World Horse Racing

Global Racing Round-Up: Goodwood delivers, Deauville shines and a blockbuster Whitney awaits

Mon, 03 Aug 2026 11:47:44 GMT

From Goodwood to Deauville, Flemington to Saratoga, it was another outstanding week of international racing ��

�� Bow Echo confirmed his class in a thrilling Sussex Stakes, Diamond Necklace extended her unbeaten record in the Nassau Stakes, and Scandinavia dominated the Goodwood Cup. Elsewhere, Blue Bolt added another Group 1 in France, Burnham Square captured the Arlington Million, and Boomtown Boss returned to winning ways in Australia.

Now attention turns to another huge weekend. The Whitney Stakes headlines a stellar Saratoga card, Deauville hosts the Prix Maurice Du Gheest, and the Shergar Cup returns to Ascot.

Catch up on the biggest winners from around the world and look ahead to what's coming next in this week's Global Racing Round-Up. ��

What’s Happened

�� Australia ��

Group-race action is back at Flemington and Saturday’s G3 Aurie’s Star Handicap went to Queensland raider Boomtown Boss , trained by Tony Gollan. Jockey Daniel Moor was in the irons for the victory, which saw his mount beat Royal Insignia by a long neck.

�� Brazil ��

Gavea staged three G1s on Saturday, the highlight of which was Summer Do Iguassu ’s win in the Premio Copa ABCPCC Classica - Matias Machline under returning hero Joao Moreira.

Leandro Henrique was the man onboard the first G1 winner; Passion Of Detail landing the Premio Margarida Polak Lara for fillies, on the turf. There was a shock in the G1 Premio J.Adhemar De Almeida Prado in which Persano and Valdinei Gil beat hot favourite Paid In Full Evens by a neck.

�� France ��

Blue Bolt claimed her second straight G1 with victory in the Prix Rothschild at Deauville on Sunday. Andrew Balding’s filly, ridden by Colin Keane, issued another beating to O’Brien’s multiple G1 winner Precise, this time by half a length.

�� Germany ��

Legendary trainer Andreas Wohler won his seventh G1 Henkel-Preis der Diana at Dusseldorf on Sunday. Soreanga got the job done under an elated Eduardo Pedroza, for whom it was a fifth win in the German Classic.

Pedroza and Wohler also took the day’s main supporting race; Sommersby winning the G3 Fritz Henkel-Preis by a length and a quarter from Aster.

�� UK ��

The first of three G1s across the week got underway on Tuesday when Scandinavia claimed his second Goodwood Cup. The race had plenty of drama thanks to Amiloc who unseated his jockey at the start and then interfered with runner-up Trawlerman in the second to last furlong. Scandinavia and Ryan Moore still won by eight and a half-lengths, however, and the four-year-old will next defend the G1 Irish St Leger in September.

There was another successful favourite in the G2 Lennox Stakes, which went to Lake Forest , for Cieran Fallon and William Haggas, while Dr Rascal landed the G2 Vintage Stakes for Oliver Cole and Kaiya Fraser – the jockey’s biggest success to date.

The race of the week was the G1 Sussex Stakes, the third meeting between English and Irish Guineas winner Bow Echo and Gstaad. Bow Echo and Billy Loughnane were simply brilliant, charging home late to grab the win by half a length.

Pershaada earned herself a spot in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf after victory in the G3 Molecomb Stakes for Richard Hannon and Sean Levey, while Flora Of Bermuda got back to winning ways in the G3 Oak Tree Stakes.

Diamond Necklace was another of the week’s bankers and she duly obliged in Thursday’s G1 Nassau Stakes. Ridden by Ryan Moore for O’Brien, the unbeaten filly took her record to six after a two and three-quarter length victory over Friendly Soul.

On Friday, the featured G2 King George Qatar Stakes saw G1 winner American Affair roar back to form for Paul Mulrennan and Jim Goldie. Scotland’s only top-level winner strode to a half-length win over Rumstar.

Wathnan Racing enjoyed a good week, highlighted when Evening Saigon won Saturday’s prestigious Stewards’ Cup for James Doyle and Hamad Al Jehani, while the G2 Lillie Langtry Stakes went to Joseph O’Brien’s Goodie Two Shoes under Dylan Browne McMonagle. Second in the G1 Melbourne Cup last year, the mare is likely to return to Flemington for a second attempt in November.

�� USA ��

Colonial Downs in Virginia staged its big day on Saturday, with the G1 Arlington Million highlighting their Festival of Racing. The big one went to Ian Wilkes’ rapidly rising Burnham Square , now a G1 winner on two surfaces, who beat Gran Oriente by half a length under Brian Hernandez.

The card staged two G2s, the first of which went to the heroine of 2026, Kentucky Derby winner Cherie DeVaux, with Supercharger , ridden by Manny Franco. The G2 Beverly D. was won by ex-South African Gimme A Nother , trained by Graham Motion, who got up close home under John Velazquez.

Velazquez had a good weekend, having also taken the G2 Amsterdam Stakes at Saratoga on Friday on Local Knowledge for Todd Pletcher and John Velazquez.

Saratoga also staged the G2 Jim Dandy on Saturday and the notable Travers prep race went to Kentucky Derby runner-up Renegade who got back to winning ways under Irad Ortiz.

Breeders’ Cup notes were taken at Del Mar on Saturday, the California track staging the G1 Clement L. Hirsch for fillies and mares. Saffie Joseph’s Eunomia shipped in from New York for the win and the Distaff spot, beating Om N Joy by half a length in the hands of Micah Husbands.

What’s Happening

�� France ��

Deauville is the place to be once again, with the G1 Prix Maurice Du Gheest the feature on Sunday, along with the G3 Prix Daphnis.

�� Japan ��

The G3 CBC Sho takes place at Chukyo on Saturday, while the G3 Leopard Stakes is the feature at Niigata.

�� UK ��

The Shergar Cup returns to Ascot with a new-look Hong Kong team, while the G3 Rose of Lancaster is the feature race at Haydock.

�� USA ��

Stand by for one of the best weekends on the calendar in the USA. Saratoga stages an epic G1 Whitney Stakes on Saturday, with Horse Of The Year Sovereignty facing Dubai World Cup winner Magnitude and top-class filly Nitrogen in a race for the ages. A top-class card at the Spa also features the G1 Test Stakes, G1 Fourstardave and G1 Saratoga Derby. Simon and Ed Crisford’s Title Role is a likely runner in the latter.

Kalpana stuns King George contenders as Qatar Goodwood Festival takes centre stage this week

Mon, 27 Jul 2026 10:31:45 GMT

From a thrilling upset in the King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes to Group 1 action across Germany, South Africa and the USA, another memorable weekend showcased the global appeal of elite thoroughbred racing. ��

This week's World Horse Racing Newsletter rounds up the biggest stories, including:

• Kalpana's brilliant King George victory at Ascot
• Hotazhell's return to winning ways in Germany
• Eight On Eighteen's third Group 1 success in South Africa
• Counting Stars' dominant Coaching Club American Oaks win at Saratoga
• Gold Phoenix makes more Del Mar history

Plus, we look ahead to another outstanding week of international racing, with the Qatar Goodwood Festival, Arlington Million and Prix Rothschild all on the horizon. ➡️

What’s Happened

�� Germany ��

2024 G1 Futurity Stakes winner Hotazhell collected his first win since when holding on by a nose in the G1 Grosser Dallmayr Preis at Munich on Sunday. The Jessica Harrington trainee, ridden by Shane Foley, just got to the line ahead of the filly Timeforshowcasing.

�� South Africa ��

Greyville staged three G1s on Sunday, the highlight of which was the HKJC-sponsored G1 Champions Cup. It was won by Eight On Eighteen, his third G1 success. Ridden by Richard Fourie for trainer Justin Snaith, he beat stablemate See It Again by a length.

Hong Kong -based jockey Lyle Hewitson is making the most of the off season. He returned to his homeland to win the G1 Champion Stakes on Erik Dubois . It was an emotional moment for trainer Louis Goosen, for whom it was a first top-level win in 35 years of training.

Buffalo Storm Cody repeated his 2025 win in the G1 Mercury Sprint, justifying favouritism under Gavin Lerena for a length victory for trainer Tony Peter.

�� UK ��

It was billed as a King George for the ages, with defending champion Calandagan facing Masquerade Ball – who he beat in the Japan Cup, as well as 2025 Derby winner Lambourn and star filly Minnie Hauk. However, it was Kalpana , the only British runner in the field of nine, who got first run. Ridden by Colin Keane, Andrew Balding’s filly powered home by a length and a half from Calandagan for her third G1 success.

Earlier, Balding’s Moonrise earned entry to the G1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies’ Turf with a win in the G3 Princess Margaret Stakes under Oisin Murphy, while the highlight of Jane Chapple-Hyam’s training double was Kon Tiki ’s win in the G3 Valiant Stakes.

It was a great day all over the country for the Balding team, who also won the G2 York Stakes at York with Item . The Dante winner, who flopped on soft ground in the Derby, bounced back for a two and three-quarter length win over Pride Of Arras.

�� USA ��

Saratoga’s G1 Coaching Club American Oaks was a rematch between G1 Kentucky Oaks winner Always A Runner and G1 Acorn Stakes heroine Counting Stars. The battle materialised with the pair turning for home together, before Mark Casse’s Counting Stars powered away and won by four and a quarter lengths. It was win number five on the card for Irad Ortiz, who went on to win six – a new Saratoga record.

Another of Ortiz’s victories came on Built , who took the G2 Alfred Vanderbilt Stakes for trainer Wayne Catalano. It was a first Graded Stakes win at the 14th attempt for the four-year-old.

On Sunday. Maryland-based trainer Brittany Russell shipped in Maida to take the G2 Honorable Miss Stakes, going gate to wire in the hands of the trainer’s husband Sheldon Russell.

In the California sprinting ranks, Listenupshance now has a Breeders’ Cup spot after his nose win in the G1 Bing Crosby at Del Mar on Saturday. Doug O’Neill’s gelding beat Maximum Bourbon by a nose in the hands of Emisael Jaramillo, for whom it was a first top-level win in the USA.

On Sunday, the wonderful eight-year-old Gold Phoenix scored a record sixth Stakes win at Del Mar when coming from last to first in the G2 Eddie Read. Phil D’Amato’s gelding, who also won this race in 2023, will now aim for a fifth win in the G2 Del Mar Handicap at the end of the meet.

What’s Happening

�� Canada ��

The G3 Seagram Cup is the feature at Woodbine on Saturday.

�� France ��

The G1 Prix Rothschild is the feature at Deauville, with G1 1000 Guineas winner True Love among the entries. Three G3, the Prix de Cabourg, Prix de Pysche and Prix Six Perfections, support the main event.

�� Ireland ��

The seven-day Galway Festival gets underway today, with Wednesday’s Galway Plate the official feature of a popular week in the Emerald Isle.

�� Japan ��

The JRA hosts two Graded Stakes on Sunday. The G3 Hokkaido Shimbun Hai Queen Stakes takes place at Sapporo, while the G3 Ibis Summer Dash is at Niigata.

�� UK ��

The Qatar Goodwood Festival gets underway on Tuesday, with three G1s spread across the five days.

First up is an Ascot Gold Cup rematch between Scandinavia and Trawlerman in the G1 Goodwood Cup on Tuesday, before Bow Echo and Gstaad face each other for a third time in Wednesday’s G1 Sussex Stakes.

On Thursday, the fillies line up in a Nassau Stakes headlined by the unbeaten Diamond Necklace , before Aussie sprinting star Asfoora has her final run in Friday’s G2 King George Stakes.

�� USA ��

Defending champion Fort Washington faces seven rivals in the G1 Arlington Million at Colonial Downs on Saturday. A stacked card at the Virginia track also includes the G2 Beverly D, for fillies, and the G2 Secretariat Stakes for three-year-olds.

At Del Mar, a likely field of nine goes forward for the G1 Clement L. Hirsch on Saturday, while Saratoga stages the G2 Jim Dandy, the main local prep for the Travers Stakes, the G2 Saratoga Special and the G3 Lake George. Renegade , second in the Kentucky Derby and third in the Belmont, will be well-fancied in the former.

Joseph O'Brien's Irish Oaks triumph, Caspar Fownes crowned Hong Kong Champion Trainer, Haskell history & all the latest from the world of horse racing

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 11:26:16 GMT

Joseph O'Brien stole the show with another Group 1 success in the Irish Oaks. ��

Elsewhere, history was made in New Jersey as Lindsay Schultz became the first female trainer to win the G1 Haskell, Caspar Fownes secured a fifth Hong Kong trainers' title, and France delivered another thrilling Grand Prix de Paris.

Attention now turns to another huge weekend of international racing, with the King George at Ascot, the Bing Crosby at Del Mar and top-level action from Canada to Japan.

��️ Read the full WHR Weekly below. ��

What’s Happened

�� France ��

There was a brilliant finish to the G1 Grand Prix de Paris on Tuesday – Bastille Day in France – when Maltese Cross squeezed through a gap close home to steal the prize from Ancient Egypt and Alam by a head and a neck. It was a fine ride by Tom Marquand, for trainer William Haggas, and a first G1 for Maltese Cross, who was previously second in the Derby.

Behrayna took her career record to four wins from four starts with victory in the G2 Prix de Malleret. Francis Graffard’s filly and Mickael Barzalona had to work to overhaul Pink Panthera, however, winning by a neck.

Joseph O’Brien took the day’s other Group contest when globetrotter Sons And Lovers landed the G2 Prix Maurice de Nieuil under Dylan Browne McMonagle. A trip to the G1 Melbourne Cup could be on the agenda for the five-year-old.

Only three ran in Sunday’s G2 Prix Robert Papin at Deauville, but it was still a memorable day for British expat trainer Amy Murphy who won it with Tokaido . Tony Piccone was onboard the colt, who won by two lengths from Joseph O’Brien’s King Of Coughlan.

There was another British success in the G3 Prix Chloe, which went to the Charlie Johston-trained Jennifer Jane , while the G3 Prix Messidor was won by Silius , racking up his eighth win but first at Group level.

�� Hong Kong ��

Caspar Fownes was crowned Champion Trainer for the fifth time as the Hong Kong season ended at Happy Valley on Wednesday. Fownes, 58, previously won the Hong Kong trainers’ championship in 2006/07, 2008/09, 2013/14 and 2020/21 and has a career record of 1,235 Hong Kong wins.

�� Ireland ��

Joseph O’Brien had to go without his G1 Epsom Oaks winner Thundering On – a late scratch – in the G1 Irish Oaks at the Curragh on Saturday but won the race anyway. His Johanna Walsh had just been touched off in the G2 Ribblesdale at Ascot but reversed that form here with Earth Shot, who only finished sixth. Ridden by Dylan Browne McMonagle, Johanna Walsh went into the lead with 400metres remaining and stormed home by four lengths from Inis Mor.

There was British success on the undercard when Cover Up , trained in Newmarket by Simon and Ed Crisford, won the G2 Sapphire Stakes. Ridden by James Doyle, he beat Partisan Hero by three-quarters of a length. There was an impressive winner of the day’s other G2, the Railway Stakes, which went to Michael O’Callaghan’s Celeron , ridden by Oisin Murphy.

Joseph O’Brien’s winning spree continued on Sunday when Trustyourinstinct won the G2 Curragh Cup, while there was big-race success for trainer Robson De Aguiar thanks to Power Blue who took the G2 Minstrel Stakes.

�� UK ��

At Newbury, Symbol Of Honour collected his second course win and second at Group level when taking Saturday’s G3 Hackwood Stakes for Charlie Appleby and William Buick.

�� USA ��

History was made in the G1 Haskell at Monmouth Park on Saturday, when Lindsay Schultz became the first female winning trainer of the race. Her Baby Vino sprang something of a surprise, coming off best after a tussle with Preakness winner Napoleon Solo and winning by half a length under Jorge Vargas Jnr.

The winner, the outsider of the field bar one, now has guaranteed entry for the G1 Breeders' Cup Classic at Keeneland in October.

Trainer Chad Brown enjoyed a Graded race double, his Program Trading justifying favouritism in the G2 United Nations Stakes, while Grayosh took the G3 Matchmaker Stakes for fillies and mares.

Bob Baffert’s trip across the country paid off, his Breeders’ Cup winner Splendora winning the G2 Molly Picher Stakes as a favourite should, by five and a half lengths. Earlier, Bill Mott’s Knightsbridge got back to winning ways. He beat a stellar field, including G1 winner Skippylongstocking, third, in the G3 Monmouth Cup.

The state of New Jersey called Friday ‘ Book’em Danno Day’ after the New Jersey-bred Champion Sprinter. Derek Ryan’s charge didn’t disappoint, landing the $200,000 Mr Prospector Stakes st Monmouth Park with ease. A return to G1s and the Breeders’ Cup is next up.

Brown also enjoyed a good day at his home track of Saratoga, his Kathynmarissa leading home a stable 1-2-3 in the G1 Diana Stakes. Jose Ortiz was onboard the filly, who gave her trainer an amazing fifth consecutive win in the Diana.

Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies’ Turf winner CY Fair got back on track after an aborted trip to Royal Ascot when winning the G3 Coronation Cup Stakes under John Velazquez.

Al Del Mar, 2025 G1 Preakness and Haskell winner Journalism won the G2 San Diego the hard way, missing the break and having to pass the whole field under Umberto Rispoli.

There was a surprise in the G2 San Clemente Stakes for fillies, John Sadler’s Somerset West winning by half a length in the hands of Armando Ayuso.

What’s Happening

�� Canada ��

Woodbine stages three G3s on Saturday, the Hendrie Stakes, Ontario Colleen and Trillium Stakes.

�� Japan ��

The G3 Sekiya Kinen takes place at Niigata on Sunday, while the G3 Tokai Stakes is the feature at Chukyo.

�� UK ��

There’s a fascinating G1 King George in store at Ascot on Saturday. Defending champion Calandagan takes on Japanese star Masquerade Ball , as well as Irish Derby winner Benvenuto Cellini .

York stages the G2 York Stakes, the main course prep for August’s G1 Juddmonte International.

�� USA ��

The G1 Bing Crosby is the first top level Stakes of the Del Mar summer season, while at Saratoga the G1 Coaching Club American Oaks takes centre stage. The G2 Shuvee is the feature on Friday at Saratoga, with the G2 Honorable Miss headlining Sunday’s action.

Ka Ying Rising & Romantic Warrior share honours in Hong Kong, Comanche Brave lands the July Cup & Fozzy Stack lands a first G1

Mon, 13 Jul 2026 11:14:02 GMT

Two of Hong Kong's finest share honours at end of season awards, an Irish trainer claims his first G1 success with victory in France and Comanche Brave lands top honours in Newmarket,

This week's WHR Weekly has the full story and previews a big weekend of racing ahead.

Read it here ��

What’s Happened

�� Australia ��

Winnasedge picked up the most important win of his career, landing the G3 Sir John Monash Stakes at Caulfield on Saturday. Ridden by Luke Currie for trainer Nick Ryan, Winnasedge scored by a long neck from Bellatrix Star with Sir Now another short head away in third.

�� France ��

Irish trainer Fozzy Stack won his first European G1 on Sunday, saddling Thesecretadversary for an all the way win in the Prix Jean Prat at Deauville. Ridden by Christophe Soumillon, the colt was following up his G3 Jersey Stakes success at Royal Ascot and next has the G1 City Of York Stakes on his agenda.

�� Hong Kong ��

For the first time, there were joint winners of the prestigious Horse of the Year title in Hong Kong, when Ka Ying Rising and Romantic Warrior shared the award at a glittering ceremony on Friday night.

Romantic Warrior, who won five G1s this season, was also named Champion Middle-Distance Horse for the fifth year in a row, as well as Champion Stayer. He is also this year’s Champion Miler based on his brilliant winning performance in the G1 Stewards’ Cup.

Zac Purton picked up a ninth Champion Jockey title and Caspar Fownes picked up the Champion Trainer award.

�� Ireland ��

There was a minor upset in the G3 Brownstown Stakes at Leopardstown on Thursday when Duckadilly, trained by Danny McLoughlin, beat favourite Phenomenal Filly.

�� UK ��

Comanche Brave has raced in five different countries so far in 2026 but finally landed his G1 in the UK when running on well to beat Venetian Sun in the July Cup at Newmarket on Saturday. Ridden by Billy Loughnane for trainer Donnacha O’Brien, he came home a length the best and could next take up his entry in the G1 City of York at York.

There was a thrilling finish to the G2 Superlative Stakes when Al Hudaiba just got up on the line to deny favourite Abraham Lincoln by a short head. The son of Dark Angel completed a good week for Charlie Appleby and William Buick who on Thursday combined with nine-time G1 winner Rebel’s Romance for just his second start on his home track. He won the G2 Princess of Wales’s Stakes, but only just, needing to dig deep to see off pacemaker Arabian Crown by half a length.

Buick and Appleby also took the G2 July Stakes with the unbeaten Inner City Blues, while there was a Royal winner of the opening G3 Bahrain Trophy; Point Of Law coming home best in the colours of the King and Queen.

There was a minor upset in the G1 Falmouth Stakes on Friday when Blue Bolt beat four-time G1 winner Precise. Andrew Balding’s filly, ridden by Colin Keane, followed up her Royal Ascot G2 win in some style here, travelling well throughout and beating Precise by two lengths on the line. A trip to France for the G1 Prix Rothschild could be next for the Juddmonte-owned filly.

Senorita Bonita could only manage second in the G2 Queen Mary Stakes at Royal Ascot but got her G2 win here in the Duchess of Cambridge Stakes. Ridden by Oisin Murphy, she beat G3 Albany Stakes winner Libertango by three-quarters of a length.

On Saturday, Zeus Olympios won his second G2, taking the Summer Cup at Ascot for Karl Burke and Sam James. The four-year-old holds an entry for the G1 Sussex Stakes at Goodwood, as well as for the G1 Irish Champion Stakes in September.

�� USA ��

There was a great finish to the G2 Bowling Green at Saratoga on Saturday, favourite Ole Crazy Bone holding off British raider Fort George by a nose, for trainer Michael Maker and jockey Flavien Prat.

There was a more decisive winner of the G2 Caress Stakes which went to Movin’ On Up, the least-fancied of two Saffie Joseph Jnr-trained runners, in the hands of Tyler Gaffalione.

At Indiana Grand on Saturday, the G3 Indiana Derby went to Wathnan’s Leading Change, trained by Brad Cox, while Kenny McPeek’s Maximum Offer took the G3 Oaks.

What’s Happening

�� Canada ��

Woodbine stages two G2s on Sunday, the Nassau Stakes and the Connaught Cup.

�� France ��

It’s Bastille Day in France on Tuesday, which means the G1 Grand Prix de Paris rolls into Longchamp. The 2400metre three-year-old contest was won last year by the Jean-Claude Rouget-trained Leffard. Royal Ascot winner Causeway and Derby runner-up Maltese Cross head the market for this year’s running.

�� Ireland ��

Thundering On, winner of the Oaks at Epsom, will bid to complete the double when lining up in the G1 Irish Oaks at The Curragh on Saturday. The G2 Railway Stakes and G2 Sapphire Stakes back up the feature.

�� Japan ��

The G3 Hakodate Nisai Stakes and the G3 Kokura Kinen are the two JRA features this weekend.

�� UK ��

It’s a quiet weekend in the UK, with Newbury hosting the G3 Hackwood Stakes and Listed action at Newmarket.

�� USA ��

Preakness winner Napoleon Solo is among the likely runners for the G1 Haskell on Saturday, the biggest race of the year at Monmouth Park in New Jersey. Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint winner Splendora heads to the G2 Molly Pitcher on the same card, which also stages the G3 Monmouth Cup and G2 United Nations Stakes.

At Saratoga, the G1 Diana Stakes, for three-year-old fillies, is the first G1 of the meet proper, while Del Mar in California opens with the G2 San Diego and G2 San Clemente.

Calandagan silences the doubters in France & Constitution River lands the Coral-Eclipse

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 10:31:21 GMT

Calandagan has King George double in his sights after Saint-Cloud comeback - and everything else from a big weekend of racing ��

What’s Happened

�� Australia ��

Cellarmaster came with a powerful late run to secure the G3 Winx Guineas for trainer Tom Charlton at the Sunshine Coast on Saturday. Ridden by Ryan Maloney, he got up close home to deny Platinum Pantheon by a quarter of a length.

�� France ��

Calandagan bounced back from defeat in the G1 Coronation Cup at Epsom with his sixth G1 and second in the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud on Sunday.

Ridden with remarkable patience by Mickael Barzalona, the five-year-old passed the entire field in the straight, winning by a neck from Cualificar. Trainer Francis Graffard confirmed afterwards that a defence of the G1 King George at Ascot, on July 25th, is next up for Aga Khan Studs’ star.

At Deauville on Saturday, the featured G3 Prix de Ris-Orangis went to the Xavier Blanchet-trained Mise En Boite, who beat Charibelle by a length. The hot favourite, G2 Minster Stakes winner Elmonjed, could only manage fourth.

�� Germany ��

Andreas Wohler claimed his sixth G1 Deusches Derby at Hamburg on Sunday when Dardanos held off the challenge of Chiefland close home. It was a first G1 win for jockey Wladimir Panov and something of a shock, the son of Soldier Hollow having been one of the outsiders in the field.

Wohler also took the G3 Hamburger Stutenpreis for fillies, his Soreanger beating Believe In Me by a short head, under jockey Eduardo Pedroza.

�� South Africa ��

Leading trainer Justin Snaith picked up a sixth G1 Durban July at Greyville on Saturday, his Note To Self beating stablemate Wish List by a quarter of a length in the hands of Richard Fourie. Trainer and jockey are now the most successful combination in the history of what is billed as ‘Africa’s greatest race.’

Quickstepgal made short work of a quality field in the G1 Garden Province Stakes. Tienie Prinsloo’s filly was always up with the pace and quickened smartly to beat Mon Petit Cherie and Double Grand Slam, under jockey Keagan De Melo.

�� UK ��

Aidan O’Brien’s remarkable run of G1s this season continued when Constitution River followed up his Prix du Jockey-Club win with success in the Coral-Eclipse at Sandown on Saturday. Ridden by Ryan Moore, he strode to a three-length success over A Boy Named Susie. Next up could be a tantalising clash with Ombudsman in the G1 Juddmonte International at York on August 19th.

The main supporting race, the G3 Coral Charge, went to the Jonathan Portman-trained Rumstar, who picked up a seventh career victory and second in a row in this race under Rob Hornby.

At Newmarket, the G2 Lancashire Oaks – rerouted from Haydock due to ground issues – went to Tattycorum who beat hot favourite Tiffany by four and a half lengths. Trainer Ralph Beckett will now send the filly straight to the G1 Yorkshire Oaks on August 20th.

�� USA ��

A ‘Classic’ winner in the UAE and Germany, British-based Title Role added the USA to that list when landing the G1 Belmont Derby at Saratoga – just. Simon and Ed Crisford’s colt had to dig deep under John Velazquez to see off West End Kid and Remember Mamba by a nose and a neck.

It was a European clean sweep of the G1s, with the Donnacha O’Brien-trained Kensington Lane having taken the earlier Belmont Oaks. Ridden by Joel Rosario, she went into the lead early on and never looked like being caught, cruising home by a length and three-quarters from Faithful Departed.

There was a runaway winner of the G2 Suburban Stakes when Phileas Fogg defended his title in no uncertain terms. Gustavo Rodriguez’s six-year-old put ten lengths between himself and G1 winner Hit Show at the line, leaving jockey Kendrick Carmouche in raptures.

At Los Alamitos in California, Sweet Azteca won the G2 Great Lady M. Stakes for the third year in a row; her tenth Stakes win in total. Trainer Richard Baltas will now aim the mare at the Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Sprint at Keeneland on October 31st.

What’s Happening

�� France ��

Deauville’s popular summer season is underway and the G1 Prix Jean Prat takes centre stage on Sunday. The Christopher Head-trained Nightime, winner of the G2 Prix Paul de Moussac, is among the likely runners.

�� Hong Kong ��

Happy Valley plays host to something a little different this Wednesday when The Hong Kong Jockey Club stages "Eight to Glory, presented by Lenovo" - a one-off race timed to coincide with the FIFA World Cup quarter-finals.

Eight horses will race under the lights, each ridden by a jockey in the jersey of one of the eight nations still in the tournament. The race forms part of the Club's "Home of Football" campaign and includes a charity element, with donations made to eight organisations nominated by the competing horse owners.

�� Japan ��

The G3 Tanabata Sho is the feature race at Fukushima on Sunday. The 2000metre event was won last year by Cosmo Fliegen.

�� UK ��

Newmarket’s popular three-day July Festival gets underway on Thursday with three Group races. The G3 Bahrain Trophy, a St Leger Trial, is followed by the G2 July Stakes for Juveniles and the G2 Princess of Wales’s Stakes for older horses. 9-time G1 winner Rebel’s Romance is a fascinating entry for the latter.

Friday’s action is headed by the G1 Falmouth Stakes for fillies and mares, backed up by the G2 Duchess of Cambridge Stakes. Saturday’s G1 July Cup is the likely next starting point for Japanese sprinting star Satono Reve, as well as G1 Commonwealth Cup winner Venetian Sun.

�� USA ��

Horseshoe Indianapolis gets its big day in the sun on Saturday, staging the G3 Indiana Derby and G3 Indiana Oaks.

The G2 Bowling Green and G2 Caress Stakes, both on the turf, are the features at Saratoga. British trainer Ed Walker sends over Fort George, a G3 winner in Dubai, for the former.

Benvenuto Cellini claims Irish Derby redemption & Magnitude beats a stellar field in a clash for the ages

Mon, 29 Jun 2026 13:05:30 GMT

The Irish Derby �� A heavyweight clash in the US ��

This week's WHR Weekly has it all.

What’s Happened

�� Argentina ��

At San Isidro, the G1 Gran Premio Estrellas Distaff - Copa Senor Alejandro J Menditeguy went to Indiana Candy, for trainer Juan Saldivia and jockey William Pereyra. It was a second straight G1 win for the filly, who crossed the line three lengths ahead of Samba Do Brazil.

There was a tight finish to the G1 Gran Premio Estrellas Mile - Auspicia Laboratorio Cimol Stakes when Que Tarde Gris beat Bronx by a neck. The four-year-old was ridden by Adrian Giannetti for trainer Carlos Arnaldo.

An upset in the featured G1 Gran Premio Estrellas Classic - Copa Escribano Hernan Ceriani Cernadas Stakes when Neat Colt beat Hit Colchonero and favourite Need You Tonight to secure his first top level win. The three-year-old was ridden by Juan Villagra for trainer Gustavo Romero.

�� Australia ��

The 76th and final G1 of the Australian season took place on Saturday when Splash Back claimed her first win at the top level in the Tattersalls Tiara at Eagle Farm. Trained by Grahame Begg and ridden by Jordan Childs, she powered home by a length and a quarter from Savagery Vibe.

�� France ��

Former trainer Criquette Head has a horse to be excited about as an owner after Pearled Majesty ran out the impressive winner of the G2 Prix Eugene Adam at Saint-Cloud on Sunday. Ridden by Christophe Soumillon and trained by Mauricio Delcher Sanchez who also part-owns him, the Persian King colt created Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe chatter after a two and a half-length win from the front.

�� Ireland ��

There was redemption for Benvenuto Cellini in the G1 Irish Derby at The Curragh on Sunday. Aidan O’Brien’s colt made amends for his Epsom Derby mishap, when he was controversially declared a non-runner after leaving a leg in the stalls. This time it was plain sailing for the Ryan Moore-ridden chestnut, who strode to a length and three-quarter success over stablemates Christmas Day and Pierre Bonnard.

O’Brien indicated that the Breeders’ Cup Classic, on dirt at Keeneland in October, is under consideration for the son of Frankel.

Purview has the Breeders’ Cup Turf on his agenda after winning the G3 International Stakes for Dermot Weld and Colin Keane. The Kingman colt won for the fourth time in seven starts here, beating Trustyourinstinct by three-quarters of a length.

Estrange won her first G1, upsetting Oaks winner Thundering On in Saturday’s Pretty Polly Stakes. Ridden by Danny Tudhope for trainer David O’Meara, the almost white mare won by a length and a half from outsider One Look.

O’Brien’s Sun Goddess made a quick return after defeat in the G3 Albany at Royal Ascot, beating Green Empress by three-quarters of a length in the G2 Airlie Stud Stakes.

�� Mauritius ��

There was an exciting finish to the G1 Barbe Cup, one of the features of the season, when At My Command and jockey Swapneel Rama just beat Bugalugs and Meridus in the 1600metre contest.

�� UK ��

G1 Sussex Stakes winner Qirat got back to winning ways, taking the G3 Criterion Stakes at York on Saturday. Trained by Ralph Beckett, the gelding was ridden by Silvestre de Sousa to a length and a half win over Never So Brave.

At Newcastle, the G3 Chipchase Stakes went to the Ed Bethell-trained Paborus who took his career record to five wins in eight starts under Callum Rodriguez.

�� USA ��

It was one of the races of the year so far, with Sovereignty, White Abarrio and Magnitude clashing in the G1 Stephen Foster at Churchill Downs. It went to Magnitude who made every post a winning one under Jose Ortiz, beating Baeza by a length and a quarter. It was a second G1 win for Steve Asmussen’s colt, who now has guaranteed entry into the Breeders’ Cup Classic.

Asmussen and Ortiz also took the G2 Wise Dan Stakes when Lagynos won the G2 Wise Dan Stakes, beating Mercante by three-quarters of a length, and racking up a fifth win in a row.

Also heading to Keeneland in October is Immersive who landed the Win and You’re In G2 Fleur de Lis Stakes for Irad Ortiz and Brad Cox.

What’s Happening

�� Japan ��

The G3 TV Nishinippon Corp Sho Kitakyushu Kinen is the feature at Kokura on Sunday.

�� South Africa ��

Billed as the biggest race in Africa, the G1 Durban July takes place at Greyville on Saturday. The field of 18 includes G1 winners Mocha Blend and Star Major. The main supporting race is the G1 Garden Province, for fillies and mares. 11 line up, including Justin Snaith’s defending champion Double Grand Slam.

�� USA ��

The G1 Belmont Derby and Belmont Oaks are the feature races at Saratoga on 4th July weekend. Two UK raiders have been entered for the Derby; the Charlie Appleby-trained Pacific Avenue and Simon and Ed Crisford’s Title Role.

The G2 Suburban, for older horses, has G1 winners Antiquarian and Hit Show among the likely runners.

�� UK ��

The G1 Coral-Eclipse takes place at Sandown on Saturday. Won last year by Delacroix, this year’s line-up is likely to feature the improving Gethin and G1 Prix du Jockey-Club winner Constitution River. The G3 Coral Charge and Listed Coral Distaff are the main supporting races.

The G2 Lancashire Oaks, scheduled for Haydock Park, takes place at Newmarket due to the northern track’s ongoing drainage issues.

All the winners from Royal Ascot, Aidan O'Brien creates more history & what's to come this week

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 10:44:39 GMT

Who were the big winners at Royal Ascot? Read on for a full-round of the action from the royal meeting and all the big stories from around the world ��

Royal Ascot delivered five days of world-class racing last week, with Ombudsman winning the G1 Prince of Wales's Stakes, brushing aside Arc hero Daryz by four lengths, becoming the first back-to-back winner of the race since 1995.

Before that, Royal Ascot week began with a shock - 50-1 outsider Ten Bob Tony downing four G1 winners in the Queen Anne Stakes for trainer Ed Walker. Aidan O'Brien, meanwhile, ended the week as leading trainer for the 14th time, reaching 100 career winners at the Royal meeting along the way.

The Irish Derby at The Curragh is the headline act this weekend, with Epsom winner Christmas Day set to line up once more, while in the USA, Horse of the Year Sovereignty faces Dubai World Cup winner Magnitude in what promises to be a clash for the ages.

Continue reading for a full round-up of the week's best action across the world and everything to look forward to in the days ahead.

What’s Happened

�� Germany ��

Best Lightning won his second race on the bounce when landing the G3 Grosser Preis der Wirtschaft at Dortmund on Sunday. Ridden by Benjamin Marie, the eight-year-old beat Petit Marin by a length and a quarter, for trainer Andreas Suborics.

�� France ��

At Longchamp on Thursday, the G3 Prix de la Porte Maillot went to Khovikhov who just held off the better fancied Silius by a short head. The three-year-old is trained by Mauricio Delcher Sanchez and was ridden by Alexis Pouchin.

�� Hong Kong ��

Beauty Joy recorded his eighth Hong Kong win at Sha Tin on Sunday, successfully defending his crown in the G3 Premier Plate for trainer Tony Cruz and jockey Joao Moreira.

The G3 Premier Cup went to Little Paradise, who beat G2 winner Galaxy Patch by a neck under Zac Purton, for trainer Jimmy Ting.

�� Italy ��

There were challengers from France, Germany and the UK but the G2 Oaks d’Italia at the San Siro remained in Italian hands when Piccola Piuma won it for trainer Stefano Botti. The daughter of Saxon Warrior, ridden by Fabio Branca, beat Lady Evi by three and a quarter lengths.

�� UK ��

Royal Ascot started with a shock on Tuesday when Ten Bob Tony downed four G1 winners in the Queen Anne Stakes.

Trained by Ed Walker, the flashy chestnut and Kieran Shoemark came home half a length ahead of More Thunder, grabbing a spot in the G1 Breeders’ Cup Mile on October 31st.

Things went more to plan in the later races, when Aidan O’Brien collected a big-race double courtesy of Great Barrier Reef, ridden by Wayne Lordan, in the G2 Coventry Stakes and Mission Central in the G1 King Charles III Stakes. Mission Central, ridden by Ryan Moore to a head success over Rayevka, could have The Everest on his agenda later in the year.

There was a great battle in the day’s official feature, the G1 St James’s Palace Stakes, when Newmarket 2000 Guineas winner Bow Echo held off Irish 2000 Guineas winner Gstaad in a nail-biting finish. Bow Echo, ridden by Billy Loughnane for trainer George Boughey, remains unbeaten after five starts and could head to the G1 Sussex Stakes at Goodwood.

Wednesday’s feature, the £1million G1 Prince of Wales’s Stakes, was a fascinating clash between three-time G1 winner Ombudsman and Arc hero Daryz. In the end, it was one way traffic as Ombudsman and William Buick strolled to a four-length win over Minnie Hauk, with Daryz third.

It was another good day for Moore and O’Brien who took the opening G2 Queen Mary Stakes with Victorious, while Joseph O’Brien won the G2 Queen’s Vase with Limestone, who may now be aimed at the Melbourne Cup.

All the talk before Thursday’s G1 Gold Cup – the week’s official feature – was of defending champion Trawlerman, who sported a pair of equine goggles on the way to the start due to a newly-diagnosed sensitivity to light. He put in a superb performance, going down fighting to Scandinavia who ground out victory by a head, giving Moore and O’Brien another big one.

Friday featured two G1s, starting with the Commonwealth Cup which went to the favourite Venetian Sun – just. Karl Burke’s filly and Clifford Lee had to dig deep to see off Spicy Marg by a head.

The Coronation Stakes had a more clear-cut winner; Precise landing her fourth G1 by a length and a half for Moore and O’Brien, beating Touleen and stablemate True Love.

Earlier, Billy Loughnane and George Boughey picked up their second big win of the week, Libertango taking the G2 Albany Stakes.

Saturday saw a thrilling finish to the G1 Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes when Almeraq just got up to deny Australian Joliestar and Japanese runner Satono Reve. It was a first G1 win for the William Haggas-trained colt, who was ridden by Tom Marquand.

Globetrotter Giavellotto collected his first Royal Ascot win at the first attempt when outbattling favourite Kalpana in the G2 Hardwicke. The seven-year-old, trained by Marco Botti, was the only winner of the meeting for Champion Jockey Oisin Murphy.

Clive Cox is always very astute with juveniles, and he sent out Orthodox for an impressive win in the G2 Norfolk Stakes in the hands of Rossa Ryan. The 1000metre contest is a Win and You’re In for the G1 Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint in October.

�� USA ��

Eclatant made it three in a row in the G2 Chicago Stakes at Churchill Downs, but Brad Cox’s filly had to work for the victory. Ridden by Irad Ortiz, she downed Foie Gras by a head to record her sixth success from nine starts.

On Saturday, trainer Steve Asmussen added a G3 success at Thistledown to his CV, taking the Ohio Derby with Chip Honcho. Third in the Preakness on his previous start, he beat Preakness fourth and Kentucky Derby third Ocelli by a length.

What’s Happening

�� Australia ��

The final G1 of the season, the Tattersalls Tiara, takes place at Eagle Farm on Saturday. Dual G2 winner Splash Back is set to line up as favourite for trainer Grahame Begg.

�� Ireland ��

It’s G1 Irish Derby weekend at The Curragh with Epsom victor Christmas Day expected to line up for Aidan O’Brien. The G1 Pretty Polly, for fillies and mares, is the main supporting race, along with the G2 Airlie Stud Stakes and G3 International Stakes. Runaway G1 Oaks winner Thundering On is set to contest the Pretty Polly, trainer Joseph O’Brien announced over the weekend.

�� Japan ��

The G3 Hakodate Kinen is the feature at Hakodate on Sunday, while the G3 Radio Nikkei Sho takes place at Fukushima on the same day.

�� USA ��

The race many have been waiting for takes place at Churchill Downs on Saturday, when Horse of the Year Sovereignty takes on Dubai World Cup winner Magnitude and White Abarrio in a clash for the ages. The race, which has an increased purse of $2million, is a Win and You’re In for the Breeders’ Cup Classic.

The card also features the G2 Wise Dan Stakes and the G2 Fleur de Lis.

�� UK ��

A quiet week post-Royal Ascot, but Newcastle stages the G3 Hoppings Fillies Stakes on Friday and the G3 Chipchase and Northumberland Plate on Saturday

Diamond Necklace stays unbeaten, James McDonald creates history & Royal Ascot set to take centre stage

Mon, 15 Jun 2026 09:00:35 GMT

This week's WHR Weekly has landed. We look ahead to a fascinating battle at Royal Ascot and recap the best of the action from last week.

The FIFA World Cup might be dominating the sporting conversation right now, but horse racing had its own global weekend - top-level Group action across seven countries.

At Chantilly, Diamond Necklace extended her unbeaten record to five with victory in the G1 Prix de Diane - a second Classic of the season for Aidan O'Brien's filly, who had to dig deep for the narrowest of wins.

In Australia, James McDonald broke the record for the most Group 1 wins in a single Australian season aboard Tron Bolt in the JJ Atkins Stakes.

But all eyes now turn to England and Ascot, where five days of world-class racing begin on Tuesday, headlined by a blockbuster Prince of Wales's Stakes clash between Arc hero Daryz and defending champion Ombudsman.

Continue reading for a full round-up, plus everything to look out for in the week ahead.

What’s Happened

�� Australia ��

James McDonald broke the record for number of G1s in an Australian season when Tron Bolt took the J.J. Atkins Stakes at Eagle Farm. Trained by Chris Waller, he overcame a jump in class and a new track to win the juvenile contest.

By contrast, jockey Taylor Marshall celebrated his first G1 win when Spicy Martini won the G1 Stradbroke Handicap, beating Sepals by a length, for trainer Toby Edmonds.

Earlier, Melbourne Cup-winning rider Mark Zahra was in the saddle when She’s Got Pizzazz won the G2 Dane Ripper Stakes for trainers Katherine Coleman and Peter Moody, while Alalcance took the G2 Brisbane Cup for Timothy Clark and trainers Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott.

�� Brazil ��

There was a big day of G1 action at a rain-soaked Gavea on Saturday, where the racing took place on heavy ground. Oh Promise Me got the better of favourite Odalisa in the Grande Premio Roberto E Nelson Seabra - Haras Santa Maria de Araras for fillies and mares, winning by three-quarters of a length in the hands of Valdinei Rocha Gil.

There was a close finish to the G1 Grand Premio Major Suckow which went to Eletrizante Dollar by a head, for jockey Altair Domingos and trainer Antonio Marcos Oldoni.

�� France ��

Diamond Necklace remained unbeaten after winning her second Classic of the season in the G1 Prix de Diane at Chantilly on Sunday. Trained by Aidan O'Brien and ridden by Ryan Moore, she was made to work for the narrowest success of her five-race career, getting the better of outsider Pink Panthera by a short neck.

There was a notable British success on the undercard, when Remmooz took the G3 Prix Bertrand for Owen Burrows and Callum Rodriquez, while master trainer Andre Fabre won the G3 Prix Du Lys with Space Waltz.

�� Germany ��

There was another Englishman making headlines, but this time the German version at Cologne on Sunday. Marcel Weiss’ three-year-old won the G2 Sparkasse KolnBonn - 191st Union-Rennen by a length and a quarter from favourite Westminster Rocket.

�� Japan ��

Meisho Tabaru became just the third horse to win back-to-back runnings of the G1 Takarazuka Kinen at Hanshin on Sunday. Ridden by Yutaka Take, he beat Croix Du Nord by a neck and trainer Mamoru Ishibashi will now aim him at the G1 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe in France in October.

�� Sweden ��

One of the biggest races of the year took place at Bro Park on Sunday, but just six lined up in the G3 Stockholms Stora Pris. The win went to the ex-Aidan O’Brien-trained Mount Kilimanjaro, now trained in Norway by Niels Petersen. Ridden by Carlos Lopez, he beat Icon Bling by a length and three-quarters.

�� USA ��

There were two notable victories at Monmouth Park in New Jersey on Saturday, starting when Graham Motion won the G3 Eatontown Stakes with Gimme A Nother. The five-year-old, formerly trained in South Africa, was having her first run since success at Del Mar in September.

Later, Brendan Walsh’s G1 winner East Avenue got back to winning ways in the G3 Salvator Mile, his first victory since the G3 Matt Winn Stakes a year ago.

Popular eight-year-old Gold Phoenix picked up his tenth Graded Stakes win in the G3 San Juan Capistrano Stakes at Santa Anita on Sunday, charging home by five lengths under Hector Berrios for trainer Philip D’Amato.

What’s Happening

�� Hong Kong ��

The G3 Premier Plate and G3 Premier Cup are the twin feature races at Sha Tin on Sunday. The latter is expected to attract Hong Kong Classic Mile winner Little Paradise.

�� Japan ��

The G3 Fuchu Himba Stakes takes place at Tokyo on Sunday, while the G3 Shirasagi Stakes is the feature at Hanshin.

�� USA ��

It’s a quiet weekend Stateside, but Churchill Downs stages the G2 Chicago Stakes on Saturday and the G3 Ohio Derby takes place at Thistledown.

�� UK ��

The best week of racing in the UK gets underway on Tuesday with five days of Royal Ascot beginning with three G1s. Docklands defends his title in the Queen Anne, up against a powerful Godolphin duo of Notable Speech and Opera Ballo.

Aussie star Overpass takes on the best British sprinters, including defending champion American Affair in the G1 King Charles III Stakes, while British and Irish 2000 Guineas winners Bow Echo and Gstaad clash in the G1 St James’s Palace Stakes.

There’s a race for the ages on Wednesday, when 2025 winner Ombudsman defends his crown in the G1 Prince of Wales’s Stakes against the brilliant Arc winner Daryz, while Thursday’s featured G1 Gold Cup pits last year’s winner Trawlerman against rising stars Caballo De Mar and Rahiebb.

There are two G1s on Friday, with Aidan O’Brien looking to hold all the aces in the Coronation Stakes with True Love and Precise both lining up. The G1 Commonwealth Cup has a strong favourite in the brilliant Venetian Sun, trained by Karl Burke.

The action rounds out on Saturday with the G2 Hardwicke Stakes featuring G1 winners Kalpana and Giavellotto, while the G1 Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes sees five-time Australian G1 winner Joliestar against last year’s runner up Satono Reve, from Japan.

Golden Tempo adds Belmont crown to Kentucky Derby victory and Christmas comes early at Epsom

Mon, 08 Jun 2026 08:56:10 GMT

A memorable weekend across the world of horse racing.

�� Golden Tempo won the Belmont Stakes at Saratoga with Trainer Cherie DeVaux making history again, adding this to her Kentucky Crown.

�� At Epsom, Christmas Day delivered Aidan O'Brien a 50th Classic.

�� In Japan, Yutaka Take became the oldest jockey to win a JRA G1 at 57.

This week's WHR Weekly has the full story on all of it.

It was a memorable weekend across the world of horse racing as Golden Tempo took the third leg of the US Triple Crown to add to his Kentucky Derby success last month, while Aidan O'Brien won a remarkable 50th Classic with victory in The Derby at Epsom.

At Saratoga, Golden Tempo confirmed himself as the standout three-year-old of the American season, while for trainer Cherie DeVaux it completes a remarkable double, becoming only the second female trainer to win the Belmont after being the first to win the prestigious Kentucky Derby.

At Epsom, it was one of O'Brien's lesser-fancied horses, Christmas Day , who took the honours in the weekend's feature race, this win coming after his son, Joseph, won his first British classic as Thundering On claimed The Oaks.

Elsewhere, Yutaka Take became the oldest jockey to win a JRA Group 1 at the age of 57 as Sixpence won the Yasuda Kinen.

Continue reading for a full round-up of the major stories from the weekend.

What’s Happened

�� Australia ��

Fireball Miss ran out the explosive winner of the G1 Queensland Oaks at Eagle Farm, becoming the fourth horse in the past 25 years to claim The Roses-Queensland Oaks double. Trained by Ciaron Maher and ridden by Declan Bates, she beat favourite Panova by a length and a quarter.

The main supporting race, the G2 Moreton Cup, was tense for favourite backers when Uncommon James just prevailed by a long neck from outsider Oak Hill. The winner was ridden by Ben Thompson for trainer Matthew Hoysted.

�� Germany ��

Sir Tommy Cen ran out the impressive winner of the 48th Kronimus Badener Meile, a G3, at Baden-Baden. The four-year-old is trained by French-based Patrik Olave Valdivielso.

�� Italy ��

Best Lightning claimed the latest renewal of the once illustrious, now G3, Premio Presidente Della Repubblica at Milan on Tuesday, running out the emphatic winner in the hands of Benjamin Marie for German trainer Andreas Suborics.

The day’s feature, the G2 Derby Italiano, was run at San Siro for the first time in its 143-year history and was won by the Andrew Balding-trained Venetian Prince . Ridden by Jason Watson, he got up late to secure the Classic, which will return to its traditional home at Cappannelle next season.

�� Japan ��

Sixpence picked up his first G1 at the sixth attempt when taking a big step up in the Yasuda Kinen at Tokyo on Sunday. The Hiroyasu Tanaka trainee was ridden by jockey legend Yutaka Take, who is now the oldest jockey to win a JRA G1 at the age of 57.

�� South Africa ��

Questioning won the G1 Gold Challenge at Greyville, beating a stellar field. Ridden by Richard Fourie, the Vaughan Marshall-trainee won by a nose from Legal Counsel.

Marshall hinted that the G1 Mercury Sprint could be next for Questioning, back at Greyville, on July 26th.

�� UK ��

Aidan O’Brien longshots winning the Derby is becoming commonplace and this time it was Christmas Day who landed the UK’s premier Classic – a 50th in this country for his master trainer.

Ridden by Ronan Whelan, the son of Camelot, only third in the Dante at York last time, beat Maltese Cross by two and three-quarter lengths.

There was a stellar line-up for the day’s other G1, the Coronation Cup, with 2025 Longines World’s Best Racehorse Calandagan facing Jan Brueghel, who beat him in this race 12 months ago. Neither could land a blow, however, as Bay City Roller charged home on his favourite soft ground, winning by ten lengths for trainer George Scott.

On Friday, Joseph O’Brien won his first Epsom Classic as a trainer when Thundering On cruised home in the G1 Oaks under Dylan Browne McMonagle. The daughter of Frankel won by three and three-quarter lengths from Legacy Link.

�� USA ��

Golden Tempo made it two from three in the Triple Crown, adding the G1 Belmont to his Kentucky Derby – after controversially skipping the Preakness. Cherie DeVaux’s colt wasn’t sent off favourite for the Classic – run for the third and final time at Saratoga due to Belmont’s redevelopment – an honour which went to Kentucky second Renegade. However, he won it well enough under Jose Ortiz, getting into a battle with Commandment before eventually seeing him off by a length and a quarter.

His last two starts were in Saudi Arabia and Dubai, but Reef Runner showed he’s just as good at home with victory in the G1 Jaipur Stakes. David Fawkes’ star beat defending champion AG Bullet by half a length to book a spot in the G1 Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint in November.

The most impressive winner of the day was Englishman , who bolted up in the G1 Woody Stephens for lady of the moment, DeVaux. The colt was beaten by Crude Velocity last time out, but turned that around, storming home by five and three-quarter lengths under that man again, Jose Ortiz.

Crude Velocity’s trainer Bob Baffert gained recompense when Nysos took the G1 Metropolitan Handicap. Second to Forever Young on his previous outing, the colt came from just off the pace here for a four-length win over Knightsbridge.

Deterministic went back-to-back in the G1 Manhattan Handicap, the card’s premier turf event. Miguel Clement’s five-year-old beat a rallying Test Score by half a length, under Kendrick Carmouche.

It was only a G3, but the True North featured 2025 Champion Sprinter Book’em Danno as well as G1 Breeders’ Cup winner Bentornato. They finished in that order, with Derek Ryan’s Book’em Danno arriving late to snatch the victory under a confident Paco Lopez.

Mark Casse had a brilliant weekend, including when his Classic Q made all the running in the G1 Just A Game Stakes. Ridden by John Velazquez, she held off Francis Graffard’s Mandanaba by a length and quarter.

The G1 action got underway on Friday when it was fillies to the fore. There was a reversal of the Kentucky Oaks form when Counting Stars , third at Churchill Downs, overturned Churchill Downs winner Always A Runner in the G1 Acorn Stakes. It was an impressive performance by the Casse trainee who came home by three and three-quarter lengths in the hands of Irad Ortiz.

Casse claimed a G1 double, completed when Nitrogen blew away her rivals in the Ogden Phipps, earning a spot in the G1 Breeders’ Cup Distaff. Ridden by Jose Ortiz, she dominated the race, crossing the line 12 and three-quarter lengths ahead of Fully Subscribed.

Out of luck with Always A Runner, trainer and Saratoga local Chad Brown still picked up a G1 when Portfolio Duration landed the New York Stakes, beating Francis Graffard’s French raider Cankoura by a head.

Brown also combined with Flavien Prat to take both the card’s G2s, The Bed O’Roses Stakes with Ways And Means and the Wonder Again with Fitz Right .

Thursday’s card saw a delegation from the Victoria Racing Club at Saratoga for the G2 Belmont Gold Cup – a ‘Golden Ticket’ race for the Melbourne Cup. It went to the Miguel Clement-trained Tawny Port , ridden by Flavien Prat, who beat Navy Seal by two and a half lengths.

Trainer Graham Motion could have another nice filly in Roja , who won the G2 Intercontinental Stakes. Ridden by Irad Ortiz, she beat Italian Soiree by a length and a quarter.

What’s Happening

�� Australia ��

Eagle Farm is back in G1 action again, staging the JJ Atkins Stakes and Stradbroke Handicap. With Jimmysstar sitting out the latter, G3 Fred Best Classic winner Regal Award is among the contenders for the 1400metre contest, alongside G1 Kingsford Smith Cup winner Headley Grange .

�� France ��

The G1 Prix de Diane – or French Oaks – is the feature at Chantilly on Sunday. Aidan O’Brien’s unbeaten Diamond Necklace will be among the leading contenders.

�� Japan ��

The G1 Takarazuka Kinen is the big one at Hanshin on Sunday, with recent Tenno Sho winner Croix Du Nord likely to line up in search of his fifth career G1.

The G3 Hakodate Sprint Stakes takes place at Hakodate on Saturday.

�� USA ��

Santa Anita keeps the Graded Stakes ball rolling with three G3s, the Summertime Oaks and Daytona Stakes on Saturday and the San Juan Capistrano Stakes on Sunday.

Aidan O'Brien dominates in France & Zac Purton reaches historic milestone in Hong Kong

Mon, 01 Jun 2026 12:31:11 GMT

Aidan O'Brien didn't just win the French Derby on Sunday - he took the first three places. Constitution River, Hawk Mountain and Montreal crossed the line to complete a remarkable 1-2-3 sweep in a Classic.

O'Brien goes again this weekend, this time at Epsom, for a fourth straight Derby title and a record 13th overall - with Benvenuto Cellini, a horse his trainer has compared to the legendary Galileo.

This week's WHR Weekly has everything from that Chantilly masterclass to the big races ahead - including Calandagan's bid for a sixth straight G1, the Belmont Stakes, and a Japanese Derby winner with Triple Crown ambitions.

Read it here ��

What’s Happened

�� Australia ��

Multiple G1 winner Jimmysstar and comeback king Rothfire were both in the mix in the G1 Kingsford Smith Cup at Eagle Farm on Saturday, but it was Headley Grange who landed the spoils. Joseph Pride’s five-year-old just beat Jimmysstar by a neck under Adam Hyeronimus to claim his first top level win.

Earlier, James McDonald and Chris Waller combined for yet another G1 when Providence took the Queensland Derby, beating Monopolistic by a length.

There was a shock in the G2 Straight Sires’ Produce which went to outsider Berzelius, who beat Vantorix by a neck for trainer Michael Freedman and jockey Tommy Berry.

�� Chile ��

Eccentric has a guaranteed spot in the G1 Breeders’ Cup Turf at Keeneland in November after winning the Gran Premio Club Hípico Falabella at Santiago on Sunday. Trained by Patricio Baeza, he beat favourite Noche Sublime in the hands of jockey Oscar Ulloa.

�� France ��

Aidan O’Brien completed a clean sweep of Sunday’s G1 Prix du Jockey-Club, saddling the first three home. Favourite Constitution River and Ryan Moore overcame a wide draw to secure the win over stablemates Hawk Mountain and Montreal. It was a third win in the race for O’Brien, who will now give Constitution River a break before aiming him at a Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe trial in the Autumn.

Multiple G1 winner Goliath was the star of the undercard, winning the G2 Prix de Chantilly under Christophe Soumillion. It was a good day for his trainer Francis Graffard who also won the G3 Prix de Royaumont with Behrayna, ridden by Mickael Barzalona.

Later, Naomis took the G2 Prix de Sandringham for trainer Henri-Alex Pantall, while Andre Fabre’s Sajir landed a competitive renewal of the G2 Prix du Gros-Chene, earning himself a trip to Royal Ascot.

�� Germany ��

Title Role took the G2 German 2000 Guineas at Cologne on Monday, keeping up the good recent run of British-trained winners in the race. The Simon and Ed Crisford-trained colt became the third UK-based horse in the last six years to take the 1600metre event, beating Shayem, in the hands of Sean Levey.

Six days later, the G2 1000 Guineas went to favourite Timeforshowcasing, giving British trainer Charlie Johnston a Classic success. Ridden by Jack Mitchell, she beat Indifferente by a length and a half.

�� Hong Kong ��

Zac Purton reached the landmark of 2000 winners in Hong Kong, partnering Rising World to success at Sha Tin on Sunday.

The card also staged two G3s, the first of which, the Lion Rock Trophy, went to Light Years Charm under Jerry Chau. It was a first G3 win for trainer David Eustace, now in his second season training in Hong Kong. An hour later, Patch Of Stars justified favouritism in the Sha Tin Vase, for trainer Manfred Man and jockey Karis Teetan.

�� Japan ��

There was a dramatic conclusion to the G1 Tokyo Yunshun, the Japanese Derby, on Sunday when favourite Lovcen left it late to grab the win. Ridden by Kohei Matsuyama for trainer Haruki Sugiyama, he beat Peintre Naif by a head to secure his third G1 success and set up a bid for the Triple Crown.

There was also a close finish to the G2 Meguro Kinen, which went to the Damian Lane-ridden Feiern Kranz. The Noriyuki Hori-trained four-year-old beat favourite Victor Verus by a neck.

�� South Africa ��

Well-travelled French jockey Mickaelle Michel landed the first G1 of her career on Star Major in the Daily News 2000 at Greyville. Trained by James Crawford, the colt followed up his G2 WSB Guineas win in some style, storming past his rivals for a length and a half win.

�� UK ��

Ombudsman returned to UK winning form in the G3 Brigadier Gerard Stakes at Sandown on Thursday – but only just. Making his first start since winning the G1 Dubai Turf in March, John & Thady Gosden’s five-year-old held off Gethin by a neck under William Buick. He now faces a fascinating clash with Arc hero Daryz in the G1 Prince of Wales’s Stakes at Royal Ascot.

Ten-year-old Dubai Future rolled back the years on his 39th start, taking the G3 Henry II Stakes. Ridden by David Probert who timed his run to perfection, he beat Sweet William by a diminishing neck. Trainer Saeed bin Suroor confirmed that the G1 Gold Cup at Ascot, in which he was third last year, is next up for the veteran.

Royal Ascot is also on the agenda for Charlie Appleby’s Talk Of New York, who will face Bow Echo and Gstaad in the G1 St James’s Palace Stakes after running away with the Listed Heron Stakes.

�� USA ��

Santa Anita staged two G1s on Monday, starting with the Gamely Stakes, which went to Thought Process, registering her first top level victory. The four-year-old was ridden by Hector Berrios for a two and a three-quarter length victory over Rashmi.

Breeders’ Cup Mile runner-up Formidable Man made his first start since a winning one in the G1 Shoemaker Mile. Trained by Michael McCarthy and ridden by Flavien Prat, he beat Almandares by a length and a quarter.

On Friday, Alpyland picked up his first Graded Stakes win in the G3 Penn Mile, the biggest race of the year at Penn National. The three-year-old is trained by Mark Casse and was ridden by Javier Castellano.

Back at Santa Anita on Saturday, trainer Aggie Ordonez played the unusual move of running Om N Joy back after a week in the G2 Santa Margarita Stakes. The tactic paid off when she improved on the previous week’s Fran's Valentine Stakes seventh with a three and three-quarter length win under Kent Desormeaux.

What’s Happening

�� Australia ��

The G1 Queensland Oaks is the feature at Eagle Farm on Saturday. The 2400metre race was won in 2015 by the great Winx.

�� Italy ��

It’s Italian Derby Day in Milan on Tuesday, with 16 lining up for the G2 colts’ Classic at San Siro. They include Venetian Prince, last seen running down the field in the Newmarket Guineas, for British trainer Andrew Balding.

On the same card, G1 winner Facteur Cheval faces just five rivals in the G3 Premio Presidente Della Repubblica. Trained by Jerome Reynier, he will be ridden by Antonio Orani for the first time.

�� Japan ��

The G1 Yasuda Kinen takes place at Tokyo over a mile. One of the most prestigious races on the Japanese calendar, it was won in 2024 by the great Romantic Warrior – a rare overseas victor. Gaia Force, Luxor Café and Panja Tower are among this year’s field.

�� UK ��

The G1 Derby is the headline act in the UK this weekend, with Aidan O’Brien’s Benvenuto Cellini the tentative favourite over Andrew Balding’s Item. The G1 Coronation Cup also takes place at Epsom on Saturday, with Calandagan going for a sixth straight Group 1, his last defeat having come at the hands of Jan Brueghel in this race last year.

Friday’s feature is the G1 Oaks, in which O’Brien has Amelia Earhart and Precise prominent in the market, alongside John and Thady Gosden’s Musidora winner Legacy Link.

�� USA ��

The G1 Belmont Stakes takes place at Saratoga for the third and final time. Kentucky Derby winner Golden Tempo faces a re-match with runner up Renegade.

The Met Mile, Jaipur, Just A Game, Manhattan and Woody Stephens are Saturday’s supporting Grade 1s, while Friday’s action is headlined by the Acorn Stakes, Ogden Phipps and New York Stakes. The G2 Belmont Gold Cup offers a ‘win and you’re in’ entry to the Melbourne Cup.

It might only be a G3, but the clash between Book’em Danno and Breeders’ Cup hero Bentornato in the True North Stakes promises to be one of the races of the weekend.

Romantic Warrior Completes the Hong Kong Triple Crown!

Mon, 01 Jun 2026 11:43:11 GMT

Romantic Warrior cemented his place among Hong Kong racing’s all-time greats at Sha Tin, becoming just the third horse to complete the Hong Kong Triple Crown with victory in the Champions & Chater Cup. ��

Also in this week’s WHR Weekly:

�� Chris Waller recorded his 200th Group 1 victory as Birdman denied Pride Of Jenni in the Doomben Cup
�� Seina Imamura became the first Japanese woman to win a domestic Grade 1 aboard Juryoku Pierrot in the Japanese Oaks
�� Aidan O’Brien completed an Irish Guineas double with Gstaad and Precise at The Curragh
�� Arc hero Daryz lit up ParisLongchamp’s Thursday night card in the Prix Aga Khan
�� Venetian Sun and Night Raider boosted their Royal Ascot claims with standout wins at Haydock

Attention now turns to the Japanese Derby, Eagle Farm’s Group 1 double-header and another huge week of international racing action.

��️ Read the full World Horse Racing Weekly below ��

What’s Happened

�� Australia ��

Chris Waller racked up Group 1 win number 200 when Birdman reversed Hollindale Stakes form with Pride Of Jenni in the G1 Doomben Cup.

It was a first top-level win for Birdman, ridden by James McDonald, and it provoked rare emotions from Waller who now sits alongside Tommy Smith and Bart Cummings as the only three Australian-based trainers to win 200 G1s or more.

Earlier on the card, Fireball Miss caused a minor upset in the G2 The Roses 3yo, beating favourite Chispa in the hands of Declan Bates, for trainer Ciaron Maher.

�� France ��

Arc hero Daryz lit up ParisLongchamp’s new Thursday night card with a smooth victory in the G1 Prix Aga Khan IV – formerly Prix d’Ispahan. Facing just four rivals, Francis Graffard’s colt didn’t need to overextend to beat Leffard by three and a half lengths. Royal Ascot’s G1 Prix of Wales’s Stakes is next on his agenda.

There was a thrilling finish to the G1 Prix Vicomtesse Vigier in which George Scott’s Caballo De Mar picked up his second top level prize. Ridden by Oisin Murphy, he just got up in a dash for the line, beating Santorini Star and Al Riffa by a short neck and short head.

Lazzat signalled he’s on course for a defence of the G1 Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot after a facile win in the G3 Prix du Palais-Royal.

�� Hong Kong ��

The world’s highest-earning racehorse Romantic Warrior created yet more history at Sha Tin on Sunday when becoming just the third horse to win the Hong Kong Triple Crown.

Danny Shum’s superstar had to work for victory in the G1 Champions & Chater Cup, however, James McDonald leaving it late to launch his challenge from the home turn and beating Numbers by half a length.

It was a fifth G1 success for Romantic Warrior this season and 15th overall, with those wins having come in Australia, Japan, the UAE and at home in Hong Kong. Described as ‘immortal’ by Shum, few would argue that he is one of the all-time greats.

�� Ireland ��

Gstaad claimed his second G1 win when cruising to victory in the G1 Irish 2000 Guineas at The Curragh on Saturday. Ridden by Ryan Moore for Aidan O’Brien, he has now set up a re-match with his Newmarket Guineas conqueror Bow Echo in the G1 St James’s Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot.

O’Brien made it a Guineas double, this time with Wayne Lordan in the saddle, when Precise won Sunday’s 1000 Guineas. With Moore opting for Newmarket winner True Love, Lordan steered Precise past that rival for an emphatic two and a half length victory.

O’Brien also saddled the favourite for the G1 Tattersalls Gold Cup in Minnie Hauk, but the dual Oaks winner folded tamely as Almaqam stormed to a first G1 success for Kieran Shoemark and Ed Walker. The five-year-old may head to the G1 Prince of Wales's Stakes next, after this two-length win over Bay City Roller.

Later, City Of Memphis picked up her third win on the spin in the G2 Lanwades Stud Stakes. Ridden by Billy Lee for trainer Paddy Twomey, she now looks set for G1s after this length win over Carolina Jetstream.

Saturday’s main supporting race, the G2 Greenlands Stakes, went to Donnacha O’Brien’s well-travelled Comanche Brave , who returned from trips to Abu Dhabi, Saudi and Hong Kong for a two-length win over Big Gossey.

�� Japan ��

There was history at Toyko on Sunday when Seina Imamura became the first Japanese woman to win a domestic Grade 1 when Juryoku Pierrot landed the Yushun Himba, or Japanese Oaks.

The 22-year-old was having her first Classic ride aboard the Ryo Terashima-trained filly and came with a strong late run to win by a neck from Dream Core and Christophe Lemaire.

On Saturday at Kyoto, Lord Couronne justified favouritism in the G3 Heian Stakes, beating Watzer Schall by three and a half lengths, for jockey Kazuo Yokoyama and trainer Hirofumi Shii.

�� South Africa ��

Father and son training duo Mike and Mat De Kock collected another top-level success when Haute Couture stormed home late to catch the hitherto unbeaten Rich Man’s World by a neck in the G1 Gold Medallion at Scottsville.

It was a stunning performance by the Callan Murray-ridden colt, who broke his maiden just two weeks ago.

There was another close finish in the G1 SA Fillies’ Classic, when Asiye Phambili got up in the last stride to beat Double Grand Slam. The six-year-old, trained by Duncan Howells, was ridden by Sean Veale and erased memories of her luckless defeat in the same race 12 months earlier when she was beaten by Mia Moo.

�� UK ��

Two notable Royal Ascot trials took place at Haydock on Saturday and Venetian Sun took the first of them, the G2 Sandy Lane Stakes. The 1200metre three-year-old contest is a prep for the G1 Commonwealth Cup and Karl Burke’s filly will be a warm order for that race after her three-length defeat of Division, in the hands of Clifford Lee.

Burke and Lee also took the G2 Temple Stakes with Night Raider . Wathnan Racing’s five-year-old beat last year’s G1 King Charles III Stakes winner American Affair by a length and the pair are likely to have a rematch in that race on June 16th.

What’s Happening

�� Australia ��

Two G1s take place at Eagle Farm, the Kingsford-Smith Cup and Queensland Derby, won last year by Maison Louis.

�� Germany ��

The G2 German 2000 Guineas takes place at Cologne on Monday. Francis Graffard pitches in the fast-improving Lord Clover , while Simon and Ed Crisford have leading claims with Dubai winner Title Role .

�� Hong Kong ��

Sha Tin stages two G3s on Sunday, the Lion Rock Trophy and Sha Tin Vase, won 12 months ago by the John Size-trained Helios Express.

�� Japan ��

It’s the big one on Sunday! The G1 Tokyo Yushun, or Japanese Derby, will send one colt off to an assured place in history. The G3 Meguro Kinen is the main supporting race at Tokyo.

The G3 Aoi Stakes takes place at Kyoto on Saturday.

�� UK ��

Thursday’s G3 Brigadier Gerard Stakes at Sandown promises to be a cracker thanks to the return of multiple G1 winner Ombudsman . The Dubai Turf winner could face the promising Gethin , set to make his first start for new owners Wathnan Racing.

The G3 Henry II Stakes could feature 2024 winner Sweet William , as well as the return of Charlie Johnston’s Lazy Griff , second in last year’s Derby.

�� USA ��

Two G1s take place at Santa Anita on Monday’s Memorial Day card. All eight runners in the Gamely Stakes are seeking their first Grade 1 win, with Take A Breath, May Day Ready and Thought Process among the likely winners.

Eight run in the G1 Shoemaker Mile, including defending champion King Of Gosford . G1 Breeders’ Cup Mile runner-up Formidable Man is set to start favourite for trainer Michael McCarthy and jockey Flavien Prat.

Napoleon Solo Wins the Preakness at Laurel Park, plus all the other big stories from the world of horse racing

Mon, 18 May 2026 08:15:48 GMT

Napoleon Solo won the Preakness at Laurel Park, giving Paco Lopez, Chad Summers and owner Al Gold a first success in the Triple Crown.

Also in this week’s WHR Weekly:
�� Christophe Lemaire records a 100th G1 win with Embroidery in the Victoria Mile
�� Notable Speech returns to form in the Lockinge
�� Rothfire wins the Doomben 10,000 at eight

Attention now turns to Irish Guineas weekend, while Romantic Warrior bids for the Hong Kong Triple Crown and the Japanese Oaks takes centre stage at Tokyo.

What’s Happened

�� Australia ��

There was a fairytale in the G1 Doomben 10,000 on Saturday when eight-year-old Rothfire won it – six years after his previous top-level success. Trained by Rob Heathcote and ridden by Brad Rawiller, Rothfire became the oldest horse to win the Doomben 10,000 since it was first run in 1933 and the first Australian horse in over two decades to claim G1s at both two and eight years of age.

There was a thrilling finish to the G2 Spirit of Boom Classic when just a neck and a head separated winner Vantorix from Martist and Dream Roca. The winning favourite was trained by Jenny Graham and ridden by James McDonald.

The ex-John Gosden-trained Middle Earth collected his first win since moving to Australia in the G3 JRA Chairman’s Handicap, while Chris Waller’s Kilman sprang a surprise in the G3 Rough Habit Plate.

�� Ireland ��

Naas staged two G3s on it’s ‘Royal Ascot Trials’ card on Sunday and both went to O’Briens. Aidan sent out Victorious to be just that in the Fillies Sprint Stakes under Ryan Moore, while Donnacha’s Havana Anna – last seen running down the field in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint – took the Lacken Stakes.

�� Japan ��

Christophe Lemaire grabbed the headlines on Sunday when Embroidery gave him his 100th career G1 win in the Victoria Mile at Tokyo. It was top level success number three for the mare, who beat last year’s Oaks winner Kamunyak by a length and a quarter.

�� UK ��

G1 Breeders’ Cup Mile winner Notable Speech collected the fifth G1 of his career when unleashing an impressive turn of foot in the Lockinge at Newbury on Saturday. Given a confident ride by William Buick, Charlie Appleby’s five-year-old beat More Thunder by two lengths and has Royal Ascot’s G1 Queen Anne next in his diary.

Kalpana is also bound for the Royal meeting after holding off the boys in the G3 Aston Park Stakes. Andrew Balding’s mare and Colin Keane beat West Wind Blows by a neck and now heads to either the G1 Prince of Wales’s Stakes or G2 Hardwicke.

Earlier in the week, there was history at the three-day Dante Festival at York when See The Fire became the first horse to win Thursday’s G2 Middleton Stakes twice. The Balding-trained filly beat Red Letter by three-quarters of a length in the hands of Oisin Murphy.

Balding doubled up, also taking the week’s featured G2 Dante – a notable Derby trial- with the unbeaten Item. The Juddmonte-owned colt is now three from three after beating Action by two and three-quarter lengths.

It was a good week for Juddmonte who also won the G3 Musidora, an Oaks trial, with Legacy Link, trained by John and Thady Gosden.

There was a minor surprise in the G2 Minster Stakes which went to Elmonjed, for trainer William Haggas and jockey William Buick. The Shadwell-owned gelding beat two G1 winners, Kind Of Blue and Regional, and will now seek a top-level win of his own.

Jockey Ray Dawson’s excellent season continued when he bagged Friday’s G2 Yorkshire Cup on Rahiebb, trained by Roger Varian.

�� USA ��

Aqueduct’s last ever G1 winner became Laurel Park’s first when Napoleon Solo landed the Preakness on Saturday. The lone top-level winner in the field of 14, Paco Lopez tracked the early pace on the Chad Summers-trained grey, going for the lead off the far turn and always holding off favourite Iron Honor on the run to the line.

The victory was a first in the Triple Crown for Lopez, Summers, and owner Al Gold, who will aim their colt next at the G1 Haskell at Monmouth on July 18th. The Preakness will return to its usual home, Pimlico, next year.

Fort Washington has a defence of the G1 Arlington Million in his sights after a return to winning ways in the G3 Dinner Party Stakes. Ridden by Junior Alvarado, the Shug McGaughey-trained seven-year-old beat A Bourbon For Toby by three-quarters of a length.

Trainer D Whitworth Beckman was out of luck with popular maiden Ocelli in the Preakness but did take the G2 Maryland Sprint with Bring The Smoke, while the G3 Gallorette Stakes went to the Graham Motion-trained Warming.

On Friday, My Miss Mo – scratched from the Kentucky Oaks – made amends with victory in the G2 Black Eyed Susan for trainer Saffie Joseph Jnr and jockey Tyler Gaffalione.

What’s Happening

�� Australia ��

The G1 Doomben Cup, won last year by Antino, takes place in Queensland. A stellar line-up is likely to include popular stars Pride Of Jenni and Half Yours, while Birdman could bring up a 200th G1 win for trainer Chris Waller.

�� Hong Kong ��

Romantic Warrior attempts to become just the third horse to win the Hong Kong Triple Crown on Sunday when he runs in the G1 Champions & Chater Cup at Sha Tin. His task has been made tougher by the arrival of two runners trained in Japan, Rousham Park and Deep Monster.

�� Ireland ��

It’s Irish Guineas weekend at The Curragh, with Newmarket runner-up Gstaad hotly tipped to land the 2000 Guineas for Aidan O’Brien, who will also send out English 1000 Guineas heroine True Love in the fillies’ race. The G1 Tattersalls Gold Cup also takes place on Sunday, with multiple G1 winner Ombudsman among the likely runners.

�� Japan ��

The G1 Yushun Himba, or Japanese Oaks, is the feature at Tokyo on Sunday. The 2400metre turf contest dates to 1938 and was won in 2025 by Kamunyuk, trained by Yasuo Tomomichi.

The G3 Heian Stakes takes place at Kyoto on Saturday.

�� France ��

Two G1s take place at ParisLongchamp on Thursday. The G1 Prix d’Ispahan has been renamed the Prix Aga Khan IV and is likely to attract Charlie Appleby’s exciting G1 winner Opera Ballo. It’s followed by the G1 Prix Vicomtesse Vigier, for the stayers.

�� South Africa ��

The G1 Gold Medallion and G1 SA Fillies Sprint share the spotlight at Scottsville, while the G2 Allan Robertson Championship and G2 Golden Horse Sprint support the main action.

�� UK ��

Haydock stages the G2 Temple Stakes, often a guide to the G1 King’s Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot, and the G2 Sandy Lane Stakes, prep for the G1 Commonwealth Cup. Aussie star Asfoora is among the likely runners in the former.

Rayif and Diamond Necklace Take French Guineas at Longchamp

Mon, 11 May 2026 08:17:43 GMT

Rayif and Diamond Necklace took the headlines at ParisLongchamp, giving Francis Graffard and Aidan O’Brien a French Classic apiece.

Also in this week’s WHR Weekly:
�� Rodeo Drive wins the NHK Mile
�� Desert Lightning takes the Goodwood at Morphettville
�� Aidan O’Brien dominates the Chester trials ahead of Epsom

Attention now turns to a strong international weekend, with the Lockinge at Newbury in the UK, the Preakness in the US, the Doomben 10000 in Australia and the Victoria Mile in Japan.

What’s Happened

�� Australia ��

Desert Lightning is now a G1 winner in New Zealand and Australia after getting home first in a thrilling finish to the G1 Goodwood at Morphettville on Saturday. Peter Moody and Katherine Coleman’s six-year-old beat favourite Extragalactic by a nose, in the hands of Luke Nolen.

On the Gold Coast, popular multiple G1 winner Pride of Jenni got back to winning ways with a three-quarter length win over Birdman in the G2 Hollindale Stakes.

�� France ��

Two of European racing’s superpowers struck in Classics at ParisLongchamp on Sunday, starting when Francis Graffard took the G1 Poule d’Essai des Poulains – French 2000 Guineas – with Rayif.

The lightly raced Aga Khan-owned colt sat up with the pace under Mickael Barzalona and won by a length from Komorebi.

Half an hour later, Aidan O’Brien and Ryan Moore won the G1 Poule d’Essai des Pouliches - French 1000 Guineas - with favourite Diamond Necklace, who beat the slow starting The Last Dance by three lengths. Diamond Necklace is now unbeaten in four and may return to France for the Prix de Diane on June 14th.

Graffard and Barzalona earlier collected a G3 win when Rayevka returned to the winner’s enclosure in the G3 Prix Saint-Georges, beating Afjan by just under two lengths.

Yann Barberot also picked up a big win, his Lapotheose taking the G2 Prix Saint-Alary – a Prix de Diane trial- by a length in the hands of Alexis Pouchin.

�� Germany ��

History-making jockey Sibylle Vogt picked up another big win when Alleno romped home by four and three-quarter lengths in the G3 Sauren Dachfonds Preis at Cologne on Friday. It was the second straight win for the Marcel Weiss trainee in the 2400metre contest.

Vogt and Weiss celebrated another G2 win on Sunday, teaming up with Lordano who justified favouritism in the Oleander-Rennen at Hoppegarten.

�� Ireland ��

Joseph O’Brien caused a minor surprise at Leopardstown on Sunday when his James J Braddock beat his father’s Pierre Bonard by a short head in the G3 Derby Trial. The son of Zarak was being aimed at Royal Ascot, but O’Brien will now shift focus to the English or Irish Derby.

Billy Lee and Paddy Twomey also had reason to celebrate, their City Of Memphis taking the G3 Mutamakina Stakes.

�� Japan ��

Rodeo Drive is something of a 1600metre specialist and proved it again with victory in the G1 NHK Mile at Tokyo on Sunday. The Tetsuhide Tsuji-trained colt emerged from the back of the field under Damian Lane to win by a nose from Ask Ikigomi.

Also at Tokyo, Saturday’s G3 Epsom Cup went to Trovatore, for trainer Yuichi Shikato and jockey Christophe Lemaire.

There was a close finish to the feature at Kyoto, when Congestus beat favourite Bereshit by a neck in the G2 Kyoto Shimbun Hai.

�� UK ��

Benvenuto Cellini is favourite for the G1 Derby at Epsom on June 6th after his demolition job in the G3 Chester Vase on Wednesday. It was a twelfth win in the race for trainer Aidan O’Brien, who won this race last year with subsequent Derby hero Lambourn.

O’Brien and Ryan Moore also won the Listed Cheshire Oaks, their Amelia Earhart beating hitherto Oaks favourite I’m The One by two lengths.

On Thursday, 2025 G1 Coronation Cup winner Jan Brueghel gave them another big win, taking the G3 Ormonde Stakes and setting himself up for a defence of his title at Epsom next month.

O’Brien and Moore went onto take a clean sweep of the festival’s Pattern races, completed when English and Irish Derby winner Lambourn held off Bay City Roller in the G2 Huxley Stakes on Friday.

The winning spree extended to Lingfield on Saturday when O’Brien and Moore took the Listed Oaks Trial with Cameo, but William Haggas got in on the act in the Derby Trial, his Maltese Cross winning by a neck under Tom Marquand.

On the same card, William Buick combined with trainer William Knight for victory with Royal Velvet in the G3 Chartwell Fillies’ Stakes.

�� USA ��

The main local Belmont Stakes prep took place at Belmont at Aqueduct on Saturday, but trainer Chad Brown might not run G3 Peter Pan Stakes winner Growth Equity in the Classic. Flavien Prat guided the colt to a two-length victory but Brown is concerned about the extra furlong of the Belmont – staged again at Saratoga - on June 6th.

Also at Aqueduct, the G2 Ruffian Stakes went to Irish Maxima, trained by John Servis and ridden by Frankie Pennington, while the David Jacobson-trained Durante took the G3 John A Nerud Stakes.

What’s Happening

�� Australia ��

The G1 Doomben 10000 is the feature at the racecourse of the same name in Brisbane. Recent winners include Bella Nipotina and Giga Kick.

�� Japan ��

The G1 Victoria Mile is the feature at Tokyo on Sunday. The 1600metre fillies and mares’ contest was won in 2025 by Ascoli Piceno and Christophe Lemaire. The G3 Niigata Daishoten takes place at Niigata Daishoten on Saturday.

�� UK ��

The three-day Dante Festival takes place at York, with Derby aspirants heading to the Dante itself on Thursday. On Wednesday, 2025 winner Sea The Fire is among the entries for the G2 Middleton Stakes, while the G2 Yorkshire Cup is Friday’s feature.

Recent G3 winner Damysus is disputing market favouritism with G1 Breeders’ Cup Mile winner Notable Speech for the G1 Lockinge at Newbury on Saturday – the track’s only top-level flat race.

�� USA ��

There’s no Derby winner in the Preakess this year but the second leg of the US Triple Crown – run this year at Laurel due to Pimlico’s redevelopment – will still have a G1 winner in the field thanks to Champagne Stakes hero Napoleon Solo who takes his chance for trainer Chad Summers.

Golden Tempo Wins The 152nd Kentucky Derby, G1 Racing Returns To The UK and Argentina's Six G1s Deliver Chaos

Mon, 04 May 2026 11:42:15 GMT

May doesn't disappoint... ��️

�� Golden Tempo storms from last to first to win the Kentucky Derby, making
Cherie DeVaux the first female trainer to train a Derby Champion.

�� Bow Echo powered to a dominant 2000 Guineas victory, while True Love caused a surprise in the 1000 Guineas.

�� Six G1s at Palermo brought drama, with Need You Tonight starring and a major demotion shaking up the results.

With G1 racing ramping up in France, Japan, Australia, and the US, the racing world is being absolutely spoiled for blockbuster racing ��

�� Catch up on all the key results and what's ahead this weekend below.

What’s Happened

Argentina ��

Six G1s took place at Palermo on Friday, the most valuable of which was the Gran Premio Republica over 2000metres. It went to the Roberto Pellegatta-trained Need You Tonight , winning his third G1. He beat Vota Bien by a length under jockey William Pereyra.

There was controversy in the Gran Premio Montevideo when Colorado Del Monte, who passed the post first, was demoted to third for interference. The win was given to outsider Emotion Rate , trained by Omar Ruben Farfan and ridden by Wilson Moreyra.

There was also a surprise in the Gran Premio Jorge de Atucha which went to the unfancied Gran Gotera for trainer Carlos Domingo and jockey Martin Valle, while favourite Martana was beaten a nose by the 33/1 shot Herd Immunity in the Gran Premio Criadores.

Valle claimed a big-race double, also partnering Drive Joy to success in the Gran Premio de la Americas for trainer Carlos Etchechour. The day’s final G1, the Gran Premio Ciudad de Buenos Aires, went to the Miguel Gomez-trained El Epecuen and Juan Villagra.

Australia ��

New Zealand import Wigmore caused something of a surprise in the G1 South Australian Derby at Morphettville on Saturday. Fourth in the New Zealand Derby in March for Caley Myers, he is now trained by Phillip Stokes who saw him beat Strictly Business by a short head, under jockey Teodore Nugent.

Eagle Farm staged two G2s, the first of which, the Queensland Guineas, went to Brave Monarch . Ridden by Martin Harley for Chris and Corey Munce, he justified favouritism with a length win over Tupakara.

Grahame Begg and Michael Rodd combined for victory in the Victory Stakes, their Splash Back beating Payline by a length and three quarters.

Brazil ��

Cidade Jardim hosted a big card on Saturday, with three G1s. Jockey Altair Doingoes won two of them, taking the Gran Premio ABCPCC on Eletrizante Dollar and the Gran Premio OSAF with Veil . The Gran Premio Joao Cecilo Ferraz went to Iluminada who won by a length and a quarter under Wilkley Xavier.

Chile ��

There was an upset in the G1 Gran Premio Hippodromo Chile when favourite Spazzatura was beaten a length by Shark . The Julio Orellana-trained five-year-old snapped up victory in the hands of Joaquin Herrera.

France ��

No Lunch beat UK raider Seagulls Eleven by a neck in the G2 Prix du Muguet at Saint-Cloud on Friday. It was the sixth win in a row, tenth overall, for the five-year-old of Dubawi, trained by Christophe Ferland.

Hong Kong ��

There was a different ‘Romantic’ in the Sha Tin winner’s enclosure on Sunday when Romantic Thor took the G3 Queen Mother Memorial Cup for trainer Danny Shum.

Jockey Matthew Poon was in the saddle for the half-length win over Gentleman’s Legacy.

Japan ��

At Tokyo on Saturday, World’s End prevailed by a head in the G2 Keio Hai Spring Cuo. Ridden by Akihide Tsumura for trainer Manabu Ikezoe, he beat outsider Cefiro.

A Kyoto on Saturday, the G3 Unicorn Stakes on dirt went to Kenji Nonaka’s Silver Ratio who beat favourite Mercantour a neck under Mira Iwata.

UK ��

George Boughey claimed the second Classic of his burgeoning career and Billy Loughnane his first when Bow Echo romped to victory in the G1 2000 Guineas at Newmarket on Saturday. The Night Of Thunder colt beat Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf winner Gstaad by two and a quarter lengths and has the Irish 2000 Guineas or St James’s Palace Stakes next on his radar.

Sunday’s 1000 Guineas went to the supposed Aidan O’Brien ‘second string’, True Love – less fancied than multiple G1 winner Precise. Ridden by Wayne Lordan, she beat Evolutionist by a length and three quarters and is now likely to head to the Irish 1000 Guineas in three weeks’ time.

There was also an overseas winner in the main supporting race, the G2 Dahlia Stakes, which went to Jancis , trained by Ireland-based Willie McCreery.

USA ��

There was history in the 152nd Kentucky Derby when Cherie DeVaux became the first woman to train the winner, courtesy of Golden Tempo . Ridden by Jose Ortiz, for whom it was also a first win the race, the colt closed from last to first in the straight, beating favourite Renegade, ridden by Ortiz’s brother Irad.

DeVaux will take the traditional route, aiming Golden Tempo at the second leg of the Triple Crown, the Preakness, on May 16th.

More history was made on the undercard, when Japan broke through with a dirt G1 win at Churchill Downs for the first time. T O Elvis was much too good in the Churchill Downs Stakes, charging home by three and a quarter lengths in the hands of Ryusei Sakai.

There was another successful out of town raid – this time just from California – when Mike McCarthy’s Stark Contrast took the G1 American Turf. Ridden by Flavien Prat, he justified favouritism by two and a quarter lengths.

Trainer Will Walden is continuing to rise and his latest G1 came thanks to Rhetorical, who raced away with the G1 Turf Classic, beating Wathnan Racing’s Make Me King.

Another trainer on the up is Saffie Joseph Jnr and he sent out R Disaster for an all the way win in the G1 Derby City Distaff under Tyler Gaffalione. It was a first top-level success for the five-year-old daughter of Awesome Slew.

It was pretty much the perfect weekend for Jose Ortiz, who also won Friday’s G1 Kentucky Oaks on Always A Runner . Trained by Chad Brown, the Gun Runner filly is now unbeaten in three, having not raced as a two-year-old.

Also on Friday, Shred The Gnar gave Aussie expat trainer Brian Lynch a G1 win on his birthday, taking the La Troienne Stakes under Luis Saez, beating the favourite Fully Subscribed.

What’s Happening

Australia ��

The G1 Goodwood, which dates back to 1881, takes place at Morphettville over 1200metres. Recent winners include Takeover Target, Trekking and Savatoxl.

France ��

The G1 Poule d’Essai des Poulains and its fillies’ counterpart, the Pouliches, take place at ParisLongchamp. Aidan O’Brien’s dual French G1 winner Puerto Rico is favourite to give his trainer back-to-back wins following Henri Matisse last year.

Japan ��

The G1 NHK Mile Cup, won last year by Panja Tower, is the feature at Tokyo.

UK ��

Chester’s popular May Festival takes place over three days this week, beginning on Wednesday when the G3 Chester Vase is the feature. The G3 Ormonde Stakes for older horses takes place on Thursday, while last year’s Derby winner Lambourn is among the entries for Friday’s G2 Huxley Stakes.

USA ��

Belmont at Aqueduct has a busy weekend, staging the G2 Ruffian, G3 Peter Pan – a Belmont Stakes trial – and the G2 John C Nerud on Saturday.

Ka Ying Rising breaking records again, Arc winner Daryz makes perfect start to season

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 08:40:37 GMT

Ka Ying Rising Makes It 20 In A Row, Romantic Warrior Reigns Again & Daryz Dominates: Global G1 Highlights

What’s Happened

�� Australia ��

James McDonald started his weekend the right way with a G1 win at Morphettville on Saturday, courtesy of Panova in the Australasian Oaks. The Chris Waller trainee beat Mating Call by a length to claim her first top-level success.

There was a brilliant finish to the G1 Robert Sangster Stakes when three noses separated the first three home. Mark Walker’s Geegees Mistrust stuck his out best in the hands of Jordan Childs, beating Bridal Waltz and Charm Stone.

Childs also took the G2 Queen of the South Stakes, riding Cilacap for trainer Grahame Begg, while McDonald won the G2 Tobin Bronze Stakes on Team Hayes’ Tycoon Star .

�� France ��

Trainer Francis Graffard warned later targets were bigger aims ahead of Daryz ’s return, but that didn’t stop the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe winner from taking the G1 Prix Ganay in style on Sunday. Ridden as usual by Mickael Barzalona, the four-year-old beat Bright Picture by four and a half lengths and now heads to the G1 Prince of Wales’s Stakes at Royal Ascot.

Barzalona and Graffard also took the day’s main supporting race, the G3 Prix de Barbeville, with Asmarani , who has now won three in a row.

�� Hong Kong ��

It’s hard to think of any more superlatives for Ka Ying Rising who extended his winning sequence to 20 in the G1 Chairman’s Sprint Prize – one of many highlights on Sha Tin’s brilliant FWD Champions Day.

David Hayes’ five-year-old was imperious once again under Zac Purton, beating Satono Reve by four and a half lengths and breaking his own track record, coming home in 1m7.10s.

Romantic Warrior faced a strong bunch in the G1 QEII but won it for a record fourth time, beating fellow G1 winners Masquerade Ball, Sosie and Royal Champion. Danny Shum’s remarkable eight-year-old now has the final leg of the Hong Kong Triple Crown, the Champions & Chater Cup, on his radar next month.

New to the G1 club is My Wish , who caused a minor upset in the G1 FWD Champions Mile. Trained by Mark Newnham, for whom it was a first win at this level in Hong Kong, the five-year-old beat Cap Ferrat by a head in the hands of Hugh Bowman, with UK raider Docklands third.

�� Japan ��

Going To Sky beat Tidal Lock and favourite Black Olympia in the G2 TV Tokyo Hai Aoba Sho at Tokyo on Saturday. Trained by Yuki Uehara, the three-year-old won by three-quarters of a length under veteran Yutaka Take.

�� Peru ��

Chilean Derby winner Teao ran out the winner of the G1 Gran Premio Latinoamericano this time held on turf at Monterrico, Peru. Ridden by Luis Torres, the Julio Orellana-trained grey beat the Uruguayan runner Galikovic and Argentinian The Gladiator's Hat.

Se Va Colando won the G1 Gran Premio Pamplona, earning herself a spot in the G1 Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf at Keeneland in October.

�� UK ��

Sandown hosted arguably the best race of the season so far when four G1 winners clashed in the G2 bet365 Mile. It went to the Charle Appleby-trained Opera Ballo , who dominated from the front under William Buick, seeing off St James’s Palace Stakes winner Field Of Gold by three lengths. Next up for Opera Ballo is the G1 Prix Aga Khan, formerly Prix d’Ispahan, at Longchamp on May 21st.

As a full brother to Baaeed and a half to Hukim, Raaheeb has big shoes to fill. He’s started well and is now two from two after victory in the G3 Classic Trial for trainer Owen Burrows. Ridden by Rossa Ryan, he beat Al Zanati by three and a quarter lengths and has the Derby, at Epsom on June 6th, on his radar.

Roger Varian collected his first Group race of the campaign when Saddadd took the G3 Gordon Richards Stakes in the hands of Ray Dawson. The progressive four-year-old may next return to Sandown for the G3 Brigadier Gerard on May 28th.

�� USA ��

Pre-Kentucky Derby week is a quiet one in the US, but trainer Will Walden picked up the latest Graded Stakes win of his fast-rising career when Speed Shopper took the G3 Bewitch Stakes at Keeneland on Friday.

Ridden by John Velazquez, the five-year-old beat Golden Sunshine by a length and a quarter.

What’s Happening

�� Argentina ��

It’s a huge weekend at Palermo where five G1s take place, including the Gran Premio Republica Argentina and the Gran Premio de Las Americas.

�� Australia ��

The action returns to Morphettville, this time for the G1 South Australian Derby. Engine Of War will be among the leading contenders after an eye-catching fourth in the Chairman’s Stakes on Saturday.

�� Brazil ��

Cidade Jardim in Sao Paulo stages three G1s, the G1 Grande Premio Joao Cecilio Ferraz, the Grande Premio Juliano Martins and the G1 Grande Premio São Paulo.

�� Chile ��

The G1 Gran Premio Hipódromo Chile is the feature at the track of the same name on Saturday. The 2200metre dirt contest is nicknamed ‘the classic of classics’ and dates back to 1909.

�� Japan ��

The G1 Tenno Sho (Spring) takes centre stage at Kyoto on Sunday. The 3200metre contest was won last year by Redentor.

On Saturday, Kyoto hosts the G3 Unicorn Stakes, while Tokyo has the G3 Keio Hai Spring Cup.

�� Hong Kong ��

The G3 Queen Mother Memorial Cup, won last year by the John Size-trained Bundle Award, is the feature at Sha Tin on Sunday.

�� UK ��

The first Classics of the year take place in Newmarket, where George Boughey’s Bow Echo is tentative favourite for the G1 2000 Guineas on Saturday, ahead of Charlie Appleby’s Distant Storm .

Aidan O’Brien’s dual G1 winner Precise is favourite for the 1000 Guineas, which takes place on Sunday.

The Group-race action begins on Friday when G1 winners Bay City Roller and Sunway are among the entries for the G2 Jockey Club Gold Cup.

�� USA ��

The Kentucky Derby dominates next weekend, with the G1 action getting underway on Friday. Zany heads the market for the Kentucky Oaks, while G1 winners East Avenue and Maxfield are set to clash in a fascinating edition of the G2 Alysheba Stakes.

The Derby is the headline act on Saturday, with Renegade , Commandment and Further Ado among the favourites, while G2 UAE Derby winner Wonder Dean and Danon Bourbon represent Japan.

Test Score is among the principals in the G1 Turf Classic, while Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Sprint winner Splendora heads the G1 Derby City Distaff.

White Abarrio upsets Sovereignty & Journalism in the US, Waller dominates in AUS and Hong Kong gears up for FWD Champions Day

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 14:39:24 GMT

White Abarrio proved too strong for Horse of the Year Sovereignty and Journalism with a decisive victory in the G2 Oaklawn Handicap.

Also in this week’s WHR Weekly:
�� Lovcen claims the Satsuki Sho in record time
�� Fireball leads home a Waller-trained trifecta in the Champagne Stakes
�� British Classic trials take shape at Newmarket and Newbury
�� Ka Ying Rising & Romantic headline FWD Champions Day

��️ Read the full World Horse Racing Weekly below ��

What’s Happened

�� Australia ��

Fireball led home a Chris Waller-trained 1-2-3 in the G1 Champagne Stakes at Randwick on Saturday, beating stablemates Campione D’Italia and Diameter in the hands of Tim Clark.

Waller completed a G1 double thanks to Beiwacht who made his lighter weight as the only three-year-old count in the All Aged Stakes. Ridden by Nash Rawiller, he led all the way for a length victory over fellow G1 winners Lazzura and Jimmysstar.

Rawiller enjoyed an excellent afternoon, also winning the G3 Frank Packer Plate on Matias , who is now set for a G1 Queensland Derby campaign.

�� France ��

Group-race action was sprinkled across the week in France, beginning on Tuesday when My Calyx Cen took the G3 Prix Sigy at Chantilly. Trained by Patrik Olave, the three-year-old beat Kimi Rey by a head.

There was another fillies’ Classic trial at Saint-Cloud on Friday, when Gilded Prize shot into the reckoning in impressive style. Trained by Francis Graffard, the Juddmonte filly scooted clear by three and a half lengths under Colin Keane and could next head to either the G1 Prix de Diane or Epsom Oaks.

�� Japan ��

Lovcen added the G1 Satsuki Sho to his G1 Hopeful Stakes win with a bold front-running display at Nakayama in the hands of Kohei Matsuyama. Sent off favourite, for trainer Haruki Sugiyama, he held off Realize Sirius by three-quarters of a length.

It was the second Classic in a week for Matsuyama, who also partnered Star Anise to success in the fillies’ Guineas.

�� UK ��

Newmarket’s Craven Meeting officially signals the start of the UK turf season proper and first off the ranks in Group company was Damysus , who struck for owners Wathnan Racing in the G3 Earl Of Sefton Stakes.

Newmarket handler Stuart Williams has a first Classic hope on his hands in Azleet , who will head to the G1 1000 Guineas after winning the first major fillies’ trial, the G3 Nell Gwyn, in the hands of Marco Ghiani.

The featured G3 Craven Stakes, a trial for the G1 2000 Guineas, went to Oxagon , trained, like Damysus, by John and Thady Gosden.

There was a heartwarming upset in the G3 Abernant when Run To Freedom , trained by Henry Candy, took the 1200metre contest on his fourth run in the race, at the age of eight.

Newbury staged three G3s on Saturday and Convergent looked a star in the making when taking the Dubai Duty Free Finest Surprise Stakes [John Porter] under a patient Clifford Lee. The Karl Burke-trained four-year-old had nowhere to go for much of the race but got out in time to beat Al Aasy by half a length.

Burke also took the colts’ Classic trial, the G3 Greenham Stakes, will Alparslan . Also ridden by Lee, he beat G1 winner Zavateri by a length and will now head to the 2000 Guineas.

The G3 Fred Darling Stakes, the fillies’ trial, gave up and coming trainer Jack Channon a big win thanks to Sukanya , who beat favourite Touleen by three-quarters of a length in the hands of David Probert, recently returned from Hong Kong.

�� USA ��

Popular seven-year-old White Abarrio showed his younger rivals Sovereignty, reigning Horse of the Year, and Journalism, how it’s done with a minor upset in the G2 Oaklawn Handicap – arguably the race of the weekend.

The race took an unexpected turn when Sovereignty led, followed by Journalism, forcing Irad Ortiz on White Abarrio to stalk the pace. Approaching the line the race-fit older runner powered clear for a two-length success, an emotional one for trainer Saffie Joseph Jnr.

At Keeneland on Saturday, the G2 Elkhorn Stakes went to Burnham Square by a staggering nine and a quarter lengths. The four-year-old, who finished sixth in last year’s Kentucky Derby, was ridden by Brian Hernandez for trainer Ian Wilkes.

Bill Mott might have been out of luck with Sovereignty this weekend, but he did grab a G3 courtesy of Stars And Stripes , who took the Ben Ali Stakes under Luis Saez.

On Sunday, Italian jockey Antonio Fresu was back among the big winners at Santa Anita, guiding Philip D’Amato’s Almendares to victory in the G3 American Stakes on the turf.

What’s Happening

�� Australia ��

Morphettville is now the centre of attention in Australia, staging the G1 Australasian Guineas and the G1 Robert Sangster Stakes on Saturday. Point Barrow is the favourite for the latter, with Skybird and Generosity also among the fancied runners.

�� Japan ��

There are three G2s across the weekend, starting with the TV Tokyo Hai Aoba Sho, a Japanese Derby Trial, at Tokyo on Saturday.

On Sunday, the same track hosts the Sankei Sports Sho Flora Stakes, a Japanese Oaks Trial, while Kyoto stages the G2 Yomiuri Milers Cup.

�� Hong Kong ��

The stars collide at Sha Tin on Sunday when FWD Champions Day brings out the very best from Hong Kong, Japan and further afield.

The G1 FWD QEII Cup sees Romantic Warrior take on rising UK star Royal Champion , while Ka Ying Rising goes for win 20 in a row in the G1 Chairman’s Sprint Prize, facing Japanese star Satono Reve .

In the G1 FWD Champions Mile, Japan’s exciting Jantar Mantar goes up against Hong Kong Triple Crown winner Voyage Bubble , as well as G1 Queen Anne Stakes winner Docklands and home hopes Cap Ferrat and My Wish .

�� Peru ��

The biggest race of the year in South America, the G1 Gran Premio Latinoamericano, returns to Monterrico, Peru, for its 42nd running. The race was last held in Peru in 2024, but this time will take place on the turf course; the first time in the history of the Latino that a host venue stages the race off its main track.

�� UK ��

Sandown Park bursts into flat gear on Friday with the G2 Mile, G3 Classic Trial and G3 Gordon Richard Stakes. The Mile has been won in the past by subsequent G1 scorers Addeybb, Palace Pier and Charyn.

�� USA ��

Two weeks out from the Kentucky Derby means there’s little in the way of Graded Stakes in the US this weekend, but Santa Anita stages the G3 Royal Heroine Stakes on Saturday.

Sir Delius Brings Autumn Glow’s Streak to a Close

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 15:38:16 GMT

Sir Delius brought Autumn Glow’s unbeaten run to an end in the G1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Randwick.

Also in this week's WHR Weekly:
�� Japan’s first Classic
�� Key French Guineas trials
�� Chad Brown records his 3,000th career win

What’s Happened

�� Australia ��

Wondermare Autumn Glow’s unbeaten 11-race streak came to an end at Randwick on Saturday when Melbourne Cup hope Sir Delius got back on top in the G1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes.

Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott’s star was masterfully ridden by Craig Williams to test Autumn Glow’s stamina and the plan worked; the mare only managing third behind the UK import.

There was a close finish to the G1 Sydney Cup which went to another European import; the ex-Aidan O’Brien-trained Changingoftheguard winning by a neck for trainer Kris Lees and jockey Jason Collett.

The G1 Queen of the Turf Stakes was more conclusive, however, three quarters of a length separating winner Idle Flyer from Lady Shenandoah. Zac Lloyd and Matthew Smith were the celebrating rider and trainer combo.

Weekends just don’t pass by without a G1 win for James McDonald and the Kiwi hoop dully greeted the judge on favourite Ohope Wins for trainer Chris Waller in the Australian Oaks.

There were also three G2s on the loaded card; Ciaron Maher took the Arrowfield 3yo Sprint with The Everest runner-up Tempted , while Cherry Bomshell took the Percy Sykes Stakes for trainer Annabel and Rob Archibald.

Later, In Flight caused a minor upset for trainer Joseph Pride, taking the Sapphire Stakes for fillies and mares in the hands of Williams.

Over at Ascot, the G2 WATC Derby went to Sentimental Legend , who prevailed for trainers Grant and Alana Williams and jockey William Pike, winning by two lengths from Tahni Talk.

�� France ��

Longchamp staged three G3s on Sunday, the first of which, the Prix de la Grotte, went to the Karl Burke-trained Evolutionist . The filly, ridden here by Shane Foley, may now head to the English 1000 Guineas before a tilt at the Prix de Diane.

Andre Fabre and Godolphin’s Komorebi is set for the G1 Poule d’Essai des Poulains after his win in the G3 Prix Fontainbleau, while Pearled Majesty heads to the G1 Prix du Jockey Club after taking the G3 Prix Noailles for trainer Mauricio Delcher Sanchez and Christophe Soumillon.

�� Japan ��

Two-year-old champion Star Anise ran out the conclusive winner of the G1 Oka Sho, or Japanese 1000 Guineas – the first Classic of the year in Japan. Ridden by Kohei Matsuyama, she beat Garavogue by two and a half lengths, for trainer Tomokazu Takano.

Two G2s took place on Saturday, starting at Hanshin where 2025 G1 Shuka Sho winner Embroidery and Christophe Lemaire won the Sankei Sports Hai Hanshin Himba Stakes by a neck from Kamunyak.

At Nakayama, there was a shock in the G2 New Zealand Trophy when Reservation popped up to win in the hands of Yusuke Hara. The three-year-old beat favourite Rodeo Drive by a neck.

�� USA ��

There was a minor upset in the G1 Maker’s Mark Mile at Keeneland on Friday when Breeders’ Cup Mile winner Notable Speech suffered trouble in running and could only manage fourth behind Zulu Kingdom . Ridden by Flavien Prat, the win was a 3000th career success for New York-based trainer Chad Brown.

At Keeneland on Saturday, Segesta and Expensive Queen could not be split in the G1 Jenny Wiley Stakes, resulting in a dead head for trainers Brown and Brendan Walsh, while Prat and Luis Saez shared the riding honours.

The G1 Apple Blossom at Oaklawn involved Breeders’ Cup qualification for the first time and Claret Beret earned her ticket with an impressive four and a half length win over hot favourite Nitrogen. The winner was ridden by Micah Husbands for trainer Saffie Joseph Jnr, who is enjoying a superb 2026.

Joseph also took Sunday’s Keeneland feature, the G2 Giant’s Causeway Stakes, with In Our Time , ridden by Prat.

What’s Happening

�� Australia ��

Randwick once again has the pick of the action and a stellar G1 All Aged Stakes, for which Melbourne Cup winner Half Yours is among the nominations, as well as defending champion Jimmystar .

The G1 Champagne Stakes features the unbeaten Southend , for trainer Gerald Ryan.

�� Japan ��

The G1 Satsuki Sho, or Japanese 2000 Guineas, is the feature race at Nakayama on Sunday, while Fukushima hosts the G3 Fukushima Himba Stakes. The G3 Antares Stakes also takes place at Hanshin on Saturday.

�� UK ��

It’s Craven week in Newmarket, with the colts’ Classic trial of the same name taking place on Thursday, alongside the G3 Abernant. The G3 Earl of Sefton and G3 Nell Gwyn, for fillies, are on Wednesday.

Former Champion Hurdler Constitution Hill ’s flat journey continues Saturday when the fan favourite heads to the G3 John Porter Stakes at Newbury. The Berkshire track also hosts the G3 Greenham Stakes and G3 Fred Darling, two Classic trials.

�� USA ��

Oaklawn stages the race of the weekend on Saturday when Horse of the Year Sovereignty returns, taking on Preakness winner Journalism in the G2 Oaklawn Handicap. 2023 G1 Breeders’ Cup Classic winner White Abarrio adds further spice to the six-runner contest.

Elsewhere, the G2 Elkhorn Stakes takes place on Keeneland’s turf on Saturday, a day after the same venue stages the G2 Doubledogdare Stakes.

Sheza Stuns in Australia, win 19 for Ka Ying Rising and counting...

Mon, 06 Apr 2026 16:00:58 GMT

Sheza stuns at Randwick, win 19 for Ka Ying Rising and much more!

What’s Happened

�� Australia ��

Sheza Alibi delivered one of the performances of the year so far in the Doncaster Mile, one of four G1s at Randwick on Saturday. Last and widest turning from home, she charged past the whole field in the straight and won by four and a quarter lengths under jockey Jamie Melham, for trainers Peter Moody and Katherine Coleman. It was the fourth win in a row for Sheza Alibi, who became the first three-year-old filly to win this race since Sunline 27 years ago.

Rachel King became the first female rider to win the AJC Derby, taking the prize on Green Spaces for trainer Bjorn Baker. They won by three and three-quarter lengths from rank outsider Dezignation.

Joliestar underlined her case for being one of the best sprinters in Australia when taking the G1 T J Smith Stakes, Royal Ascot is now on the agenda for the five-year-old mare, who was ridden by James McDonald for trainer Chris Waller.

That was the second leg of a G1 double for Waller and McDonald, initiated when Campione D’Italia took the Sire’s Produce Stakes, beating Miss Chanel by three-quarters of a length.

�� Bahrain ��

Phantom Flight gave British trainer George Scott and jockey Benoit De La Sayette victory in the G3 King’s Cup - the most prestigious race in the Bahrain calendar – on Friday.

It was a fourth Bahrain win for the seven-year-old, who beat defending champion Sovereign Spirit and G1 winner Calif.

�� France ��

The French season proper got underway at Longchamp with victory for Bright Picture in the G2 Prix d’Harcourt. Owners Wertheimer et Frere and trainer Andre Fabre are responsible for the gelding who now heads to the G1 Prix Ganay on 26th April.

Earlier, Concorde Agreement staked her claim for the Prix de Diane with an all the way victory in the G3 Prix Vantaux. The victory was a first at Group level for trainer Pierre Groualle, who has just 25 horses in training.

�� Ireland ��

Joseph O’Brien had a rare long-priced winner at The Curragh on Friday when Celestial Orbit took the G3 Park Express Stakes in the hands of Joey Sheriden. The four-year-old filly was making her debut for the stable, having previously been trained in the UK by Ollie Sangster.

�� Japan ��

Croix Du Nord bounced back from Japan Cup defeat with victory in the G1 Osaka Hai at Hanshin on Sunday. Ridden by Yuichi Kitamura, the four-year-old beat Meisho Tabaru by three-quarters of a length.

At Nakayama on Saturday, Suzu Khalom landed the G3 Lord Derby Challenge Trophy for trainer Kazuya Makita and jockey Takashi Fujikake, while at Hanshin the G3 Churchill Downs Cup went to Ask Ikigomi , ridden by Ryusei Sakai.

�� Hong Kong ��

It was win 19 in a row for Ka Ying Rising at Sha Tin, when he strolled to another track record success in the G2 Sprint Cup on Monday. The four and quarter-length win over Helios Blizzard should set him up nicely for the G1 Chairman’s Sprint Prize on 26 April.

A strong renewal of the G2 Chairman’s Trophy saw G1 winner Lucky Sweynesse get back to winning ways, holding off favourite My Wish by a head, with Triple Crown winner Voyage Bubble back in third.

�� South Africa ��

It was a great day for trainer Justin Snaith and jockey Craig Zackey at Turffontein on Saturday when they celebrated a G1 double. Double Grand Slam took the Empress Club Stakes by an impressive five and a half lengths, while See It Again justified favouritism in the Premier’s Champions Challenge.

In between, Buffalo Storm Cody won his second G1 in the Computaform Sprint, for trainer Tony Peter and jockey Richard Fourie.

�� USA ��

Keeneland’s Spring meet got underway on Friday with a popular win for Percy’s Bar in the G1 Ashland Stakes. Managed by Keeneland’s Vice President of Racing Gatewood Bell, the Ben Colebrook-trained filly strolled to a two and a quarter length success in the hands of Luan Machado.

On the same card, A Fine Chardonnay turned vintage in the G2 Beaumont Stakes, closing from last to secure the victory under Brian Hernandez Jr, for trainer Ian Wilkes.

Brad Cox had an excellent day at Keeneland on Saturday with a G1 double, initiated when Eclatant took the G1 Madison Stakes, before Further Ado romped home in the G1 Blue Grass Stakes by 11 lengths, under jockey Irad Ortiz.

In California, So Happy made his connections just that with victory in the G1 Santa Anita Derby. Ridden by Mike Smith for trainer Mark Glatt, he beat Potente by two and three-quarter lengths to earn 100 Kentucky Derby points.

The final G2 Wood Memorial to take place at Aqueduct went to rising star trainer Riley Mott with Albus who beat Right To Party by a length and a quarter in the hands of Jaime Torres.

There was a shock in the G2 Carter Stakes when Point Dunne downed Champion Sprinter Book’em Danno by a neck, for trainer Timothy Kreiser and Edwin Gonzalez.

What’s Happening

�� Australia ��

Randwick hosts four more G1s on Saturday; the Queen of the Turf, ATC Oaks, Queen Elizabeth Stakes and Sydney Cup. Ciaron Maher’s Mr Monaco is favourite for the latter.

�� Brazil ��

Gavea stages two G1s on Sunday, the Cruzeiro do Sul and the Zelia Gonzaga Peixoto de Castro.

�� Japan ��

The G1 Oka Sho (Japanese 1000 Guineas) is the feature race at Hanshin on Sunday, while the G2 New Zealand Trophy, an NHK Mile Cup Trial, takes place at Nakayama on Saturday, while Hanshin stages the G2 Sankeisports Hai Hanshin Himba Stakes.

�� USA ��

Breeders’ Cup Mile winner Notable Speech makes his return to action in the G1 Maker’s Mark Mile at Keeneland on Friday, a day before the G1 Jenny Wiley takes centre stage.

The G1 Apple Blossom, won twice by the great Zenyatta, is the feature at Oaklawn.

WHR Apology

Fri, 03 Apr 2026 16:29:43 GMT

WHR would like to issue an apology

World Horse Racing would like to clarify that earlier information shared on 1st April 2026 regarding Ka Ying Rising and Royal Ascot was incorrect.

The post was not factually correct and was not developed based on verified facts or quotations from David Hayes, the connections of Ka Ying Rising, or The Hong Kong Jockey Club, and should not have been published.

We sincerely apologise for the confusion caused, and for any embarrassment or concern caused to Mr Hayes, the connections of Ka Ying Rising, and The Hong Kong Jockey Club.

The post has been removed, and we have taken immediate steps to strengthen our internal review processes to ensure this does not happen again.

We extend our unreserved apologies to all those affected.

World Horse Racing

Global Racing Round-Up: Goodwood delivers, Deauville shines and a blockbuster Whitney awaits

Catch up on the biggest winners from around the world and look ahead to what's coming next in this week's Global Racing Round-Up. ����

Kalpana stuns King George contenders as Qatar Goodwood Festival takes centre stage this week

Joseph O'Brien's Irish Oaks triumph, Caspar Fownes crowned Hong Kong Champion Trainer, Haskell history & all the latest from the world of horse racing

Ka Ying Rising & Romantic Warrior share honours in Hong Kong, Comanche Brave lands the July Cup & Fozzy Stack lands a first G1

Two of Hong Kong's finest share honours at end of season awards, an Irish trainer claims his first G1 success with victory in France and Comanche Brave lands top honours in Newmarket, This week's WHR Weekly has the full story and previews a big weekend of racing ahead. Read it here ��

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Calandagan silences the doubters in France & Constitution River lands the Coral-Eclipse

Calandagan has King George double in his sights after Saint-Cloud comeback - and everything else from a big weekend of racing ��

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Benvenuto Cellini claims Irish Derby redemption & Magnitude beats a stellar field in a clash for the ages

The Irish Derby ���� A heavyweight clash in the US ���� This week's WHR Weekly has it all.

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All the winners from Royal Ascot, Aidan O'Brien creates more history & what's to come this week

Who were the big winners at Royal Ascot? Read on for a full-round of the action from the royal meeting and all the big stories from around the world ��

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What’s Happening

Diamond Necklace stays unbeaten, James McDonald creates history & Royal Ascot set to take centre stage

This week's WHR Weekly has landed. We look ahead to a fascinating battle at Royal Ascot and recap the best of the action from last week.

What’s Happened

What’s Happening

Golden Tempo adds Belmont crown to Kentucky Derby victory and Christmas comes early at Epsom

What’s Happened

Aidan O'Brien dominates in France & Zac Purton reaches historic milestone in Hong Kong

Romantic Warrior Completes the Hong Kong Triple Crown!

Napoleon Solo Wins the Preakness at Laurel Park, plus all the other big stories from the world of horse racing

What’s Happened

What’s Happening

Rayif and Diamond Necklace Take French Guineas at Longchamp

What’s Happened

What’s Happening

Golden Tempo Wins The 152nd Kentucky Derby, G1 Racing Returns To The UK and Argentina's Six G1s Deliver Chaos

Ka Ying Rising breaking records again, Arc winner Daryz makes perfect start to season

Ka Ying Rising Makes It 20 In A Row, Romantic Warrior Reigns Again & Daryz Dominates: Global G1 Highlights

White Abarrio upsets Sovereignty & Journalism in the US, Waller dominates in AUS and Hong Kong gears up for FWD Champions Day

White Abarrio proved too strong for Horse of the Year Sovereignty and Journalism with a decisive victory in the G2 Oaklawn Handicap.

Sir Delius Brings Autumn Glow’s Streak to a Close

Sir Delius brought Autumn Glow’s unbeaten run to an end in the G1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Randwick. Also in this week's WHR Weekly: ���� Japan’s first Classic ���� Key French Guineas trials ���� Chad Brown records his 3,000th career win

What’s Happened

Sheza Stuns in Australia, win 19 for Ka Ying Rising and counting...

WHR Apology

WHR would like to issue an apology

Catch up on the biggest winners from around the world and look ahead to what's coming next in this week's Global Racing Round-Up. ��

Two of Hong Kong's finest share honours at end of season awards, an Irish trainer claims his first G1 success with victory in France and Comanche Brave lands top honours in Newmarket,

This week's WHR Weekly has the full story and previews a big weekend of racing ahead.

Read it here ��

The Irish Derby �� A heavyweight clash in the US ��

This week's WHR Weekly has it all.

Sir Delius brought Autumn Glow’s unbeaten run to an end in the G1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Randwick.

Also in this week's WHR Weekly:
�� Japan’s first Classic
�� Key French Guineas trials
�� Chad Brown records his 3,000th career win