Sixtygeesbaby Leads the Charge in Ripon's Feature Event

Thursday's racing schedule is packed, with live coverage from Hereford and Ripon on Sky Sports Racing. The highly-anticipated Armstrong Memorial Handicap at Ripon's 2026 season opener features top contenders Sixtygeesbaby and American Style. Sixtygeesbaby, now with the David O'Meara team, is set for his second start after a close finish at Doncaster last month. American Style, meanwhile, seeks to regain his winning form after a disappointing end to last season. He returns to the scene of his previous victory, covering the same distance. Modern Times, having not been seen since winning over this course and distance in June last year, is an intriguing contender, receiving a significant weight advantage from the top two. The unexposed Storm Esme aims to defy a 4lbs rise in the Ripon Silver Bowl Handicap. After winning two of three juvenile starts, Storm Esme begins her season, facing competition from Cotai Belle, who finished two places ahead of her in the Listed race at Redcar. Wyle Cop, having shown promise on the All-Weather, now returns to turf. In the Keltruck Ltd Handicap Chase at Hereford, Sherborne bids to complete a hat-trick, stepping up in class after emphatic wins at Exeter and Ascot. Insurrection takes a drop in class, while Black Hawk Eagle, up 3lbs for a recent win at Chepstow, competes off a low weight. The day's action also includes an 0-85 handicap at Ripon and eight low-grade races from ParisLongchamp.