Notable Speech returned to top form to capture his sixth Group One triumph in the Sky Bet City of York Stakes, confirming his status as one of the leading middle‑distance horses in training today. The chestnut colt, trained by Charlie Appleby, has been a consistent performer over the past three seasons, amassing an impressive résumé that includes a 2000 Guineas and Sussex Stakes double in 2024, a Woodbine Mile and Breeders' Cup Mile double in 2025, and a Lockinge Stakes victory at Newbury earlier this spring.
While he suffered a rare setback when he finished sixth as the favorite in the Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot in June, the horse quickly rebounded when he was stepped back to seven furlongs on the Knavesmire. Although the ground was softer than his ideal firm surface, he displayed his true class under the guidance of regular jockey William Buick.
After tracking the pace, he surged forward in the straight, pulling away by two and three‑quarter lengths from the nearest challenger and confirming his 9‑4 favourite status. Appleby praised the colt after the race, saying, "You have to admire a horse that can win at two and three and then continue to perform at four and five. When a horse does it at those older ages you really have to tip your hat to him.
We are fortunate that His Highness Sheikh Mohammed and the Godolphin operation allow us to keep such horses in training rather than retiring them early. Many top‑class colts like Modern Games or Space Blues would have gone to stud much sooner.
In the case of a gelding like Rebel's Romance the decision is different, but if I owned a mare I would be the first to send her to a stallion that has proven Group One success at three, four and five. This new seven‑furlong Group One adds a valuable race to the UK calendar and a win by a horse of his calibre should raise the profile of the event." The victory also sets the stage for Appleby's next target: a second Breeders' Cup win. He explained, "I spoke with a few people from the Breeders' Cup earlier today. What is encouraging is that Notable Speech handled slightly softer ground well, which gives us confidence that he can handle the potentially autumnal conditions at Keeneland.
We hope to head straight to the Breeders' Cup with him now." In other racing news, the British Horseracing Authority expressed concern over the lack of rain ahead of the jumps season, warning that firm ground could increase the risk of injuries. Meanwhile, Sky Sports Racing highlighted several all‑weather meetings, including Newbury, Wolverhampton and Lingfield Park, and featured a debut winner, Camarda Rc, returning to Windsor for another run. Across the Channel, at Deauville, Aventure ended Diamond Necklace's unbeaten streak by taking the Sumbe Prix Jean et Louis Romanet.
In York, jockey Rossa Ryan celebrated a "great" Ebor win aboard Daiquiri Bay. Back in England, trainer William Haggas was measured in his assessment of Infraad's chances in the upcoming Betfred St Leger after the colt's recent victory in the Sky Bet Melrose Handicap at York. Infraad, a son of Ghaiyyath, has shown steady improvement over five starts, most recently delivering a solid mile‑and‑a‑half performance at Glorious Goodwood.
Stepping up to the classic distance of one mile and three‑quarters in the £180,000 St Leger, Haggas entered the race as a joint‑favorite with Joseph O'Brien's Limestone at odds of 100‑30. The two front‑runners contested the finish, but Infraad proved the stronger over the extended trip, winning by two lengths ahead of Galilean Quality, with Limestone finishing fifth. Haggas commented, "He's improving but still quite raw. He was a bit juvenile before the race and a little edgy, so there's still a lot for him to learn.
Tom said he's relentless when he gets going and he won comfortably." Despite the win, Haggas cautioned against pushing the colt too early. He noted that bookmakers had cut the St Leger odds from 16‑1 to 8‑1, but he believes the race may be too soon for a horse he views as a long‑term prospect. "We won the Leger a few years ago with Guaranteel, a Highclere horse, but it came too quickly for him. I suspect the same could happen with Infraad, so we might aim for the Noel Murless at Ascot instead.
I don't want to over‑tax a big, raw horse; I want him to develop into a genuine Cup horse over the next few years." Overall, the racing week was packed with highlights, from Notable Speech's Group One triumph and the strategic plans for future Breeders' Cup campaigns, to concerns about ground conditions and the careful management of emerging talent like Infraad. Fans can stay up‑to‑date with the latest racing news, interviews and features on their mobile devices, ensuring they never miss a story from the sport they love.