American sprinter Bacio surged ahead of his competitors from the start, delivering trainer Wesley Ward his inaugural triumph in the Coolmore City of Troy Nunthorpe Stakes at York. Ward, a well‑known figure on the Keeneland circuit, has amassed 13 winners at Royal Ascot, yet his record on the Knavesmire has been less forthcoming. He previously guided Acapulco to a runner‑up finish in 2015 and, two years later, saw Lady Aurelia cross the line just a nose behind Marsha, a moment famously captured by Frankie Dettori’s premature celebration. Entering the race as the 3/1 favourite, Bacio was backed to improve on his recent success at the Royal meeting in June, where he claimed a decisive win in the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
Pre‑race chatter hinted that the rain‑softened turf might pose a problem for the three‑year‑old, but those concerns vanished as soon as the gates opened. From the moment the stalls opened, Bacio launched with a burst of speed that left his rivals scrambling to keep pace. By the halfway point he was already establishing a comfortable gap, and he never looked vulnerable to a late challenge.
He crossed the finish line a full length and a quarter ahead of the second‑placed Starlust, confirming his dominance from start to finish. The victory, however, was only part of the day's drama.
Jockey Juan Hernandez, who had piloted Bacio to the win, was forced to sprint back to the weighing room almost immediately after the race. He needed to catch a 6:30 p.m.
flight from Heathrow to Los Angeles in order to be ready for the Pacific Classic at Del Mar. To make the connection, Hernandez boarded a helicopter that whisked him from the middle of the Knavesmire to Heathrow, leaving him with virtually no margin for error. During a brief trophy presentation in front of the Queen, Hernandez praised the colt, saying, "The horse gave everything; he had trained superbly.
He handled the journey well, despite many people worrying about the soft ground. He broke out of the gate with real fire, and although he tried to go too early, I was able to pull him back a little and preserve his energy for the finish. He won the race straight from the gate.
Everyone involved has done a fantastic job with this horse. This win is for America and my family. Thank you all!" The day's card also featured a standout performance from Arapaho Gold, who extended his unbeaten streak to four wins by taking the Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Gimcrack Stakes.
Trained by Michael Dods, the gelding had previously contested modest races at Thirsk, suffered a withdrawal after a stall incident at Beverley, and then stepped up to Listed class in the Rose Bowl at Newbury. In the Group Two contest at York, Arapaho Gold proved he belonged at the higher level, briefly feeling pressure before rallying under Connor Beasley to hold off Final Objective by three‑quarters of a length at 2/1 odds. Dods, a Darlington‑based trainer, has a rich history at York. He saddled Mecca's Angel to win her second Nunthorpe a decade earlier, and has also guided the popular sprinter Dakota Gold to six victories on the Knavesmire.
Reflecting on Arapaho Gold’s win, Dods said, "Once he got into his stride I was satisfied. At the halfway point he was looking for a bit of room, and when it opened he accelerated beautifully.
Connor told me the horse gave a little extra in the last 100 yards, and that’s why he surged away. He’s a great horse; this was a big step up and he handled it with ease.
When we ask him to step up, he does it, and then steps up again. He’s a special horse, isn’t he?" Looking ahead, Dods outlined the colt’s future campaign: "He’ll head to the Mill Reef at Newbury next, which will likely be the end of his season, and then we’ll reassess for next year. He’s got the speed for six furlongs, as we’ve just seen, and I don’t foresee any issues extending him to seven.
He quickens and gallops with enthusiasm. Planning his program is an interesting puzzle, but we’ll manage. It’s thrilling to have him in the yard, and this victory ranks alongside our two Mecca’s Angel wins – it’s unbelievable." Richard Brown, racing adviser for Wathnan Racing, whose horse Final Objective finished second, praised the runner‑up’s effort: "It was a massive run; you’re delighted when a horse produces such a performance.
A furlong out I thought he’d win. He’s not been straightforward, but Hamad (Al Jehani) has done a great job training him, and this is a career‑best effort, so we’ll keep him busy." Brown added that they might consider adding cheekpieces after the horse’s recent erratic behavior at Thirsk, and hinted at a possible target in France’s Prix Eclipse, saying, "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 these quality races. You’d like to think there’s a Group‑one potential in him someday; the trip and ground weren’t issues, it was simply the winner who accelerated away.
He’s already placed in the Molecomb and Gimcrack, and we might look at a late‑season French race for him – we’ll keep trying." Overall, the Nunthorpe meeting highlighted the global nature of modern sprint racing, with American‑trained Bacio delivering a statement win for his connections, while home‑grown talents like Arapaho Gold and Hell Of A Spin demonstrated the depth of British sprinting bloodstock. Fans can stay updated with the latest racing news, interviews, and features via Sky Sports Racing and other platforms, ensuring they never miss a moment of the sport’s thrilling action.