Hollie Doyle's Top Horses to Watch in 2026

As the flat season gets underway, Sky Sports Racing ambassador Hollie Doyle shares her top picks for 2026, featuring a mix of promising newcomers and established stars. Richard Hannon's seasoned five-year-old has shown remarkable improvement since autumn, with notable victories at Ascot and Doncaster. This horse is expected to make a seamless transition into Group company. Another standout is a big, impressive son of New Bay, who made a successful debut at Chelmsford City and is being considered for a valuable spring handicap at Newbury. A three-year-old gelding from Aga Khan Studs also caught attention with his dominant performance in a Saint-Cloud newcomers race, displaying immense potential under the guidance of Francis Graffard. Aidan O'Brien's Wootton Bassett son is another contender, having made a strong impression in the Group 1 Futurity Trophy and poised to become a serious Derby contender. Other notable mentions include William Haggas's Kingman son, a half-brother to Group 1 star King Of Change, and a filly who debuted with a win at Newbury and holds an entry in the Irish Oaks. Despite some horses facing setbacks, such as a Lingfield maiden winner who struggled in the Coventry Stakes, they are expected to bounce back and develop into stakes performers. Ed Walker's filly, a daughter of Starman, is also one to watch, having shown class in a Nottingham maiden and finishing strong in the Group 2 Rockfel. Archie Watson's son of Sea The Stars made a striking debut and will be tested in deeper waters, while Karl Burke's Night Of Thunder son is aiming for the Group 1 Lockinge Stakes after a successful season. These horses are sure to make waves in the racing world, with Hollie Doyle sharing her insights in an interview with Sky Sports Racing's Simon Mapletoft.