Thursday's racing schedule is packed, with live coverage from Hereford and Ripon on Sky Sports Racing. The highly anticipated Armstrong Memorial Handicap takes center stage on the opening day of Ripon's 2026 season, featuring top contenders Sixtygeesbaby and American Style. Following a recent switch to the David O'Meara team, Sixtygeesbaby makes his second start, building on a strong performance at Doncaster last month.

American Style, meanwhile, seeks to regain his winning form, having struggled towards the end of the previous season. He returns to the site of his last victory, over the same distance, and could make a comeback with the right conditions. Modern Times, having not been seen since winning at this course and distance in June last year, also poses a threat, receiving a significant weight advantage from the top two contenders.

For the latest horse racing news, interviews, and features, download the Sky Sports Racing app. In the Ripon Silver Bowl Handicap, Storm Esme looks to overcome a 4lbs rise, following an impressive juvenile season with two wins from three starts. The Valmont-owned filly will face stiff competition from Cotai Belle, who finished ahead of Storm Esme in the Two-Year-Old Trophy at Redcar.

Cotai Belle will need to regain her early-season form, however, having been given a 4lbs disadvantage at the weights. Wyle Cop, with two starts on the All-Weather this season, including a win and a third-place finish, could also make an impact, having the advantage of being race-fit.

At Hereford, Sherborne takes a step up in class in the Keltruck Ltd Handicap Chase, aiming to complete a hat-trick. With convincing wins at Exeter and Ascot in March, Joe Tizzard's gelding appears well-equipped to handle the rise in class. Insurrection, dropping down in class after a disappointing performance in the Kim Muir at Cheltenham, could also go well, particularly with a significant drop in trip.

Black Hawk Eagle, having won at Chepstow last time out, cannot be ruled out, especially given his low weight. The day's racing concludes with a competitive 0-85 handicap at Ripon and eight low-grade races from ParisLongchamp.