The three‑day Yarmouth Festival is drawing to a close on Thursday, and the final day promises a packed seven‑race card that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Racing. Among the highlights, the Boodles Handicap at Yarmouth will feature a head‑to‑head clash between recent winners Deep Havana and Pilu, each tipped as a strong contender in a field of twelve runners.
Deep Havana, who broke his maiden for trainer Hamad Al Jehani by edging out Yes I’m Mali by a head at Thirsk, will line up with a five‑pound penalty attached. Despite the added weight, the Wathnan‑owned colt looks capable of defending his form, especially after his impressive first victory. Jockey Hamad Al Jehani will be looking to replicate his earlier success and guide the horse to a second win at the seaside venue.
Pilu, trained by Roger Teal, has also shown a marked improvement after stepping down in class to capture a Newmarket handicap in a convincing fashion. With a favourable rating from Joe Leavy, Pilu is expected to be a major factor in the race. The horse’s recent performance suggests it has the stamina and turn of foot needed to compete over the distance.
Other notable entries include Westport, who will be wearing cheekpieces in an attempt to return to winning ways, and Art Lover, a Kempton runner‑up who has attracted attention from William Haggas and will be partnered with Tom Marquand. Darn Hot, now carrying three pounds less than its last winning mark, also merits a look as it seeks to bounce back under the guidance of trainer Ed Walker. The race also features a trio of horses that have previously tasted success at Southwell.
Dojin and Level Look, both recent winners, are entered in a tightly contested handicap that promises to be a true test of class. Dojin, who claimed a narrow victory at Newmarket last month while sporting a first‑time hood, appears to have a strong chance in this similar contest. In addition to the Yarmford showdown, the weekend’s racing action includes several other storylines.
Almekarem is backed for a handicap win at Newbury on Saturday, while Stem is also among the fancied runners. Jockey Hollie Doyle will have the opportunity to keep Arapaho Gold unbeaten in the Mill Reef Stakes for trainer Michael Dods at Newbury. Sky Sports Racing will also feature a series of live races throughout the day, including a clash between Spy Chief and Catullus at Newbury, as well as action from Newton Abbot and Wolverhampton on Friday. The network’s coverage will highlight Almeraq’s return to Ascot for Champions Day, and Fairy Glen will be 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. Among the younger horses, Andrew Balding’s Level Look, the only three‑year‑old in the field, doubled his career win total with an easy victory at Wolverhampton last week and appears poised to stretch out to two miles under Callum Hutchinson. Charging Thunder and New York Minute round out the quartet of contenders, with New York Minute boasting a strong course and distance record, highlighted by a 14‑length triumph back in 2025 for trainer Joey Ramsden. Their form suggests they could be serious threats in the upcoming handicap.
The Dan Hague Rails Bookmaker Nursery Handicap has assembled a strong lineup, with Soldier Of The Sea taking the lead in an eleven‑horse field. William Knight’s charge, who broke his maiden at Ffos Las in June and has shown consistent ability since, finished fourth in a novice at Ascot and now makes an appealing debut in this handicap. Fans can stay up‑to‑date with the latest racing news, interviews, and features on their mobile devices, ensuring they never miss a story from the sport. Sydney Grace, a Carlisle novice winner, is carrying an extra two pounds after a narrow defeat on her nursery debut at Wolverhampton.
Meanwhile, Mirzimaan, who claimed a Newbury novice earlier in the season, disappointed in a York nursery last month, leaving the market to reassess his chances. On the international stage, Auteuil’s Group 3 Prix Robert Lejeune (10.42 am) will see a thrilling duel between Huron Bleu and Navy Du Seuil, before French hurdling star Losange Bleu headlines the Prix de Compiegne at 12.27 pm.
Back in the UK, Wopbopaloomop tops a thirteen‑runner field in Southwell’s opening 4.20 pm Sky Sports Racing Virgin 512 Nursery Handicap. Trainer Richard Spencer, who has been in fine form recently, will be aiming for another victory despite a six‑pound penalty. Later at Southwell, the 6.30 pm Sky Sports Racing Sky 415 EBF Restricted Novice Stakes will feature Peaberry for Tom Ward, while Zachary Hickes and Heroics clash in a competitive Goffs Two Million Series Handicap.
The day's program offers a rich tapestry of races that will keep enthusiasts engaged from start to finish, highlighting the depth and excitement of the current flat and National Hunt seasons.