American sprinter Bacio surged ahead of his rivals from the start, delivering trainer Wesley Ward his inaugural win in the Coolmore City of Troy Nunthorpe Stakes at York. Ward, a well‑known figure on the Keeneland circuit, has amassed 13 victories at Royal Ascot, yet a win on the Knavesmire had long eluded him. He previously guided Acapulco to a runner‑up finish in 2015 and, two years later, saw Lady Aurelia cross the line a nose behind Marsha, with Frankie Dettori’s jubilant celebration turning into a heartbreaking realization of defeat.
Entering the race as the 3/1 favorite, Bacio was backed by Juan Hernandez after a dazzling performance in the Palace of Holyroodhouse at the Royal meeting in June. Pre‑race chatter centred on the rain‑softened turf, but the three‑year‑old ignored any concerns, exploding out of the stalls with confidence.
From the midway point he began to pull away, and his rivals struggled to match his tempo. By the finish, Bacio was a clear length and a quarter ahead of the runner‑up, Starlust, never once looking vulnerable to a late challenge. The victory set off a frantic timetable for Hernandez.
After guiding the horse to the win, he was whisked back to the weighing room to catch a 6:30 p.m. flight from Heathrow to Los Angeles, a crucial leg of his preparation for the Pacific Classic at Del Mar. To make the connection, Hernandez boarded a helicopter from the centre of the Knavesmire straight to the airport, racing against the clock.
While briefly presenting the trophies on behalf of the Queen, he reflected on the performance: “The horse gave everything; he’d trained brilliantly. He handled the ground beautifully, despite the worries many had. He broke from the gate sharply, full of fire. I had to temper his early speed a little, saving him for the finish, and it paid off.
He won from the gate and everyone here did a fantastic job with him. This win is for America and my family.” Bacio’s triumph was part of a broader evening of notable achievements.
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 captured two modest races at Thirsk, experienced a stall mishap at Beverley, and then stepped up to Listed class in the Rose Bowl at Newbury. In the Group Two contest, he faced a higher calibre of opposition but responded admirably under jockey Connor Beasley.
After a brief pressure from Final Objective, Arapaho Gold rallied, finishing three‑quarters of a length ahead at 2/1 odds. Dods, based in Darlington, has a storied connection with York. Ten years earlier he rode Mecca’s Angel to a second Nunthorpe victory on the same day, and he has also guided the popular sprinter Dakota Gold to six wins on the Knavesmire.
Speaking after Arapaho Gold’s win, Dods said, “Once he was out and running I was pleased. At the halfway point he was searching for a bit of room, and when it opened he accelerated sharply. Connor told me the last 100 yards the horse gave him a feel, and he quickened away. He’s a good horse; this was a big step up and he handled it with ease.
When we’ve asked him to step up, he has delivered.” Looking ahead, Dods outlined the horse’s program: “He’ll head to the Mill Reef at Newbury next, which will likely close out his season. After that we’ll decide on next year’s plans. He has the speed for six furlongs, as you saw, and I don’t anticipate any issues stretching to seven.
He quickens, he gallops – it’s an interesting puzzle, but we’ll solve it. Having him in the yard is exciting; our success at York, especially the two Mecca’s Angel wins, is unforgettable.” Richard Brown, racing adviser for Wathnan Racing, whose horse Final Objective finished second, praised the performance: “It was a massive run, a race that makes you delighted because the horse gave everything. A furlong out I thought he’d win. He’s not always straightforward, but Hamad (Al Jehani) has done a great job training him, and this is a career‑best effort.
We’ll keep him busy.” Brown added, “He was a bit erratic at Thirsk last week and again here, so we may fit a pair of cheekpieces. There’s a race in France – the Prix Eclipse – we’ll consider, but we’ll sit down and decide what’s best for him.” Adrian Keatley, commenting on third‑placed Hell Of A Spin, noted, “He’s a hardy little horse who gives his all and consistently performs well in quality races.
You’d hope he’ll produce a standout run soon. The trip and ground weren’t issues; the winner simply accelerated away.” Keatley continued, “He’s already placed in the Molecomb and Gimcrack.
There could be a French race later in the season – we’ll keep trying.” The night’s results highlighted the international flavor of modern sprinting, with an American‑trained colt, a Dubai‑based gelding, and several British hopefuls all making their mark. Bacio’s victory not only secured Ward’s first triumph at York but also underscored the trainer’s ability to adapt his American‑style preparation to British turf conditions. Hernandez’s rapid turnaround from York to Heathrow exemplified the logistical challenges of transatlantic campaigning, yet his composure ensured the horse received the credit it deserved.
For racing enthusiasts, the story serves as a reminder that success on the Knavesmire often requires a blend of tactical speed, adaptable training methods, and a touch of serendipity. As the season progresses, fans will watch closely to see whether Bacio can replicate his York brilliance in the United States, whether Arapaho Gold will continue his unbeaten run, and how the other contenders will fare in upcoming Group races across Europe and beyond. The narrative of perseverance, swift travel, and cross‑continental competition adds depth to what might otherwise be a simple sprint victory, enriching the sport’s tapestry for both casual followers and dedicated aficionados.