Thursday promises a packed schedule of flat racing on Sky Sports Racing, featuring action from Lingfield, Southwell and Yarmouth. The focus will be on the penultimate race at Yarmouth, the Sky Sports Virgin 519 Fillies' Handicap over seven furlongs, where eight contenders will line up for a chance at glory. Zighy, a three‑year‑old filly, will be ridden by George Boughey.
After missing her first four starts, Zighy finally broke her maiden on her fifth attempt and followed that up with a convincing all‑weather win at Southwell just fifteen days ago. The filly, bought for 400,000 guineas (approximately £42,000) as a yearling, returns to turf for the first time since her Southwell triumph. Billy Loughnane has been confirmed as the jockey for today’s outing, giving the connections a fresh partnership as they chase a potential hat‑trick. Also in the field is You’ll Think Of Me, a David Egan mount who proved his worth on debut in December by winning at very slim odds.
The 500,000‑guinea (about £52,000) yearling was originally trained by Donnacha O'Brien, where she managed only a second‑place finish in four starts. After a 150‑day spell away from the track, she returns to turf for her first run under the Kevin Philippart‑De Foy banner, eager to extend her unbeaten record. Moonshine, partnered with Ed Walker and James Doyle, has never finished outside the top three in her four career starts. The daughter of Starman recorded a career‑best performance last month when she broke her maiden, and today she steps back up to the seven‑furlong distance, hoping to improve on that promising debut.
Other notable entries include Brisky Symphony for Jonathan Portman and Here I Bow for Oli Rix, both of which could feature prominently as the race unfolds. Moving to Lingfield, the penultimate race there will see ten runners contest the Sky Sports Racing Virgin 512 Handicap, also over seven furlongs. John Butler and Luke Morris will team up on Havana Touch, a horse that showed its best form earlier this year with a third win at Kempton in early May.
Havana Touch now drops back to seven furlongs for the first time since that May victory, offering a fresh test of stamina. Bella Bisbee, trained by Scott Dixon and ridden by Kieran O'Neill, is another recent winner. She captured a victory over the same course and distance just sixteen days ago and will be looking for a fourth career win at the same distance.
Craig Benton’s Bold Suitor, who was a length second to Bella Bisbee in their last meeting, carries three pounds less today, giving him a weight advantage as he returns to Lingfield. The Lingfield field also includes Jim Boyle’s Daisy Roots, Spirit Lead Me for Richard Hughes, and Virtue Patience, who will be wearing cheekpieces for the first time. These horses round out a competitive lineup of ten.
At Southwell, the Free Race Replays On attheraces.com Handicap over six furlongs will feature eight runners, with Roberto Caro and Station X as the headline names. Adrian Keatley will ride Roberto Caro, a five‑year‑old who is chasing his first win since a narrow neck victory in the Racing League at Chepstow in August. Despite that promising performance, he has not secured a win since. Station X, meanwhile, has displayed consistent form, finishing placed in four consecutive runs, including a near two‑length win over Roberto Caro at Southwell over the same distance.
However, Roberto Caro enjoys a two‑pound weight advantage in today’s contest. Stanley Spencer, riding for James Tate, is another horse to watch. Spencer has delivered a series of encouraging performances since his last win in September and will be aiming for a fifth career victory, with Clifford Lee booked as the jockey. Additional entries include Alondra for Scott Dixon and Tough Enough for Antony Brittain, rounding out the eight‑horse field.
Fans can stay up to date with the latest racing news, interviews and feature stories from Sky Sports Racing on their mobile devices, ensuring they never miss a beat. The day’s race card continues with several notable fixtures: - 2:20 pm at Lingfield – Well‑backed contenders Brocklesby and Seathegulls for Gary and Josh Moore.
- 2:40 pm at Yarmouth – High‑priced purchases Night Shining and Venetian Sky headline the Novice Stakes. - 3:03 pm at ParisLongchamp – A strong field for the Prix du Jockey Club, including Shalazi for the Aga Khan.
- 3:15 pm at Yarmouth – Maiden race featuring Adamlyi, Alpine Culture and Fahidi. - 3:38 pm at ParisLongchamp – Maiden contest with Regal Chime, Place de l'Opera (entered in the French 1,000 Guineas) and Soda Zabeel (targeting the Prix de Diane). - 5:30 pm at Yarmouth – Armstrong, a half‑brother to US performer Excellent Truth, seeks his first win. - 5:52 pm at Southwell – Arranmore and Roman Secret aim for successive victories.
Overall, Thursday’s program offers a blend of seasoned campaigners and emerging talent across three venues, providing ample excitement for racing enthusiasts. Whether you are tracking a potential hat‑trick for Zighy, hoping for a breakthrough win from Roberto Caro, or simply enjoying the depth of the fields, Sky Sports Racing delivers comprehensive coverage and expert analysis throughout the day.