Thursday promises a packed racing programme, with meetings at both Hereford and Ripon being broadcast live on Sky Sports Racing. The highlight at Ripon is the opening day of the 2026 season, where the highly‑rated Sixtygeesbaby and American Style will contest the competitive Armstrong Memorial Handicap. Sixtygeesbaby is only on his second start for trainer David O'Meara, having transferred from Tom Clover's stable in March.
He showed promise in his seasonal return at Doncaster last month, finishing close behind the winner in a respectable field. The extra preparation time should see him arrive at Ripon in better condition and ready to challenge for the top spot. American Style, meanwhile, has struggled to find his rhythm this past season, often drifting towards the rear in the closing stages.
Despite the recent dip in form, he possesses genuine ability and simply needs the race conditions to click for him to get back to winning ways. He will be back on the same course and distance where he secured a victory as a three‑year‑old, giving him a familiar platform to rediscover his best performance. Also worth watching is Modern Times, a horse that has not been seen since winning over this course and distance in June of the previous year. He carries a solid weight allowance from the two front‑runners, making him a plausible threat that should not be discounted.
For those who want to stay up‑to‑date with the latest racing news, interviews and feature pieces, the Sky Sports Racing app offers a convenient way to receive alerts and read stories on the go. In another contest, the lightly‑exposed filly Storm Esme is set to test a four‑pound penalty in the Ripon Silver Bowl Handicap. Owned by Valmont, the mare began her career impressively, winning two of her three juvenile starts. She debuted at Newcastle, taking the race by a head, before stepping up to the Two‑Year‑Old Trophy at Redcar where she faded to eleventh, eight lengths behind the winner.
Undeterred, she bounced back with a victory at Leicester a fortnight later, suggesting she still has the potential to improve. Cotai Belle, another top‑rated runner, will be re‑meeting Storm Esme after both contested the same Listed race at Redcar, where Cotai Belle finished two places ahead of the Valmont filly despite starting at 50‑1 odds. Carrying four pounds more than Storm Esme in the upcoming handicap, Cotai Belle will need to tap into the form that saw her excel earlier in the season if she hopes to secure a win on her return.
Wyle Cop, a sprinter who has taken two starts on the all‑weather surface this season, recorded a win and a third‑place finish in a warm sprint handicap at Southwell. His fitness appears solid, and the transition back to turf could suit him well, making him a candidate to perform strongly in the upcoming race. Turning to Hereford, Sherborne will step up in class for the Keltruck Ltd Handicap Chase, aiming to complete a hat‑trick of victories at the venue. The gelding’s first win of the sequence came in mid‑March at Exeter, where he surged ahead by fourteen lengths.
He followed that with a commanding triumph at Ascot later the same month. Given those dominant performances, trainer Joe Tizzard’s horse looks capable of handling the increased class without difficulty. Conversely, Insurrection will drop in class after a disappointing finish at the Kim Muir at Cheltenham in March.
The horse also faces a shorter trip this time, which should suit his running style better and could see him placed more favorably. Black Hawk Eagle, who carried three pounds more than his last win at Chepstow, arrives at the race carrying a feather‑weight.
That light burden makes him a contender that cannot be overlooked. The day’s schedule also includes a competitive 0‑85 handicap at 4:16 pm at Ripon, featuring eight races that trace a line from the prestigious ParisLongchamp meeting down to more modest local action, offering a full spectrum of racing excitement for fans of every level. Overall, Thursday’s meetings promise a blend of seasoned campaigners looking to cement their status, rising stars eager to make a mark, and seasoned veterans seeking redemption.
Whether you are watching from the stands or following the action on television, the line‑up offers plenty of storylines to follow, making it a must‑watch day for any racing enthusiast.