Ten declared for Lockinge Stakes as Sahlan challenges for France

Ten horses have been declared for the Group 1 Lockinge Stakes at Newbury on Saturday. There will be challengers for Britain, Ireland and France in the race, with Sahlan representing the continent.

Francis-Henri Graffard’s charge surprisingly broke through at Group 1 level at Longchamp in September. That came in the Prix du Moulin where he beat the likes of Rosallion, The Lion In Winter and 2025 Lockinge hero Lead Artist.

He and Mickael Barzalona then competed at the Breeders’ Cup at Del Mar. They finished fifth behind Notable Speech, finishing off their race strongly.

In what looks a competitive renewal of the Lockinge, he is well worth his place. Owners Al Shaqab are confident, their racing manager Violaine de Barmon confirmed to RTE.

“Francis-Henri Graffard is in top form at the moment and we hope we can take advantage of that and Sahlan can run a good race on Saturday,.

“Sahlan has had a good winter and has been working well. Francis said he did a good piece of work on the grass last week and afterwards he was very happy so decided to go for the Lockinge.

“It will be his comeback so we will see how it goes, but he’s in good form and we hope it will bring a good result.”

Aidan O’Brien declares pacemaker for The Lion In Winter

After supplementing Mississippi River on Monday, Aidan O’Brien declared his potential pacemaker on Thursday. That ensures tactics will likely play a part at Newbury.

Mississippi River’s presence will be utilised for the purposes of The Lion In Winter. Ryan Moore takes the ride aboard the four-year-old, who claimed Listed honours on return. He went without a win in his Classic campaign despite improving throughout the season.

Other significant runners include the aforementioned Breeders’ Cup hero Notable Speech. Charlie Appleby and Godolphin could use a big race victory after a tough 2026 so far.

Damysus, the ante-post favourite for the race, has been declared too by Joh & Thady Gosden. The Wathnan Racing-owned runner will drop back to 1m for the first time; he ran in the Epsom Derby in 2025.

100/1 Champions Day scorer Cicero’s Gift steps back up to Group 1 company. Meanwhile, Zeus Olympios is introduced to the top level for the first time. He was third in the Sandown Mile in his prep run, ahead of Cicero’s Gift and 2025 Lockinge runner-up Dancing Gemini. Both Jonquil, and More Thunder are possibly interesting outsiders too.

Ten declared for Lockinge Stakes as Sahlan challenges for France

Aidan O’Brien declares pacemaker for The Lion In Winter

14:35 Newbury

Boyle Sports Lockinge Stakes (Group 1)