Thursday promises a packed racing programme, featuring meetings at both Hereford and Ripon, all broadcast live on Sky Sports Racing. Among the headline events is the highly anticipated Armstrong Memorial Handicap, where the top‑rated Sixtygeesbaby and the seasoned campaigner American Style will contest the opening day of Ripon's 2026 season. Sixtygeesbaby is only making his second start for trainer David O'Meara, having transferred from Tom Clover's stable in March. In his most recent outing at Doncaster, he was a close runner‑up in a respectable field, suggesting he is improving with each run.
The extra time in training should see him arrive at Ripon in peak condition, ready to challenge for the win. American Style, by contrast, has endured a frustrating spell.
After a strong start to his career, he faded toward the back of the field late last season and has struggled to find his rhythm. Nevertheless, his pedigree and previous performances indicate that he still possesses the talent to turn things around.
He will be returning to the same course and distance where he secured his most recent victory, hoping that familiarity will help him rediscover his winning form. Also worth watching is Modern Times, a horse that has not been seen since a dominant win on this very track and over this distance in June of the previous year.
Carrying a significant weight penalty from the top two finishers, Modern Times remains a credible threat and could prove difficult to discount if he finds his previous level of fitness. For those 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 breaking updates straight to a mobile device. Another intriguing contender is the unexposed Storm Esme, who will attempt to overcome a four‑pound increase in the Ripon Silver Bowl Handicap.
Owned by the Valmont partnership, the filly began her career with a promising two wins from three starts as a juvenile. After a debut win at Newcastle, she was stepped up to the Two‑Year‑Old Trophy at Redcar, where she was beaten by eight lengths, finishing eleventh.
However, she quickly bounced back, capturing a victory at Leicester just under two weeks later, suggesting she still has plenty of potential to develop. In contrast, top‑rated Cotai Belle also re‑enters the scene, having previously faced Storm Esme in the same Listed race at Redcar, where she finished two places ahead of the rival at 50‑1 odds. Carrying four pounds more than Storm Esme in the upcoming handicap, Cotai Belle will need to tap back into the form that made her a standout as a two‑year‑old if she hopes to secure another win.
Wyle Cop, a sprinter with two all‑weather starts this season—a win and a third‑place finish in a warm sprint handicap at Southwell—has shown promising fitness. The trainer believes the horse will benefit from a return to turf, where his speed could translate into a strong performance.
Meanwhile, at Hereford, Sherborne is stepping up in class for the Keltruck Ltd Handicap Chase, aiming to complete a hat‑trick of victories at the venue. After a dominant fourteen‑length win at Exeter in mid‑March, followed by an emphatic triumph at Ascot later that month, the gelding, trained by Joe Tizzard, appears ready to take on the higher‑class competition with confidence.
Insurrection, on the other hand, 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 better and give him a better chance of a competitive finish.
Black Hawk Eagle, who carried three pounds more than his last winning effort at Chepstow, arrives at this meeting at a feather‑weight. Although the weight advantage is modest, it could be enough to keep him in contention.
The Ripon card also features a competitive 0‑85 handicap scheduled for 4.16pm, and the meeting includes eight races sourced from the ParisLongchamp circuit, offering a variety of lower‑grade action for enthusiasts. Overall, Thursday's racing slate provides a blend of seasoned campaigners seeking to rediscover form, promising newcomers eager to make a mark, and seasoned veterans looking to add another victory to their records. Fans can expect tactical battles, potential upsets, and a showcase of the depth of talent across the British flat and National Hunt scenes. Whether you are tracking Sixtygeesbaby's early promise, rooting for American Style's comeback, or following the strategic moves of trainers like David O'Meara and Joe Tizzard, there is plenty to watch and discuss as the 2026 Ripon season kicks off in style.