Thursday promises a packed racing programme, featuring meetings at Hereford and Ripon that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Racing. The headline attraction at Ripon’s opening day of the 2026 season is the highly‑rated Sixtygeesbaby, who will contest the Armstrong Memorial Handicap alongside the seasoned campaigner American Style.
Sixtygeesbaby is only making his second start for trainer David O'Meara after being transferred from Tom Clover’s stable in March. He showed promise in his seasonal return at Doncaster last month, finishing a respectable distance behind the winner, and is expected to arrive fitter and sharper for the Ripon test. The colt’s recent form suggests he is on an upward trajectory, and the change of tack should give him the extra edge needed to challenge for the top spot. American Style, by contrast, has endured a difficult second half of last season, slipping back in the field and failing to find a clear run.
Despite the dip, the horse still possesses genuine ability and only needs the race conditions to fall into place to rediscover his winning ways. He returns to the same course and distance that delivered his first‑time victory last year, a factor that could prove decisive if he can settle into a comfortable rhythm. Also worth watching is Modern Times, a horse that has not been seen since a June victory over the same course and distance last year.
Modern Times will be carrying a respectable weight penalty from the top two finishers, yet the lack of recent runs makes him a wildcard that cannot be dismissed outright. Fans can stay up‑to‑date with the latest racing news, interviews and feature stories on their mobile devices, ensuring they never miss a beat in the fast‑moving world of horse racing.
Among the other entries, Storm Esme is set to defy a four‑pound increase in the Ripon Silver Bowl Handicap. The Valmont‑owned filly began her career with two wins from three starts as a juvenile, debuting at Newcastle with a narrow head victory before being stretched to the Two‑Year‑Old Trophy at Redcar, where she finished eleventh, eight lengths behind the winner. Undeterred, she rebounded with a win at Leicester just under two weeks later, indicating that she may still have plenty of potential to unleash.
Cotai Belle, another top‑rated contender, will be looking to match Storm Esme’s early form. Cotai Belle also ran in the same Listed race at Redcar, finishing two places ahead of Storm Esme while sent off at 50‑1 odds. However, she will be carrying four pounds more than in that performance, meaning she must recapture the speed and stamina that made her a standout as a two‑year‑old. Wyle Cop has already shown his versatility this season with two all‑weather starts, recording a win and a third place in a warm sprint handicap at Southwell.
With fitness on his side, the horse could translate that form to the turf and become a serious contender in the upcoming handicap. Turning to Hereford, Sherborne is stepping 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, followed by an emphatic triumph at Ascot later that month. Given those dominant margins, trainer Joe Tizzard’s horse appears well‑suited to handle the increased challenge and could well add another win to his record.
Insurrection, meanwhile, is dropping in class after a disappointing run in the Kim Muir at Cheltenham in March. The horse will also be contesting a shorter distance, which should suit his running style and give him a better chance of a strong finish.
Black Hawk Eagle returns to the track after a three‑pound weight advantage in his last win at Chepstow and is now carrying a feather‑weight. That light burden makes him a contender that should not be overlooked. The Ripon card also includes a competitive 0‑85 handicap scheduled for 4:16 p.m., featuring eight races that span from low‑grade action to more substantial contests, providing a full spectrum of racing excitement for spectators and punters alike. Overall, Thursday’s meetings promise a blend of seasoned veterans and emerging talent, each looking to make their mark as the season unfolds.
Whether you are following the top‑rated Sixtygeesbaby, the resilient Storm Esme, or the ambitious Sherborne, there will be plenty of drama, strategy, and athleticism on display. Stay tuned to Sky Sports Racing for live coverage, in‑depth analysis, and the latest updates from the world of horse racing.