Coppull rose to the occasion when he was asked to stretch out his trip, securing his second Group Two victory of the season under a confident ride from Hector Crouch. The jockey, who already celebrated a double on the day, completed a notable treble at the Visit Malta Hungerford Stakes held 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 in spectacular fashion, delivering a performance that delighted both trainer and rider.
Crouch guided Coppoll with precision, positioning him on the far side of the track as they entered the final two and a half furlongs. From there, Coppoll surged ahead of the main pack, establishing a three‑horse breakaway that proved decisive.
His acceleration was swift and sustained, allowing him to maintain a clear advantage to the finish line. The Bated Breath‑owned colt held on strongly, crossing the line a length and a quarter ahead of Prince Of India, who finished at 15‑2 odds, while the favourite Symbol Of Honour, who started at 5‑2, was another three‑quarters of a length back. The winner’s purse of £93,571 underscored the significance of the achievement. Cox, who credited Crouch with the decision to race on the far side, reflected on the implications of the win.
He noted that the seven‑furlong success opened new possibilities for Coppoll’s campaign. "He was unlucky not to place in the July Cup, but I always felt he could stretch another furlong," Cox told ITV Racing.
"Even as a two‑year‑old he showed a lot of stamina in the Coventry, and his class reminds me of Lethal Force, the 2012 Hungerford winner who went on to become champion sprinter the following year." Cox added that while Coppoll remains quick enough for six‑furlong sprints, the dry summer conditions have given them flexibility in choosing future targets. He hinted at a potential run in the Haydock Sprint Cup, saying, "If he comes back in good form we could aim for the Haydock Sprint Cup with confidence after today’s performance." He also mentioned the Group Two Park Stakes at Doncaster as a logical next step, acknowledging that Coppoll would carry a penalty there.
In related news, Wine Dark Sea delivered a decisive victory in the Geoffrey Freer Stakes at Newbury, a race that could pave the way for a Melbourne Cup campaign. The four‑year‑old gelding, now partially owned by Australian Bloodstock, was ridden once again by Hector Crouch.
Starting at 13‑2 and quickly becoming a 7‑2 favorite, Wine Dark Sea never looked vulnerable, pulling away in the straight to beat Tabletalk by a length and a half. The race’s runner‑up, Dubai Honour, trained by William Haggas, finished a neck behind in third place.
Trainer Harry Charlton confirmed that the Melbourne Cup is the next objective for the improving gelding. "Our plan was to finish third to secure a ballot spot for the Melbourne Cup, and he exceeded that by winning," Charlton explained. He added that the horse would head to quarantine on September 9 in preparation for the journey to Australia.
Wine Dark Sea’s recent form includes impressive handicap wins at Ascot and Carlisle, where he set a track record while carrying top weight. However, a fifth‑place finish at Newmarket’s July meeting highlighted the challenges of travel and a demanding schedule. Charlton attributed that result to the fatigue of a long journey and the stiff finish at the Cumbrian track. "He broke the track record at Carlisle, but then we had an eight‑hour trip in a heatwave before Newmarket.
That took its toll," Charlton said. Looking ahead, Charlton’s brother Tom, who trains in Australia and also has a Melbourne Cup contender, will coordinate logistics. "We have a team ready to accompany the horse, and we’ll be training out of the quarantine facility in Ballarat once we arrive," Charlton noted.
Overall, Coppoll’s victory at the Hungerford Stakes and Wine Dark Sea’s win in the Freer Stakes illustrate the dynamic nature of the current flat racing season. Both horses have demonstrated versatility and class, offering their connections a range of options as they plot the remainder of the campaign.
Whether it’s targeting further Group races in the UK or embarking on an international adventure to Australia, the performances have generated excitement among owners, trainers, and racing fans alike. Stay updated with the latest horse racing news, interviews, and features by following Sky Sports Racing and other dedicated outlets.
The sport continues to deliver compelling stories, from daring tactical decisions on the track to the global ambitions of rising stars like Coppoll and Wine Dark Sea.