Coppull rose to the occasion when he was asked to stretch out in distance, securing the second Group Two triumph of his career under a confident ride from jockey Hector Crouch. The pair completed a notable double on the day, both winning the Visit Malta Hungerford Stakes at Newbury.
The three‑year‑old colt, trained by Clive Cox, had previously finished third in the prestigious July Cup. Cox and his team decided to test the horse over seven furlongs, a step up from his usual sprint distances. The gamble paid off handsomely, delivering a striking win for Crouch, who also notched a third victory on the same card. Crouch guided Coppoll with precision, pulling away from the main pack on the far side of the track about two and a half furlongs from the finish.
He led a small three‑horse breakaway that proved to be the decisive move, gaining a clear advantage as the race entered its final stages. The strategy proved masterful. The Bated Breath‑owned colt held on strongly to the finish line, crossing the line a length and a quarter ahead of Prince Of India at odds of 15‑2.
The runner‑up was followed closely by the 5‑2 favourite Symbol Of Honour, which finished three‑quarters of a length behind the winner. After the race, Cox, who credited Crouch with the decision to race on the far side, spoke about the implications of the victory.
He said that succeeding over seven furlongs opened up new options for the rest of the season. "He was unlucky not to place in the July Cup, but even as a two‑year‑old he showed he could stretch another furlong," Cox told ITV Racing. "He reminds me a lot of Lethal Force, who won this race in 2012 and then became champion sprinter the following year." Cox added that Coppoll still possesses the speed required for six‑furlong sprints, though he is uncertain about the horse's preference for very soft ground.
With the dry summer conditions that have prevailed, Cox believes they now have a range of targets. "If he stays healthy we could aim for the Haydock Sprint Cup, and we would go in with confidence after today’s performance. The Group Two Park Stakes at Doncaster is also on the agenda, although he would carry a penalty there," he explained.
In related news, fellow jockey Hector Crouch also delivered a winning ride on Wine Dark Sea in the Geoffrey Freer Stakes at Newbury, a race that could act as a stepping stone toward the Melbourne Cup. The four‑year‑old gelding, now partially owned by Australian Bloodstock, was well supported, shortening from 13‑2 to 7‑2 during the race. He never looked vulnerable, pulling away in the straight to beat Tabletalk by a length and a half, with Dubai Honour, the 2‑1 favourite trained by William Haggas, finishing a neck behind in third. Trainer Harry Charlton confirmed that the Melbourne Cup is the next target for the improving gelding, with plans for the horse to enter quarantine on September 9.
"Our original plan was to finish third to secure a ballot spot for Melbourne, and he exceeded that by winning outright," Charlton said. He also noted the different approach Australian connections take to handicap marks, emphasizing the strategic nature of the campaign. Wine Dark Sea’s recent form includes impressive handicap victories at Ascot and Carlisle earlier in the season, though he finished fifth at Newmarket’s July meeting after a strong backing. Charlton attributed that dip to the challenges of a stiff finish and the long journey to the Cumbrian track.
"He broke the track record at Carlisle carrying top weight, so you can’t expect an easy race, especially after an eight‑hour travel in a heatwave. The next start we saw a slightly flat horse," Charlton explained. Charlton’s brother Tom, who trains in Australia and also has a Melbourne Cup contender, will join a team that will accompany Wine Dark Sea to the quarantine facilities at Ballarat. The family connection underscores the international collaboration required for a successful campaign in the world’s most famous staying race.
Overall, the day highlighted Hector Crouch’s versatility as a jockey, guiding a sprinter‑turned‑miler to Group Two glory while also securing a key win for a future Melbourne Cup hopeful. For Coppoll, the victory over seven furlongs not only adds a valuable black‑type win to his record but also expands his potential campaign options, ranging from top‑level sprints to middle‑distance contests later in the season.
The connections will now weigh the horse’s demonstrated speed against his emerging stamina as they plot a path that could see him contesting some of the season’s most prestigious races.