Coppull rose to the occasion when he was stretched out in distance, securing his second Group Two victory of the season under a daring ride from Hector Crouc h. The seasoned jockey completed a notable double on the day, clinching the Visit Malta Hungerford Stakes at Newbury. The three‑year‑old colt, trained by Clive Cox, had previously finished third in the July Cup, but connections opted for a bold change of tactics, stepping him up to seven furlongs.
The gamble paid off in spectacular fashion, delivering a win that also gave Crouch a treble on the card. From the final two‑and‑a‑half furlongs, Crouch guided Coppoll away from the main pack, steering him toward the far side of the track. He forged ahead in a three‑horse breakaway, a move that proved decisive as his chosen route proved quicker to the finish line.
The Bated Breath‑owned colt stayed on strongly, crossing the line one and a quarter lengths clear of Prince Of India at 15‑2 odds. The third place went to the 5‑2 favourite Symbol Of Honour, another member of the breakaway, who was three‑quarters of a length behind the runner‑up.
Cox, who credited Crouch with the decision to swing to the far side, said the victory over seven furlongs opens up a range of options for the rest of the campaign. "He was unlucky not to be placed in the July Cup, but he always gave me the impression he could stretch another furlong, even as a two‑year‑old when he ran so well in the Coventry," Cox told ITV Racing.
"He possesses a lot of class and reminds me a great deal of Lethal Force, who won this race in 2012 and went on to become champion sprinter the following year." The trainer added that Coppoll remains quick enough for six‑furlong sprints, though he is not entirely convinced the horse relishes very soft ground. "With the dry summer we've had, we now have choices," Cox continued. "If he returns in good shape we could still target the Haydock Sprint Cup, which would give us confidence after today’s performance.
We also have the Group Two Park Stakes over seven furlongs at Doncaster, although he would carry a penalty there." In related news, Wine Dark Sea made a decisive move in the Geoffrey Freer Stakes at Newbury, a Highclere Thoroughbred Racing event, and positioned himself as a potential contender for the Melbourne Cup. The four‑year‑old gelding, whose connections recently sold a share to Australian Bloodstock, was ridden once again by Hector Crouch. Backed from 13‑2 to 7‑2, Wine Dark Sea never looked vulnerable, pulling away in the straight to beat the staying‑on Tabletalk by a length and a half.
Dubai Honour, trained by William Haggas and the 2‑1 favourite, finished a close third. Winning trainer Harry Charlton confirmed that the Melbourne Cup is now the next target for the improving gelding, who is scheduled to enter quarantine on September 9. "The plan today was simply to finish third to secure a ballot spot for the Melbourne Cup, and he has exceeded that expectation," Charlton explained. He added that Australian partners had initially asked for a third‑place finish to keep the horse’s handicap unchanged, noting the differing approaches between the two racing jurisdictions.
Wine Dark Sea’s résumé includes impressive handicap victories at Ascot and Carlisle earlier in the season. However, he managed only a fifth‑place finish when heavily backed at Newmarket’s July meeting. Charlton attributed that under‑performance to the demanding nature 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 run, especially after an eight‑hour trip in a heatwave. Ten days later we saw a slightly flat horse," Charlton said. Charlton’s brother Tom, who trains in Australia, also has a runner in the Melbourne Cup.
A dedicated team will travel with Wine Dark Sea, and the horse will be prepared in the quarantine facilities at Ballarat ahead of the Australian campaign. Overall, the day highlighted the versatility of both Coppoll and Wine Dark Sea, showcasing how strategic distance changes and careful placement can unlock a horse’s full potential.
Their performances not only added to their owners’ trophy cabinets but also set the stage for exciting future targets, ranging from domestic Group races to the world‑renowned Melbourne Cup. Fans can stay updated with the latest racing news, interviews, and feature stories across Sky Sports Racing, Sky Sports News, and ITV Racing, ensuring they never miss a moment of the action.