The three‑day Yarmouth Festival draws to a close on Thursday, featuring a seven‑race card that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Racing. Among the headline attractions are recent winners Deep Havana and Pilu, both of which are expected to be among the favorites in a twelve‑horse Boodles Handicap at the historic Yarmouth course. Deep Havana, who earned his first victory for trainer Hamad Al Jehani by edging out Yes I’m Mali by a head at Thirsk, will be ridden again by Al Jehani.
The colt carries a five‑pound penalty for his previous win, but his connections believe the weight will not deter him from adding another success to his record. Owned by Wathnan, Deep Havana has shown a turn of foot that could prove decisive in a competitive field. Pilu, trained by Roger Teal, is another strong contender.
The gelding stepped down in class to claim a Newmarket handicap in impressive fashion at his last start, and he will be guided by jockey Joe Leavy. Pilu’s recent performance suggests he thrives when given a chance to lead, and his connections are confident he can replicate that form at Yarmouth.
Also in the mix is Westport, who will be wearing cheekpieces as he attempts to return to winning ways after a modest spell. Kempton runner‑up Art Lover, now under the tutelage of William Haggas and partnered with Tom Marquand, has attracted attention for his consistent form and could be a factor in the finish. Meanwhile, Darn Hot, carrying three pounds less than his last winning mark, is listed as an intriguing outsider for trainer Ed Walker. The race also features past winners Dojin and Level Look, who will contest a trappy handicap at Southwell.
Dojin, who secured a hard‑fought victory at Newmarket last month while sporting a brand‑new hood, appears well‑placed to repeat his success in a similar contest. Level Look, the sole three‑year‑old in the field, doubled his career tally with an easy win at Wolverhampton and is now stepping up to two miles under Callum Hutchinson, suggesting he may have the stamina to stay the distance. Other notable runners include Charging Thunder and New York Minute, the latter boasting a 14‑length triumph at the same course and distance back in 2025, making both horses strong candidates for the top spots.
In the Dan Hague Rails Bookmaker Nursery Handicap, Soldier Of The Sea heads a field of eleven, while William Knight’s charge, a former Ffos Las maiden, has shown steady improvement and could make an impact on his handicap debut. Sydney Grace, a Carlisle novice winner, returns with a two‑pound penalty after a narrow defeat on her nursery debut at Wolverhampton. Mirzimaan, who claimed a Newbury novice earlier in the season, struggled in a York nursery last month, and the market will be watching his form closely to gauge his chances. Internationally, the French G3 Prix Robert Lejeune at Auteuil will see Huron Bleu and Navy Du Seuil clash, while Losange Bleu, the French hurdling champion, headlines the Prix de Compiegne later in the day.
Back in the UK, Wopbopaloomop leads a thirteen‑runner field in Southwell's opening Virgin 512 Nursery Handicap, with trainer Richard Spencer seeking another win despite a six‑pound penalty. Later at Southwell, the Sky Sports Racing Sky 415 EBF Restricted Novice Stakes will feature Peaberry for Tom Ward, while Zachary Hickes and Heroics meet in a Goffs Two Million Series Handicap, adding further intrigue to the day's program. For fans following the festival, Sky Sports Racing will also provide live coverage of Chester, Newcastle, and Newbury, with highlights such as Arapaho Gold continuing an unbeaten run in the Mill Reef Stakes for Michael Dods, and Spy Chief facing Catullus at Newbury.
Additional races include Fairy Glen in the John Musker Fillies' Stakes at Yarmouth and Almeraq preparing for a return to Ascot on Champions Day. Overall, the Yarmouth finale promises a blend of seasoned campaigners and promising newcomers, each looking to end the festival on a high note. Whether you are rooting for the seasoned Deep Havana, the rising Pilu, or any of the other talented horses, Thursday’s card offers a compelling mix of speed, stamina, and tactical racing that should satisfy both casual viewers and dedicated racing enthusiasts alike.