The Group 2 Hungerford Stakes at Newbury enjoys a place on the calendar where it is undoubtedly the race of the week in the UK. Won last year by the very talented More Thunder, it usually attracts a quality line-up given the absence of Group 1 action that weekend.
GG tipster Joe Napier previews the Saturday feature, with his verdict going to a horse representing an in-form team.
2026 Hungerford Stakes Runners
In the colours of last year’s winner Never So Brave could double up for Saeed Suhail. Trained by Andrew Balding as opposed to William Haggas, he was sixth in the Sussex Stakes last time out, but that may have been the hottest race this season. That was a highly respectable run and he may be trending back towards top form.
Speaking of Haggas, there are similarities between last year’s winner and Extremely Zain, his representative this time. The three-year-old was a hot favourite for an Ascot handicap last time, but disappointed in fourth. He could still be thoroughly progressive, but there is a lack of juice in his price.
Both Coppull and Symbol Of Honour step up in trip. The former has proven reliable at the highest level, so should go well again down in grade, but the latter is more interesting upped to 7f. He looked to stay the trip at two and is unbeaten in both starts at Newbury. He won authoritatively in Group 3 company here last time out.
Witness Stand was second in this last year after a good run at Glorious Goodwood. He has another solid effort at that meeting under his belt this time around so sets a standard for his rivals to beat. Prince Of India is less of a yardstick, but ran an eyecatching race in the July Cup ver 6f last time.
Sukanya won the Fred Darling Stakes over track and trip to begin the season though she has not kicked on. Meanwhile, Back In Black is a good handicapper, but does not look ready for the step up to this company and Northern Champion is not convincing enough on most of his British form.
2026 Hungerford Stakes Racecard
Awaiting racecard…
Hungerford Stakes Trends 2026
The following Hungerford Stakes trends may be worth bearing in mind before you place your bet on the race on Saturday.
- William Haggas has won three of the last five renewals
- Only two of the last ten favourites have won the race
- Seven of the last ten winners have been four-year-olds
- Only won three-year-old has won this in the last decade
2026 Hungerford Stakes Tips
Charlie Appleby is striking at prodigious levels currently, and Symbol Of Honour can further contribute to that. The grey is well worth stepping back up to 7f on the evidence of his Hackwood Stakes success last time out over 6f. He is unbeaten at Newbury and can maintain that record. Witness Stand was second in this a year ago behind a Group 1 quality horse and goes well at this time of year. Extremely Zain has similarities to More Thunder and may bounce back from his handicap disappointment at Ascot.
- Symbol Of Honour
- Witness Stand
- Extremely Zain
FAQ
When and where is the Hungerford Stakes?
The Hungerford Stakes will take place at Newbury racecourse on Saturday 15 August 2026 at 3.10pm.
How can I watch the Hungerford Stakes on Saturday?
The Hungerford Stakes is live on Racing TV at 3.10pm on Saturday.
When were the Hungerford Stakes tips published?
The tips for the Hungerford Stakes were published at 1.15pm on Thursday 13 August.
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