Raaheeb, the Shadwell‑owned thoroughbred, is set to make his return to the track on Monday afternoon, with the action being broadcast live on Sky Sports Racing. The elegant colt is looking to pick up where he left off in the Weatherbys Global Stallions App Winter Hill Stakes, aiming to continue his upward trajectory after a promising, albeit interrupted, early career. A full brother to the elite performers Baaeed and Hukum, Raaheeb began his racing life on a high note, securing a tidy victory as a two‑year‑old. He followed that win with a dominant performance in the Classic Trial at Sandown, a race that showcased his natural ability and composure under pressure.
His next test came in the Irish Derby, where he travelled strongly and was positioned as a genuine contender before fading in the closing stages under jockey Rossa Ryan, ultimately finishing fourth. That effort demonstrated both his stamina and his potential to compete at the highest level, even if he was not yet fully mature. The connections have deliberately given Raaheeb a measured spell to allow him to develop both physically and mentally. This pause is expected to leave him stronger and more resilient, giving him a solid platform for a successful return.
Even if he carries a penalty, the colt should prove difficult to beat in what are likely to be more forgiving conditions at Windsor. In the same meeting, Venetian Prince, a product of the in‑form Andrew Balding stable, will be aiming to bounce back after a disappointing run at Royal Ascot. The horse, who captured the Italian Derby in June, was outpaced over three furlongs in the King Edward VII Stakes.
Jockey Jason Watson will be looking to put that lacklustre performance behind him and rediscover the form that made him a classic winner. Maho Bay, another contender, also ran creditably at the Royal meeting but was hampered in the final straight. Though he did not finish as strongly as hoped, the horse remains largely unexposed at this level and could pose a significant threat if given a clean run.
His connections may feel they were unlucky on the day, and a fresh start could see him unleash his true potential. The broadcast will also feature a range of other racing stories, interviews and features from Sky Sports Racing, ensuring viewers have a comprehensive look at the sport’s latest developments.
Two other horses, Crest Of Fire and Harmonics, have been making steady progress through handicap races. While they have shown improvement, they would need to make a considerable leap in class to compete for victory at the graded level. Additional highlights from today’s Sky Sports Racing schedule include: - Enceladus taking on Christmas Day and Pierre Bonnard in the 250th St Leger at Doncaster.
- A lively exchange between James Doyle and Seb Sanders over comments made after the Flying Childers clash at the Leger Festival. - Hollie Doyle’s blog post backing Pierre Bonnard for a tenth Leger win for Aidan O'Brien at Doncaster.
- George Scott’s Caballo De Mar rebounding in the Group 2 Doncaster Cup, later being crowned the Doncaster Cup champion. - Seb Sanders expressing frustration after a dramatic finish in the Flying Childers.
In the hurdle division, the improving pair of Arctic Voyage and Edelak will contest the Par Inn Handicap Hurdle. Edelak, who returned to winning ways at Stratford in July after a near‑miss fall in his penultimate start, has now claimed four of his last five races, often doing so with ease. A brief spell after a busy period could see him produce a career‑best performance.
Arctic Voyage has taken to hurdling exceptionally well since moving to the Michael Blake yard, winning three of his last four starts and showing particular flair when he won with a comfortable margin in his most recent outing. His form suggests he will be a key contender in the hurdle contest.
Meanwhile, War Correspondent, though back over hurdles, has not enjoyed an ideal preparation, having endured two sub‑par runs over fences. This opens the door for Ellerton, who recently recorded a encouraging win after a breathing operation, to become the primary threat among the older horses.
On the flat, progressive filly Brunhilde is stepping up in distance in the Follow @attheraces On Instagram Handicap. Trained by George Boughey, she has improved with each run 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 increase to a mile and six furlongs is expected to bring out further improvement. Other notable entries include: - Last Verse, who finished strongly at Lingfield in his most recent start and remains relatively unexposed, sitting comfortably on the right side of the handicap.
- Level Look, who should be able to build on his promising second place at Chester, despite being disadvantaged by a poor position in the Shergar Cup last month. - Robusto, a winner in his last outing, who can be competitive though his higher all‑weather rating may limit his handicap potential compared to less exposed rivals. Overall, the day promises a blend of seasoned campaigners seeking to reaffirm their class and emerging talents looking to make a mark.
With a mix of flat and hurdle races, plus a variety of storylines ranging from comeback narratives to rising stars, viewers can expect an engaging and informative broadcast that captures the breadth and excitement of contemporary horse racing.