Thursday promises a packed racing programme, with fixtures at both Hereford and Ripon being broadcast live on Sky Sports Racing. The highlight of the Ripon card is the competitive Armstrong Memorial Handicap, where the top‑rated Sixtygeesbaby will meet the American Style contest on the opening day of the 2026 season at the historic venue. Sixtygeesbaby is only on his second start for trainer David O'Meara after making the switch from Tom Clover's stable in March.
He showed promise in his seasonal return at Doncaster last month, finishing strongly in a respectable contest, and is expected to be fitter and sharper now that he has had another spell in training. The colt’s recent form suggests he could be a serious contender in the Armstrong Memorial, especially given the weight advantage he may enjoy over some of the older rivals. American Style, on the other hand, has had a mixed campaign. He struggled to find a clear run in the latter part of last season, often being forced to the rear of the field.
Nonetheless, his underlying ability is evident, and his connections believe that a well‑timed run could see him back in winning form. He returns to the same course and distance that yielded his first victory last season, a factor that could boost his confidence and help him settle into a more forward position. Another horse worth watching is Modern Times.
The gelding has not been seen since his June victory over the same course and distance last year, and he will be carrying a respectable weight penalty from the top two finishers. Despite the added weight, his previous performance indicates he still has the stamina and class to make an impact, making him a difficult horse to rule out. In the broader context of the day’s racing, Sky Sports Racing encourages viewers not to miss any of the action, promising the latest news, interviews, and feature stories on their mobile platform. This commitment to comprehensive coverage ensures fans stay up‑to‑date with everything from race results to behind‑the‑scenes insights.
The unexposed Storm Esme is set to challenge a four‑pound increase in the Ripon Silver Bowl Handicap. Owned by Valmont, the filly began her juvenile campaign with two wins from three starts, debuting at Newcastle where she edged out a rival by a head.
She was then stepped up to the Two‑Year‑Old Trophy at Redcar, a race that proved too demanding as she finished eleventh, eight lengths behind the winner. However, she bounced back swiftly, securing a victory at Leicester just under two weeks later, demonstrating resilience and the potential for further improvement. Cotai Belle, the top‑rated filly, will be re‑opposing Storm Esme. Both contested the same Listed race at Redcar, where Cotai Belle finished two places ahead of Storm Esme, despite starting at 50‑1 odds.
She arrives at Ripon carrying four pounds more than her rival and will need to rediscover the form that saw her win as a juvenile if she hopes to add another victory to her record. Wyle Cop, a sprinter who has shown promise on all‑weather surfaces this season, boasts a win and a third‑place finish in a warm sprint handicap at Southwell. With fitness on his side, the trainer believes the colt could transition back to turf successfully and be a strong contender in the sprint division.
Further down the programme, Sherborne will step up in class for the Keltruck Ltd Handicap Chase at Hereford, aiming to complete a hat‑trick of victories. His first win of the sequence came in mid‑March at Exeter, where he won by an impressive fourteen lengths. He followed that with a dominant performance at Ascot later the same month.
Given those emphatic margins, trainer Joe Tizzard’s gelding appears well‑suited to handle the increased class and is expected to be a serious threat. Insurrection, by contrast, will drop in class after a disappointing run in the Kim Muir at Cheltenham in March, where he finished towards the back of the field.
He will also face a shorter trip this time, a change that could suit his running style better and potentially restore him to form. Black Hawk Eagle, who carried a three‑pound penalty after a win at Chepstow, returns on a light weight.
The minimal weight burden makes him a horse to watch, as he could capitalize on the advantage and challenge for the prize. The Ripon meeting also features a competitive 0‑85 handicap scheduled for 4:16 pm, providing further opportunities for emerging talent to showcase their abilities. Additionally, the card includes eight races featuring horses from ParisLongchamp, offering a low‑grade but intriguing international dimension to the day's action.
Overall, Thursday’s racing slate offers a blend of seasoned campaigners, rising stars, and intriguing weight assignments that should keep punters and enthusiasts alike on the edge of their seats. Whether you are following the top‑rated Sixtygeesbaby, the resilient Storm Esme, or the ambitious Sherborne, there is plenty of drama to unfold on the turf and all‑weather tracks.
Stay tuned to Sky Sports Racing for live coverage, expert analysis, and the latest updates throughout the day.