Thursday promises a packed racing schedule, featuring meetings at both Hereford and Ripon, all broadcast live on Sky Sports Racing. Among the highlights is the highly regarded Sixtygeesbaby, who will take on American Style in the competitive Armstrong Memorial Handicap, marking the opening day of Ripon's 2026 season. 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 a respectable distance behind the winner, and is expected to return fitter and more eager for the Ripon contest. American Style, on the other hand, has struggled to find his best form, slipping towards the rear of the field late in the previous season.
Nonetheless, he possesses genuine ability and simply needs the right conditions to rediscover his winning ways. This race sees him back at the venue where he last tasted success, covering the same distance that brought him victory as a first‑time runner last year.
Also worth noting is Modern Times, an intriguing prospect who has not been seen since his June triumph over the same course and distance last year. He will be carrying a substantial weight penalty from the top two finishers, but his previous performance suggests he should not be written off.
For fans who want to stay up‑to‑date with the latest racing news, interviews and feature stories, the Sky Sports Racing app offers a convenient way to receive real‑time updates straight to their phones. In the Ripon Silver Bowl Handicap, the previously unexposed Storm Esme aims to overcome a four‑pound increase in weight. The Valmont‑owned filly is looking to start her three‑year‑old campaign positively after a solid juvenile record of two wins from three starts. She debuted at Newcastle, winning by a head, before being stretched to contest the Two‑Year‑Old Trophy at Redcar, where she faded to eleventh, eight lengths behind the winner.
Undeterred, she rebounded two weeks later with a victory at Leicester, indicating she may still have untapped potential. Cotai Belle, another top‑rated runner, will be re‑opposing Storm Esme. Cotai Belle also featured in the same Listed race at Redcar, finishing two places ahead of Storm Esme when sent off at 50‑1 odds. She arrives at Ripon carrying four pounds more than in that race and will need to recapture the form that made her a contender earlier in the season.
Wyle Cop, a sprinter with two all‑weather outings this year—a win and a third place in a warm sprint handicap at Southwell—has the benefit of fitness on his side. Returning to turf, he could be in a strong position to perform well.
Meanwhile, at Hereford, Sherborne steps up in class for the Keltruck Ltd Handicap Chase, aiming to complete a hat‑trick of victories at the track. His first win in the series came in mid‑March at Exeter, where he surged ahead by fourteen lengths, followed by a dominant performance at Ascot later that month. Given those impressive margins, trainer Joe Tizzard’s gelding appears well‑suited to handle the elevated class and could repeat his success.
Insurrection, by contrast, drops down in class after a disappointing run in the Kim Muir at Cheltenham in March, where he finished towards the rear. He also faces a shorter distance this time, a change that should suit him better and potentially improve his chances. Black Hawk Eagle, who carried a three‑pound penalty after a win at Chepstow, returns on a feather‑weight basis.
Though lightly weighted, his recent form suggests he cannot be dismissed outright. The Ripon card also includes a competitive 0‑85 handicap scheduled for 4:16 pm, featuring eight races that range from lower‑grade contests to more significant stakes, offering a diverse program for punters and racing enthusiasts alike.
Overall, Thursday’s meetings promise a blend of seasoned campaigners seeking to reaffirm their status and emerging talent looking to make a mark. Whether you are tracking the progress of Sixtygeesbaby’s early season development, assessing the resurgence of Storm Esme, or watching Sherborne’s pursuit of a three‑peat at Hereford, there is plenty of intrigue to keep fans engaged. Stay tuned to Sky Sports Racing for live coverage, expert analysis, and the latest updates from the world of horse racing.