A 1/9 favourite representing Bow Echo’s connections was beaten at Leicester on Thursday in a match race. Runners were hugely depleted at the meeting due to the heat. Elsewhere, the Listed Empress Fillies’ Stakes at Newmarket finished in a dead heat.
Here is today’s racing news round-up ahead of a packed summer weekend of racing.
Thursday results include 1/9 boilover & Listed dead heat
Only two horses contested the finale at Leicester, but the result caused quite a stir. The card at the Midlands venue was decimated by non-runners as the heatwave continued throughout the day. That left just two participants in the 8.45pm handicap, with Pentonville a 1/9 favourite. However, he was defeated by his sole rival Napolian for David O’Meara. Pentonville has the same connections as Bow Echo and was seeking a hat-trick, only to be denied in a huge upset. (Racing Post)
There was also drama at the conclusion of Thursday’s feature race. The Listed Empress Fillies’ Stakes headlined Newmarket’s card on the July course. The juvenile race produced a thrilling finish too, as Glorious Game and Havana Sprite could not be separated on the line. The judge called a dead heat after the event, with 20/1 outsider The Can Can Queen only narrowly beaten in third. (At The Races)
Friday runners include full sister to Alpinista
A full sister to 2022 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe heroine Alpinista will make her seasonal return on Friday. Unlike her celebrated sister though, Alpinara is a bay rather than a grey. She made her debut in October 2025 as a two-year-old, finishing a low-key seventh of nine at Newbury. However, Amo Racing’s 2,500,000gns purchase will be expected to improve significantly with time and the step up in distance to 1m4f. Nevertheless, it would be impressive if she achieved a career nearly as brilliant as Alpinista’s ten wins from 15 starts. (Racing Post)
Almeraq on course for the July Cup
New sprinting sensation Almeraq is on course for the July Cup as his next assignment. Despite a field of talented international sprinters lining up for the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot, it was a British-trained horse in Almeraq who denied them all at the Berkshire track. William Haggas’ charge could now unite a British division which has thrown up many mixed results in recent years. Angus Gold, of owners Shadwell Estate, confirmed that “he will be here (Newmarket) for the July Cup all being well.” (Sporting Life)
Harry Potter meets horse racing at Sandown and Kempton
Have you ever hoped for a crossover between the wizarding world and the Tingle Creek? Well Sandown Park and Kempton Park are combining for a short-term Harry Potter-inspired event this summer. A light show, produced by drones in the sky, will take place above the two famous Surrey and London racecourses, with a Harry Potter theme. The hour-long show will comprise 1,200 drones to create the magical illuminations. (Secret London)