Top 40 winner Infraad (2/1)

It was great to see Bow Echo confirm the Royal Ascot form with Gstaad in the Group 1 Sussex Stakes on the second day of 'Glorious' Goodwood. Having been critical of his ride in the St James's Palace, Billy Loughnane deserves lavish praise on this occasion producing George Boughey's mount on the outside and collaring his old rival in the shadows of the post scoring by half a length. The front running Opera Ballo was back in third having raced prominently from the outset. Boughey and his team deserve tremendous credit having prepared the unbeaten colt for the 2000 Guineas during the winter and maintained his form throughout the summer. The son of Night of Thunder is a horse of a lifetime for his young handler and I am delighted for all concerned.

Earlier in the day, Infraad provided the Top 40 with another winner when winning the opening three year old handicap. Unlucky not to win at Chester last time having been slowly away, William Haggas' charge appreciated the step up in trip to a mile and a half. Tom Marquand's mount was well positioned throughout before fending off the late challenge of the well supported Hatteen. A head separated the pair with four and a quarter lengths back to the third. The front pair are two progressive three year old who are capable of competing in Pattern races one day.

In between watching the action from the Downs, I conducted two more interviews for One Jump Ahead. Cheltenham Festival winning handler Rebecca Curtis has done a fine job with Haiti Couleurs in recent seasons winning the National Hunt Chase, Irish National, Welsh National and Denman Chases. The Welsh handler has put together a strong team of youngsters for the 2026/2027 campaign and it has been boosted by some exciting recruits from Ireland during the 'off season.' 

Ben Pauling enjoyed a personal best season with 94 winners last winter. Operating at a strike-rate of 20%, Nicky Henderson's former assistant added the King George and more Cheltenham Festival success to his highly decorated CV. Once again, his Naunton based operation has been further strengthened up some high profile purchases from France and Ireland. British National Hunt racing is slowly emerging from its slumbers and the likes of Ben Pauling are spearheading the challenge. Don't expect Ireland to get everything their own way next spring.