Search

Pankhurst in Hungerford mix

One-time Classic hope Richard Pankhurst could have his first race for 420 days in the Betfred Hungerford Stakes at Newbury on Saturday.

Richard Pankhurst winning the Chesham Stakes
Richard Pankhurst winning the Chesham Stakes Picture: Racing and Sports

He is among 24 horses left in the Group Two over seven furlongs at the confirmation stage.

The son of Raven's Pass looked a colt full of potential when winning the Chesham Stakes at Royal Ascot in June 2014 and was subsequently bought by Godolphin but has not run since.

After missing the Qipco 2000 Guineas and this summer's Royal meeting, connections of the John Gosden-trained three-year-old now have their eyes on a campaign for the second half of the season.

Godolphin also have Toormore and Safety Check in, while the former's trainer Richard Hannon could also look to Coulsty, Emell, Estidhkaar and Tupi.

Breton Rock is on course to try to repeat last year's victory for trainer David Simcock while other interesting entries include Adaay, Cable Bay, Home Of The Brave, Limato and Markaz.

Ger Lyons is responsible for two of the Irish-trained possibles with Ainippe and Convergence standing their ground.

The progressive three-year-old filly Ainippe is on a hat-trick having notched up Group Three successes in the Ballyogan Stakes at the Curragh and the Brownstown Stakes at Fairyhouse on her last two starts.

Convergence is also a winner at that level thanks to his Ballycorus Stakes triumph at Leopardstown in June.

The three-year-old's only defeat in three outings this term came in the Irish 2,000 Guineas when he was seventh to Gleneagles.

The Aidan O'Brien-trained War Envoy completes the Irish party. Since being beaten a length by Convergence at Dundalk in April, the War Front colt struggled in both the French 2000 Guineas and Prix du Jockey Club.

Dropped in class at Royal Ascot, War Envoy lifted the Britannia Handicap but was only fourth to Sovereign Debt when meeting his elders in the Celebration Stakes at the Curragh in late June.


At The Races

today's racing

Error occured
{{disciplineGroup.DisciplineFullText}}
{{course.CountryName || course.Country}}