Rossa Ryan was handed a 28-day ban on Thursday after easing his mount prematurely before the winning line. His mount Thunder Home only finished second at Sandown. Meanwhile, ownership group Deva Racing have been barred from runners in the UK after failing to compensate syndicate members for winnings.
Here is today’s racing news round-up heading into the weekend.
Rossa Ryan given 28-day ban for failing to ride to finish
Rossa Ryan was given a 28-day ban from riding after a controversial finish at Sandown. Ryan’s mount Thunder Home appeared to have the race in safe keeping. However, a late surge from Zero Error, under Jamie Spencer, ensured that Ryan eased up too soon, with Zero Error ultimately prevailing in the shadow of the post. Thunder Home had traded at 1.01 in-running. Ryan will miss the majority of August due to the ban, including York’s Ebor meeting. (Telegraph)
BHA freezes Deva Racing runners in UK
The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) have barred runners representing ownership group Deva Racing. The syndicate is managed by former weighing room assistant Ryan Tongue. However, syndicate members have complained about their winnings not being paid, especially those involved with Imperial Emperor, who has won £1.5 million in prize money. Tongue is accused of withholding prize money for himself and overselling shares in the horse. (Mirror)
Alpha gains narrow win emblematic of faltering Ballydoyle form
Exciting filly Alpha drifted in ante-post markets for next season’s Classics after narrowly maintaining her unbeaten record on Thursday. The beautifully-bred daughter of Sea The Stars and Alpha Centauri secured Group 3 honours at Leopardstown. However, the 1/6 favourite, who had already been made favourite for next season’s 1000 Guineas and Oaks, clung on by a head over the fast-finishing Dancing Destiny. Alpha has entries in the Group 2 Debutante Stakes and Group 1 Moyglare Stud Stakes which she could take up during the remainder of 2026. (Sporting Life)
Alpha’s victory was secured during stable form that Timeform is calling the “worst we’ve ever recorded.” Aidan O’Brien’s yard are currently performing below any level since 2012. Indeed, despite their successes at the top level in 2026, O’Brien’s team are enduring their worst win rate in that period for an entire season too. Alp-ha’s success was one of just five across the yard’s past 54 runners. (The Sun)
American dream alive for Joe Tizzard and JPR One
JPR One will begin the next jumps season in altogether different surroundings. The two-time Grade 2 winner was denied by just a head in the Grade 1 Celebration Chase at Sandown to conclude last season. He was pipped by the now-retired Edwardstone, having competed at all of the major spring festivals in Britain. Rated 158, JPR One will be a stellar name set to feature in the American Grand National at Far Hills in October. Hewick and Zanahiyr are recent winners of the race for Shark Hanlon and Gordon Elliott respectively. (Racing Post)