Raaheeb, the Shadwell‑owned colt, will make his return to the track on Monday afternoon during Sky Sports Racing’s live broadcast. The elegant bay is set to pick up where he left off, contesting the Weatherbys Global Stallions App Winter Hill Stakes at Windsor with the aim of continuing his upward trajectory. A half‑brother to the outstanding milers Baaeed and Hukum, Raaheeb began his racing career on a high note, securing a convincing win as a two‑year‑old before stepping up to claim a spectacular victory in the Classic Trial at Sandown. He later proved his class at the highest level by finishing a respectable fourth in the Irish Derby, where he travelled strongly and appeared to be a genuine challenger before fading late under jockey Rossa Ryan.
That performance demonstrated both his stamina and his willingness to compete against the best of his generation. Since that run, his connections have deliberately given him time to mature both physically and mentally. The period away from the racecourse is expected to leave him stronger and more focused, ready to tackle a slightly less demanding contest at Windsor. Even with a penalty attached, Raaheeb should be a hard nut to crack in the calmer conditions of the Winter Hill Stakes, where his turn of foot and cruising speed are likely to give him a distinct advantage.
Also featuring in the race is Venetian Prince, a product of the in‑form Andrew Balding stable who captured the Italian Derby in June. Although Jason Watson’s mount was outclassed over three furlongs in the King Edward VII Stakes at Royal Ascot, the connections believe that a step back in distance and a return to familiar ground will allow him to rediscover his best form.
Maho Bay, another contender, put in a credible effort at the Royal meeting, only to be hampered in the closing stages. The horse remains largely unexposed at this level, and his connections are hopeful that a clean run could see him become the most significant threat from the yard, especially if he can replicate the effort shown earlier in the season. Crest Of Fire and Harmonics have been making steady progress through the handicap ranks, but they would need a substantial improvement to be competitive at the graded level represented by the Winter Hill Stakes. The day’s programme on Sky Sports Racing also includes a range of other highlights: Enceladus will take on Christmas Day and Pierre Bonnard in the 250th St Leger at Doncaster; James Doyle will respond to Seb Sanders’ comments following the Flying Childers clash; Hollie Doyle will blog about backing Pierre Bonnard for a tenth Leger victory for Aidan O’Brien; and George Scott’s Caballo De Mar will look to bounce back in the Group 2 Doncaster Cup.
The Leger Festival continues to generate drama, with Seb Sanders expressing frustration after the Flying Childers finish. In the hurdle division, the improving pair of Arctic Voyage and Edelak are set to contest a tightly contested Par Inn Handicap Hurdle. Edelak, who returned to winning ways at Stratford in July after a fall on his penultimate start, has now secured four wins in his last five outings, often doing so with ease. A short spell after a busy spell of racing should see him deliver a career‑best performance.
Arctic Voyage, who has thrived since moving to Michael Blake’s yard, has won three of his last four hurdle starts and displayed a particularly impressive run in his most recent outing, where he finished strongly with a comfortable margin. Meanwhile, War Correspondent, despite being back over hurdles, has struggled in preparation, producing two lackluster runs over fences. This opens the door for Ellerton, who recorded an encouraging win over hurdles after undergoing a breathing operation, to become a primary challenger.
The Fillies’ Handicap on the card features the progressive filly Brunhilde, who steps up in distance in the Follow @attheraces On Instagram Handicap. Trained by George Boughey, Brunhilde has shown steady improvement since her debut in May, culminating in a dominant five‑length victory at Lingfield. She is well‑bred, closely related to Godolphin’s listed winner Ghostwatch, and the step up to a mile and six furlongs should further enhance her development. Other noteworthy runners include Last Verse, who delivered a very convincing win at Lingfield in his most recent start and remains relatively unexposed within his handicap; Level Look, who should be able to build on his promising second‑place finish at Chester after being disadvantaged by a poor draw at the Shergar Cup; and Robusto, who won his last outing and is likely to be competitive, although his higher all‑weather rating may limit his weight allowance compared with less exposed rivals.
Overall, the Winter Hill Stakes offers a blend of seasoned campaigners and emerging talent, each with a clear objective: to either reaffirm their class or to make a breakthrough on a day that promises high‑quality racing. Sky Sports Racing will provide live coverage, expert analysis, and post‑race interviews, ensuring fans stay informed about every development on the track.
For those who cannot watch live, the network’s app and website will feature highlights, replays, and in‑depth features, allowing enthusiasts to catch up on the action at their convenience. Stay tuned for the latest updates, race results, and expert commentary as the day unfolds, and don’t miss the chance to follow the stories of these horses as they strive to add another chapter to their racing careers.