American sprinter Bacio surged ahead of his rivals from the very start, delivering trainer Wesley Ward his inaugural triumph in the Coolmore City Of Troy Nunthorpe Stakes at York. The three‑year‑old, who had already impressed with a dominant win in the Palace of Holyroodhouse at the Royal meeting in June, entered the race as the 3/1 favourite and lived up to expectations, flying out of the stalls and never looking back.
Ward, a well‑known figure on the U.S. circuit and a regular at Royal Ascot where he has amassed 13 winners, has historically found the Knavesmire a tougher proposition. His best efforts prior to this victory were a second‑place finish with Acapulco in 2015 and a heartbreaking near‑miss in 2017 when Lady Aurelia, under Frankie Dettori, was edged out by a nose by Marsha despite a jubilant celebration. Bacio’s success finally broke that pattern, giving the American camp a much‑needed win on English soil.
From the moment the gates opened, Bacio, piloted by jockey Juan Hernandez, exploded into the lead. The rain‑softened turf, which had raised concerns among some in the paddock, proved to be no obstacle; the colt handled the yielding surface with ease, displaying a blend of speed and stamina that left his competitors scrambling to keep pace. By the halfway point, most of the field was already lagging, and Bacio never seemed in any danger of being challenged.
He crossed the finish line a full length and a quarter ahead of the runner‑up, Starlust, confirming his dominance. The victory carried an added layer of drama for Hernandez, who had to race against the clock after the race. He was scheduled to catch a 6:30 p.m.
flight from Heathrow to Los Angeles for the Pacific Classic at Del Mar. To make the connection, he was whisked away in a helicopter from the middle of the Knavesmire to the airport, then rushed through security and onto the aircraft. The urgency of his departure underscored the international nature of modern racing, where top jockeys and trainers often juggle commitments across continents.
During a brief trophy presentation, Hernandez praised the colt, saying, "The horse gave everything and had trained superbly. He handled the ground perfectly – everyone was worried, but he didn’t feel it. He broke from the gate with a lot of fire, and even though he tried to go early, I was able to settle him and preserve his energy for the finish. This win is for America and my family; I’m thrilled." The race card also featured other notable performances.
Arapaho Gold extended his unbeaten streak to four by winning the Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Gimcrack Stakes. Trained by Michael Dods, the gelding had previously taken low‑profile victories at Thirsk before stepping up to Listed class in the Rose Bowl at Newbury. In the Group Two contest at York, Arapaho Gold, under Connor Beasley, faced a step up in class but rose to the occasion, repelling a late challenge from Final Objective and winning by three‑quarters of a length at 2/1 odds.
Dods, a long‑time York specialist, recalled his own history at the course, noting past successes with Mecca's Angel, a two‑time Nunthorpe winner, and the sprinter Dakota Gold, who claimed six victories on the Knavesmire. "Once he was out and running I was happy. At halfway he was looking for a bit of room, but once the room came he really quickened up," Dods explained of Arapaho Gold.
He added that the colt’s future likely includes a run in the Mill Reef Stakes at Newbury, after which the season may be concluded. Dods believes the horse possesses the speed for six furlongs and could handle seven, highlighting the careful planning required to maximize a sprinter’s campaign. "He's an exciting horse to have and it’s brilliant that we’ve got him in the yard," Dods said.
Runner‑up Final Objective, owned by Wathnan Racing and trained by Hamad Al Jehani, earned praise from racing advisor Richard Brown, who described the effort as "massive" and noted the horse’s potential for further Group‑level runs. Brown mentioned a possible future appearance in France’s Prix Eclipse, indicating that the connections are already looking beyond the British season.
Third‑placed Hell Of A Spin received commendation from trainer Adrian Keatley, who highlighted the colt’s consistency and resilience. "He’s a hardy little horse who gives his heart out in every race," Keatley said, adding that the horse might target a late‑season French sprint after further domestic runs.
Overall, the Nunthorpe Stakes at York delivered a narrative of international collaboration, strategic planning, and the thrill of high‑speed sprinting. Bacio’s front‑running style, combined with Hernandez’s tactical restraint, produced a performance that will be remembered as a landmark for Wesley Ward’s transatlantic operation.
The race also underscored the depth of talent in the sprint division, with Arapaho Gold, Final Objective, and Hell Of A Spin all showcasing the quality of the field. As the season progresses, fans can look forward to more cross‑border contests, especially as connections plot campaigns that span from the UK to the United States and continental Europe. The excitement generated at York serves as a reminder that the Nunthorpe remains one of the premier sprint tests in the global racing calendar, offering both a platform for emerging talent and a stage for established stars to cement their legacies.