Ashley Iveson

American trainer Wesley Ward finally secured the Nunthorpe Stakes at York when Bacio powered to a one-and-a-quarter-length victory under Juan Hernandez. The win fulfilled a long-held ambition after near misses with Acapulco, Lady Aurelia and Golden Pal, and continued Ward’s success with sprint horses following his breakthrough at Royal Ascot. Watching from Keeneland, Ward praised Bacio, his assistant Blake Heap and the wider team. Bacio is now expected to target the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint at Keeneland before potentially contesting Australia’s Black Caviar Lightning Stakes in February, with his owners planning to keep him in training as a four-year-old.

Unbeaten colt Quest For Stars, trained by Charlie Appleby and ridden by Connor Planas, will attempt a hat-trick in the Listed Stonehenge Stakes at Salisbury. Appleby has won the race three times previously, while contenders include Scommessa Sicura, Velociraptor, Dandyman Dan and Rocket Boy. The card also features the Upavon Fillies’ Stakes, where Ed Walker’s Felicitas is favourite after a drop in class, with several other notable fillies seeking valuable black-type success.

Thesecretadversary heads to Deauville for the Prix Jean Prat after his Jersey Stakes win, with trainer Fozzy Stack hopeful the colt will finally get a clear run in top-level company. Christophe Soumillon rides in place of the suspended Seamie Heffernan. The field includes 1000 Guineas winner True Love, Charlie Appleby’s Time To Turn, French 2000 Guineas winner Rayif, Samangan, and Nighttime in a competitive Group One for three-year-olds.

Haffner secured victory in the Rossdales British EBF Maiden Stakes at Newmarket, improving on stablemate Constitution River’s runner‑up finish in the same race last year. Sent to the lead early by Ryan Moore, Haffner maintained control to finish ahead of Al Wathba. Connections noted his smooth performance, comfort over seven furlongs and promising potential, though acknowledging he has progress to make to reach Constitution River’s proven level.

Senorita Bonita captured the Duchess of Cambridge Stakes at Newmarket with a sharp turn of foot, rebounding from her near-miss in the Queen Mary Stakes. Trained by Simon and Ed Crisford and ridden by Oisin Murphy, she defeated favourite Libertango by three‑quarters of a length. Connections now plan a step up to Group One level in the Prix Morny. Libertango’s trainer George Boughey expressed satisfaction with her effort, noting she lost little in defeat despite not delivering her Ascot finishing kick.

Inner City Blues won the Group Two July Stakes at Newmarket for trainer Charlie Appleby and jockey William Buick, pulling clear of rivals Adaay Of Scarlett and Hickory Lad. Appleby praised the colt’s developing speed and resilience, noting room for mental maturity and potential future targets such as the Gimcrack Stakes. He highlighted a selective approach to campaigning juveniles and credited the support of owner Sheikh Mohammed.

Blood tests revealed a treatable issue that affected Daryz’s underperformance in the Prince of Wales’s Stakes at Royal Ascot. His team plans to ease his workload temporarily before preparing him for a September return, likely targeting the Prix Foy as his lead-up race for defending the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe title.

Calandagan aims to rebound from a rare poor performance at Epsom as he seeks to defend his Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud title. Trainer Francis-Henri Graffard and racing manager Nemone Routh report strong preparations and favourable ground conditions, though they emphasise the need for confirmation of his return to form before targeting another King George run. Main competition is expected from Aventure, with additional challenges from Sunly, Eydon, Pride Of Arras, Lambourn, Leffard and Cualificar.

Australian mare Asfoora is expected to return to top form in the Coral Charge at Sandown, with trainer Henry Dwyer encouraged by her improved run at Royal Ascot after a slow start to the season. With limited races remaining before she enters stud, her performance will determine whether she continues to Goodwood or returns to the Nunthorpe. Rivals include Words Of Truth, Rumstar and Shagraan, with conditions likely to influence their chances.

Leading figures from British National Hunt racing pay tribute to Graham Bradley, celebrating his talent, composure and style in the saddle, as well as his warm personality. Friends and former colleagues recall his success in major races, his larger‑than‑life character, and the strong friendships he maintained beyond racing. Several note the support provided by his wife during his struggle with dementia, and describe his death as a major loss to the racing community.