Thursday promises a packed racing schedule, featuring meetings at both Hereford and Ripon, all broadcast live on Sky Sports Racing. The highlight of the Ripon card will be the highly rated Sixtygeesbaby taking on the American Style in a 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 moved from Tom Clover's stable in March. In his most recent outing at Doncaster, he ran a respectable race and was only narrowly beaten, suggesting he is improving with each run. With a few weeks of additional conditioning under O'Meara's care, he should arrive at Ripon fitter and more eager to compete. American Style, on the other hand, has struggled to find his best form since the end of last season, often drifting to the rear of the field.
Nevertheless, he possesses genuine ability and, if the race unfolds in his favour, he could snap back into winning condition. He returns to the same course and distance that delivered his first victory last year, giving him a familiar platform to rediscover his earlier success.
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. He carries a respectable weight penalty from the top two finishers, which makes him a genuine factor in the race and difficult to dismiss outright.
Fans are encouraged to stay up‑to‑date with the latest racing news, interviews and feature stories via the Sky Sports Racing app, ensuring they never miss a beat of the action. In another contest, the lightly‑exposed Storm Esme aims to overcome a 4‑pound weight 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 where she claimed victory by a head. She was then stepped up to the Two‑Year‑Old Trophy at Redcar, a race that proved beyond her at the time as she finished eleventh, eight lengths behind the winner.
However, she quickly bounced back, securing a win at Leicester less than two weeks later, demonstrating resilience and the potential for further improvement. Cotai Belle, another top‑rated runner, will be looking to match Storm Esme's earlier form. Cotai Belle also contested the Listed race at Redcar, finishing two places ahead of Storm Esme and starting at long odds of 50‑1. She arrives at Ripon carrying four pounds more than in her previous outing and will need to tap into the early speed and stamina that saw her succeed as a two‑year‑old.
Wyle Cop, a sprinter who has already made two appearances on the all‑weather surface this season, captured a win and a third‑place finish in a warm sprint handicap at Southwell. Now returning to the turf, his fitness appears solid and he could be a strong contender in the upcoming sprint contests. The Sky Sports Racing platform continues to provide comprehensive coverage, including the latest horse racing news, exclusive interviews, and in‑depth features, keeping enthusiasts informed and engaged.
At Hereford, Sherborne will test himself in a higher class by contesting the Keltruck Ltd Handicap Chase, aiming to complete a hat‑trick of victories at the venue. His first win of the sequence came in mid‑March at Exeter, where he surged ahead by an impressive 14 lengths.
He followed that performance later in the month with a dominant win at Ascot. Given the size of those margins, trainer Joe Tizzard’s gelding appears well‑suited to step up in class and could very well repeat his recent dominance. Conversely, Insurrection will drop in class after a disappointing run down the field in the Kim Muir at Cheltenham in March. The horse also faces a shorter distance this time around, which should suit his running style better and could see him return to a more competitive form.
Black Hawk Eagle, who carried three extra pounds to a win at Chepstow in his last outing, arrives at the meeting with a light weight assignment. His recent performance suggests he should not be written off and could be a serious contender. The Ripon card will also feature a competitive 0‑85 handicap scheduled for 4:16 pm, providing further opportunities for emerging talent to showcase their abilities.
Additionally, there will be eight races featuring horses from ParisLongchamp, offering a taste of lower‑grade action for those seeking variety. Overall, Thursday's program delivers a blend of seasoned campaigners and promising newcomers across both venues. Whether you are tracking the progress of Sixtygeesbaby, assessing the resurgence of Storm Esme, or following the steady climb of Sherborne, there is plenty of excitement to be had. Stay tuned to Sky Sports Racing for live coverage, expert analysis, and all the stories that make the sport so compelling.