Coppull rose to the occasion when he was stretched out in distance, securing the second Group Two victory of his career under a daring ride from jockey Hector Crouc h. The win came as part of a remarkable double for Crouch in the Visit Malta Hungerford Stakes at Newbury, where he also rode to another top‑class performance. The three‑year‑old colt, trained by Clive Cox, had previously finished third in the July Cup, but connections opted for a bold experiment, moving him up to seven furlongs.
The gamble paid off in spectacular fashion, delivering a win that delighted both trainer and rider. Crouch guided Coppoll with confidence, pulling the horse away from the main pack on the far side of the track about two and a half furlongs from the finish. He led a three‑horse breakaway that proved faster than the rest of the field, allowing Coppoll to extend his lead in the closing stages. The strategy proved to be a masterstroke.
Coppoll, a son of Bated Breath, held on strongly to claim the £93,571 prize, finishing one and a quarter lengths ahead of Prince Of India, who was priced at 14‑1, and a further three‑quarters of a length ahead of the race favourite, Symbol Of Honour (5‑2), who had been part of the same breakaway. The winning odds for Coppoll were 15‑2, reflecting the confidence that the connections had placed in his ability to stay the longer trip. After the race, Cox, who credited Crouch with the decision to swing to the far side, explained that the success over seven furlongs opened up a range of possibilities for the remainder of the season.
"He was unlucky not to be placed in the July Cup," Cox said, "but even as a two‑year‑old he showed he could stretch out another furlong, especially after his impressive Coventry run. He possesses a great deal of class and reminds me a lot of Lethal Force, the 2012 Hungerford winner who went on to become champion sprinter the following year." Cox added that Coppoll still has the speed to excel over six furlongs, though he is not entirely convinced the horse thrives on very soft ground.
With the summer being dry, the connections now have several options. "If he comes back sound, we could target the Haydock Sprint Cup with added confidence after today’s performance," Cox said. "We also have the Group Two Park Stakes over seven furlongs at Doncaster, although he would carry a penalty there." The race report also highlighted a second notable performance on the same card. Wine Dark Sea, a four‑year‑old gelding, produced a flawless run in the Geoffrey Freer Stakes at Newbury, securing a place in the upcoming Melbourne Cup.
The horse, now partially owned by Australian Bloodstock, was ridden by Crouch, who took the ride from 13‑2 to 7‑2 odds during the race. Wine Dark Sea never looked vulnerable, pulling away in the straight to beat Tabletalk by a length and a half, while the 2‑1 favourite Dubai Honour finished third.
Trainer Harry Charlton confirmed that the Melbourne Cup is the next target for the improving gelding, with plans to ship the horse into quarantine on September 9. "The original plan was to finish third to secure a ballot spot for the Melbourne Cup, but he exceeded expectations," Charlton explained. He also noted the differences in how Australian connections handle qualification and handicap marks. Wine Dark Sea has previously demonstrated his ability in high‑class handicap races, winning at Ascot and Carlisle earlier in the season.
However, he only managed a fifth‑place finish at Newmarket’s July meeting, a result Charlton attributed to the rigours of a stiff finish and the long journey to the Cumbrian track. "He broke the track record at Carlisle carrying top weight, which is no small feat, especially after an eight‑hour travel in a heatwave," Charlton said. "Ten days later he was a slightly flat horse, which is understandable given the circumstances." Charlton also mentioned his family ties to Australian racing, noting that his brother Tom trains a Melbourne Cup runner. A dedicated team will accompany Wine Dark Sea to Australia, where the horse will be housed in the quarantine facilities at Ballarat before the big race.
Overall, the Hungerford Stakes delivered a double dose of excitement, with Coppoll confirming his versatility and stamina over an extended trip, and Wine Dark Sea securing a coveted slot in one of the world’s most prestigious staying races. Both horses now have clear pathways forward, and racing fans can look forward to further high‑profile appearances as the season progresses.