Sixtygeesbaby Leads the Charge in Ripon's Feature Event

Thursday promises to be an exciting day of racing, with events at Hereford and Ripon broadcast live on Sky Sports Racing. The highly anticipated Armstrong Memorial Handicap kicks off Ripon's 2026 season, featuring top contenders Sixtygeesbaby and American Style. Sixtygeesbaby, now racing for the David O'Meara team, is set to make his second start after a respectable performance at Doncaster last month. American Style, although struggling to find his winning form, has the potential to excel if circumstances favor him, particularly as he returns to the scene of his previous victory. Modern Times, having not been seen since his win over this course and distance in June last year, poses an interesting challenge and receives a significant weight advantage over the top two contenders. For all the latest news, interviews, and features from the racing world, download the Sky Sports Racing app. Storm Esme, relatively unexposed, aims to overcome a 4lbs rise in the Ripon Silver Bowl Handicap. Following a successful juvenile season with two wins from three starts, Storm Esme looks to begin her current season on a positive note. Top-rated Cotai Belle, who competed against Storm Esme in the Two-Year-Old Trophy at Redcar, will need to recapture her early form to succeed, especially considering she is 4lbs worse off at the weights. Wyle Cop, with two All-Weather starts this season, including a win, has the advantage of fitness and could perform well now that he's back on turf. Sherborne seeks to achieve a hat-trick in the Keltruck Ltd Handicap Chase at Hereford, following convincing wins at Exeter and Ascot. Insurrection, dropping down in class after a disappointing finish in the Kim Muir at Cheltenham, should find the competition more to his liking and could go well. Black Hawk Eagle, despite being up 3lbs after his win at Chepstow, is not to be underestimated, especially given his light weight. The day concludes with an 0-85 handicap at Ripon and eight races from ParisLongchamp, offering a mix of competitive and lower-grade action.