Talk of New York wins the Group 1 QEII

Talk of New York gained his first Group 1 win in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Ascot on champions day on Saturday. Charlie Appleby and his team have done an outstanding job with the Wootton Bassett colt throughout 2026 gradually stepping him up in class and their decision to supplement him was fully vindicated as he beat a high-class field by upwards of a length and a quarter. William Buick's mount moved strongly in behind the leaders before being unleashed two out. Keeping on strongly, the Godolphin runner was always holding the late threats of Ten Bob Tony and Rayif. Featured in the Top 40, it was his fourth win of the year and threatens to be even better as a four year old. 

It was a tremendous day for Sheikh Mohammed's operation all round with Ombudsman returning to his best in the Champion Stakes. Undone by the slow ground and Ballydoyle tactics at York in August, John Gosden's five year old produced another terrific effort comprehensively turning the tables on old rival Calandagan from their meeting in the same event twelve months ago. The son of Night of Thunder was gaining his fifth Group 1 win as he powered clear to score by nearly four lengths. Granted ten furlongs on good or faster ground, he is a top-class horse and his form figures at the Berkshire track are 1211.

Almeraq confirmed himself the best sprinter in training by leading close home in the British Champions Sprint from Paborus. William Haggas' four year old suffered an horrific fall at York in September last year which would have ended many horses careers. However, he overcame that and has won three Group 1 races this season, including the Jubilee Stakes at the Royal meeting and the Haydock Sprint Cup. Tom Marquand's mount did well to reel in Ed Bethell's runner-up who had gained first run. A neck separated the pair with over three lengths back to the third. The Somerville Lodge outfit deserved all the plaudits for what they have done with Almeraq since last Autumn. While most effective on slower ground, he has won at the highest level on good to firm, Soft and good in 2026.

Thank you to those clients who have ordered One Jump Ahead and the Updates during the last 48 hours - orders will be posted out on Monday. We now have less than 50 copies left in stock. Please head to the Publications section of the site to order one of the remaning copies. The Talking Trainers section had a couple of winners on Saturday with Hold The Throw (2/1) and Senator (10/11) scoring at Market Rasen and Stratford respectively.