Thursday promises a packed racing programme, with meetings at Hereford and Ripon being broadcast live on Sky Sports Racing. The headline attraction at Ripon’s opening day of the 2026 season is the Competitive Armstrong Memorial Handicap, where the highly‑rated Sixtygeesbaby will line up against the seasoned American Style. Sixtygeesbaby is only on his second start for trainer David O'Meara, having transferred from Tom Clover’s stable in March.
After a respectable showing at Doncaster on his seasonal return last month, the colt appears fitter and more eager to improve on his previous effort. The move to O'Meara’s yard has been described as a positive change, and the team will be hoping the horse can translate that into a winning performance in the opening contest of the Ripon calendar.
American Style, on the other hand, has had a challenging finish to the previous campaign, slipping back in the closing stages of his races and failing to hit the front end of the field. Nevertheless, the horse possesses genuine ability and, if the race unfolds in his favour, could rediscover the form that saw him claim a victory over the same distance earlier in the season.
The connections are confident that a smoother trip and a well‑timed run could see him back in the winner’s circle. Also worth watching is Modern Times, a horse that has not been seen in action since a June win over the same course and distance last year.
Carrying a substantial weight penalty from the two top‑rated rivals, Modern Times remains a genuine threat and should not be discounted despite the long lay‑off. For fans who want to stay up‑to‑date with the latest racing stories, interviews and feature pieces, a dedicated app provides instant access to all the news from the sport.
In another intriguing storyline, the lightly‑exposed filly Storm Esme is set to test the waters in the Ripon Silver Bowl Handicap, despite carrying an extra four pounds compared with her previous outing. Owned by Valmont, Storm Esme began her career with a promising two wins from three starts as a juvenile.
She debuted at Newcastle, edging her rival by a head, before stepping up to the Two‑Year‑Old Trophy at Redcar where she was outclassed, finishing eleventh, eight lengths behind the winner. Undeterred, she bounced back two weeks later with a victory at Leicester, suggesting that the Redcar effort may have been an outlier rather than a true reflection of her ability. Her connections hope she can translate that juvenile promise into a solid performance at Ripon.
Cotai Belle, another top‑rated filly, will be looking to emulate Storm Esme’s early form. The two faced each other in a Listed race at Redcar, where Cotai Belle finished two places ahead of Storm Esme, despite starting at 50‑1 odds. Now carrying four pounds more than her rival, Cotai Belle will need to rediscover the speed and stamina that made her a standout in her juvenile season if she hopes to add another win to her record. Wyle Cop, a sprinter who has already tasted success on the all‑weather surface this season, could prove a dangerous contender after a win and a third‑place finish in a warm sprint handicap at Southwell.
With fitness on his side and the transition back to turf, the horse may find the conditions at Ripon to his liking and could be a factor in the finishing order. Meanwhile, at Hereford, Sherborne will be stepping up in class for the Keltruck Ltd Handicap Chase, aiming to complete a hat‑trick of victories after impressive wins at Exeter (by fourteen lengths) and Ascot earlier in the spring.
Trainer Joe Tizzard’s gelding has shown the ability to dominate when placed at the right level, and the connections are confident he can handle the increased challenge without missing a beat. Insurrection, who finished towards the rear in the Kim Muir at Cheltenham in March, is dropping back in class and distance for his next run.
The reduced trip and softer competition should suit him better, offering a chance to regain confidence and perhaps secure a respectable placing. Black Hawk Eagle, who was lifted three pounds for a win at Chepstow on his last start, arrives at Ripon carrying a feather‑weight. While the weight advantage is modest, it cannot be ignored, and the horse remains a contender that should not be dismissed lightly.
The Ripon card also includes a Competitive 0‑85 handicap scheduled for 4:16 pm, featuring eight races that span from the lower‑grade action to more competitive fields, offering a full spectrum of racing excitement for spectators and bettors alike. Overall, Thursday’s meetings promise a blend of seasoned campaigners, rising stars, and intriguing weight‑adjusted contests that will keep racing enthusiasts glued to their screens. Whether you are tracking the progress of Sixtygeesbaby’s early season development, rooting for the comeback of American Style, or following the evolving storylines of Storm Esme and Cotai Belle, there is plenty of drama to be had on the track.
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