cen completes the possible line-up and would be one of the outsiders if taking his place. The jump from domestic or lower Group company into one of Europe’s strongest mile races is substantial, but a truly run straight-course contest could give one of them an opportunity to outperform expectations. The retirement of Bow Echo removes the horse who would almost certainly have started favourite. The unbeaten 2,000 Guineas, St James’s Palace Stakes and Sussex Stakes winner appeared ready to take his campaign to France after defeating Gstaad at Goodwood. His absence means there is no undisputed leader among Europe’s three-year-old milers. Precise offers the strongest record and proven Deauville form, while Rayif should be better suited returning to 1600m after his unsuccessful drop in distance. More Thunder brings the strength and experience of the older generation, and Sixpence could be the runner capable of changing the established European order. The final composition of the field will also be important. If Thesecretadversary and Power Blue are redirected to York, the complexion and likely tempo of the race may change considerably. What remains certain is that the Prix Jacques le Marois will again deliver an important confrontation between generations and racing jurisdictions. By Scott Bailey

Prix Maurice de Gheest winner thrives on fast ground.

Connections of Samangan will consider supplementing last weekend’s Prix Maurice de Gheest hero for the Betfair Sprint Cup if conditions remain quick at Haydock.

There are some decent races on the card at Fairview on Friday 14 August and hopefully they all be contested on the turf. There are two feature races on the programme, and Race 5, the Memorial Mile (Listed), is the first of them. Trainer Alan Greeff has a very strong record in this race, and Zinovi will be a short-priced favourite. Zinovi has won seven of his last nine starts and is the defending champion. The Heavenly Blue gelding has won five times since then, including his last four starts. Usual pilot Richard Fourie is away again and is replaced by jockey Andrew Fortune. Fortune rode this gelding when third back in May last year and will be keen to show he is capable of winning with him. The class act on this card is undoubtedly the Greeff-trained Golden Palm, who runs in Race 6, a Conditions Plate over 1200m. The Master Of My Fate filly returns from a break and drops back to sprinting, but she should prove hard to beat. Race 7, the Jockey Club Stakes (Listed) over 2000m, is the other feature race and looks a very open contest. Greeff has five of the 11 runners carded, and Fortune is on the very consistent Enchanting Choice, but the Rafeef mare tries this distance for the first time. She is well drawn but may be stretched by the trip. Stable companion Silvan Mistress may provide better value at the likely odds. This Master Of My Fate filly has shown a dislike for the Polytrack and struggled last time out. She had won two solid races before that, including over this course and distance in April, and has a decent draw in stall 4. There are also a couple of Western Cape-trained runners in the race, and the best of them could be Beware The Bomb. Trainer Justin Snaith has an excellent record when visiting this course, and this filly tries 2000m for the first time. It is worth noting she won over 1800m, which is the furthest she has gone so far. Jockey Kabelo Matsunyane is in good form and takes the ride.   Clive Robinson