The three‑day Yarmouth Festival draws to a close on Thursday, featuring a packed seven‑race card that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Racing. Among the headline attractions are two recent victors, Deep Havana and Pilu, both of whom are expected to be strong contenders in the Boodles Handicap, a twelve‑runner contest that promises plenty of excitement. Deep Havana, under the guidance of jockey Hamad Al Jehani, secured his first win for trainer Wathnan when he edged out Yes I’m Mali by a head at Thirsk.
Despite carrying a five‑pound penalty for that triumph, the Wathnan‑owned colt remains a serious threat and will be looking to add another victory to his record. Al Jehani’s partnership with the horse has already shown promise, and the pair will aim to replicate their earlier success on the fast‑going Yarmouth surface. Pilu, trained by Roger Teal, is another horse to watch. After dropping down in class, Pilu claimed a Newmarket handicap in impressive fashion, showcasing his ability to dominate when given the right conditions.
He now lines up under the experienced hands of jockey Joe Leavy, who will be keen to extract the maximum from the colt in what could be a pivotal race for his future campaign. Other notable entries include Westport, who will be wearing cheekpieces in an attempt to sharpen his focus and return to winning form. Kempton runner‑up Art Lover, trained by William Haggas and partnered with Tom Marquand, also catches the eye as a potential upset.
Additionally, Darn Hot, now carrying three pounds less than his last winning effort, will be looking to bounce back under the care of trainer Ed Walker. The field also contains previous winners Dojin and Level Look, both of whom have proven themselves in similar handicaps. Dojin, fresh from a tight finish at Newmarket where he wore a new hood for the first time, is expected to be a strong contender in the Southwell handicap, which is currently attracting a lot of attention from punters on attheraces.com.
Level Look, the only three‑year‑old in the race, doubled his career tally with an easy win at Wolverhampton and will be stepping up to two miles under Callum Hutchinson, suggesting he could improve further. The festival’s program continues with a host of other races across the country.
In the weekend’s highlights, Almekarem is tipped for a handicap win at Newbury on Saturday, while Stem also receives a strong backing. Jockey Hollie Doyle will ride Arapaho Gold in the Mill Reef Stakes at Newbury, aiming to extend the filly’s unbeaten run for trainer Michael Dods. Sky Sports Racing will also feature a clash between Spy Chief and Catullus at Newbury, alongside live coverage from Newton Abbot and Wolverhampton on Friday. In the broader racing round‑up, Almeraq is set for a return to Ascot on Champions Day, and Fairy Glen is well fancied in the John Musker Fillies' Stakes at Yarmouth.
The Eastern Festival at Yarmouth kicks off with promising novice action, offering a platform for emerging talent to showcase their abilities. Andrew Balding’s Level Look, having demonstrated his class at Wolverhampton, will be tested over a longer distance, while Charging Thunder and New York Minute round out the quartet of hopefuls, the latter boasting a 14‑length victory back in 2025 that underscores his suitability for the course and distance. In a separate feature, the Dan Hague Rails Bookmaker Nursery Handicap presents a compelling lineup with Soldier Of The Sea leading an eleven‑horse field.
William Knight’s charge, who broke his maiden at Ffos Las in June and subsequently placed fourth in a novice at Ascot, looks poised to make an impact on his handicap debut. For those following on mobile, the latest racing news, interviews, and features are available via the Sky Sports Racing app, ensuring fans never miss a story.
Additional entries worth noting include Sydney Grace, who holds a Carlisle novice win and will be carrying a two‑pound penalty after a narrow defeat on her nursery debut at Wolverhampton. Mirzimaan, a Newbury novice winner, has shown mixed form this season, including a disappointing run in a York nursery, which may affect his odds. Internationally, the French racing scene will see Auteuil’s Group 3 Prix Robert Lejeune at 10.42 am, featuring a thrilling duel between Huron Bleu and Navy Du Seuil.
Later, the prestigious Prix de Compiegne will be headlined by hurdling star Losange Bleu at 12.27 pm. Back in the UK, Wopbopaloomop tops a thirteen‑horse field in Southwell’s opening Sky Sports Racing Virgin 512 Nursery Handicap at 4.20 pm. Trainer Richard Spencer, who has enjoyed recent success, will be looking to add another win despite a six‑pound penalty.
Later at Southwell, the Sky Sports Racing Sky 415 EBF Restricted Novice Stakes at 6.30 pm will see Peaberry head to the post for Tom Ward, while Zachary Hickes and Heroics clash in the Goffs Two Million Series Handicap, offering further opportunities for bettors and racing enthusiasts alike. Overall, the Yarmouth Festival’s final day promises a blend of established talent and rising stars, with Deep Havana and Pilu leading the charge in a race that could shape the rest of the season for both connections. Whether you are a seasoned punter or a casual fan, the action on Thursday is set to deliver drama, strategy, and the timeless thrill of horse racing.