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. Having recently joined the David O'Meara team, Sixtygeesbaby makes his second start after a respectable performance at Doncaster last month. American Style, meanwhile, seeks to regain his winning form after a disappointing end to the previous season.
He returns to the site of his last victory, covering the same distance as his first win of the season. Modern Times, having not competed since June last year, poses an intriguing challenge, receiving a significant weight advantage over the top two contenders.
For all the latest racing news, interviews, and features, download our app. Storm Esme looks to overcome a 4lbs rise in the Ripon Silver Bowl Handicap, following a promising juvenile season with two wins from three starts.
Cotai Belle, who finished ahead of Storm Esme in the Two-Year-Old Trophy at Redcar, will need to recapture her early-season form to succeed. Wyle Cop, with two All-Weather starts this season, boasts fitness on his side as he returns to turf racing.
Sherborne, seeking a hat-trick, takes on a higher class in the Keltruck Ltd Handicap Chase at Hereford. Following convincing wins at Exeter and Ascot, Joe Tizzard's gelding may handle the rise in class with ease. Insurrection, dropping down in class after a disappointing performance at Cheltenham, should fare better in this less demanding contest.
Black Hawk Eagle, having won at Chepstow, cannot be overlooked despite being up 3lbs. The day's action concludes with an 0-85 handicap at Ripon and eight low-grade races from ParisLongchamp.