American sprinter Bacio surged ahead of his rivals from the start, delivering trainer Wesley Ward his inaugural victory in the Coolmore City of Troy Nunthorpe Stakes at York. Ward, a well‑known figure on the Keeneland circuit, has celebrated 13 winners at Royal Ascot, yet the Knavesmire had remained just out of reach. His previous attempts included a runner‑up 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 after a jubilant post‑race celebration.
Entering the race as the 3/1 favourite, Bacio was backed by a strong performance in June’s Palace of Holyroodhouse at the Royal meeting. Pre‑race chatter centred on the rain‑softened ground, but those worries evaporated as the three‑year‑old burst from the stalls with confidence.
By the halfway point most of the field was already struggling to match his tempo, and Bacio never appeared vulnerable. He crossed the finish line a clear length and a quarter ahead of the runner‑up, Starlust, confirming his dominance.
Jockey Juan Hernandez, who piloted the horse through the York straight, faced a frantic schedule after the race. He had to dash back to the weighing room, catch a helicopter from the middle of the Knavesmire to Heathrow, and make a 6:30 p.m.
flight to Los Angeles in time for the Pacific Classic at Del Mar. The urgency was palpable; any delay could have jeopardised the trans‑Atlantic journey. During a brief trophy presentation attended by the Queen, Hernandez praised the colt: "The horse gave everything; he’d trained really well.
He shipped exceptionally, despite concerns about the softer ground. When the gates opened he was sharp, full of fire, and I managed to settle him a touch early so he could finish strongly. He won from the gate, and the whole team did a fantastic job.
This win belongs to America and my family. Thank you all!" In other news from the meeting, Arapaho Gold extended his unbeaten run to four wins by taking the Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Gimcrack Stakes. Trained by Michael Dods, the gelding had previously collected modest victories at Thirsk and, after a stall incident at Beverley, stepped up to Listed company in the Rose Bowl at Newbury.
In the Group Two contest he faced a higher class of opposition but handled it admirably under jockey Connor Beasley. After a brief challenge from Final Objective, Arapaho Gold rallied and secured a three‑quarter‑length victory at odds of 2/1. Dods, based in Darlington, has a rich history at York.
A decade earlier he guided Mecca's Angel to a second Nunthorpe triumph on the same day, and his sprinter Dakota Gold has won on the Knavesmire six times. Reflecting on Arapaho Gold's performance, Dods said, "Once he was out and running I was pleased.
At the halfway point he was seeking a bit of room, and when it opened he accelerated beautifully. Connor mentioned the last 100 yards, and the horse responded with a burst of speed.
He's a quality horse; stepping up in class was no problem for him." Looking ahead, Dods outlined the colt's future campaign: "He’ll target the Mill Reef Stakes at Newbury next, which should cap his season. After that we’ll evaluate next year’s plans. He’s got the speed for six furlongs, and I anticipate he’ll handle seven without issue.
It’s an interesting puzzle, but we’ll sort it out. Having a horse like him in the yard is fantastic. Our successes at York, especially the two Mecca's Angel wins, are among the highlights of my career." Richard Brown, racing adviser for Wathnan Racing, whose horse Final Objective finished second, praised the effort: "It was a massive run, a race that makes you delighted because the horse gave everything.
A furlong out I thought he might win. He’s not always straightforward, but Hamad (Al Jehani) has done a great job training him, delivering a career‑best performance.
We'll keep him busy." Brown added, "He was a bit erratic at Thirsk last week, and we noticed it again, so we might add a pair of cheekpieces. There’s a potential target in France, the Prix Eclipse, but we’ll sit down and decide what’s best for him." Adrian Keatley commented on the third‑placed finisher, Hell Of A Spin: "He’s a hardy little horse who gives his all and consistently performs well in quality races.
You’d like to think there’s a big win in him one day. The trip and ground weren’t issues; the winner simply accelerated away.
He’s already placed in the Molecomb and Gimcrack, and we may consider a French race later in the season. We’ll keep trying." The Nunthorpe Stakes, a prestigious five‑furlong sprint held each August at York, continues to attract top sprinters from Britain, Ireland, and beyond.
Bacio's victory not only marks a personal milestone for Wesley Ward but also underscores the growing influence of American trainers in European sprinting. The race’s fast, yielding surface often produces tight finishes, and this year’s edition lived up to that reputation, with Bacio’s clear margin standing out as a testament to his class. Fans can stay updated on the latest racing stories, interviews, and features via mobile platforms, ensuring they never miss a moment of the sport’s excitement. The York meeting, with its blend of tradition and high‑octane competition, remains a highlight of the British flat‑racing calendar, and the 2024 Nunthorpe Stakes will be remembered for Bacio’s commanding front‑running display, the swift logistical ballet of his jockey, and the continued success of trainers like Michael Dods who thrive on this historic track.