The Group 1 Nunthorpe Stakes is unique in Britain as it invites all age groups to get involved. The 5f sprint up the Knavesmire is one of the quickest dashes of the year and boasts a hugely international flavour in 2026.

With the United States, France and Australia featuring, as well as Ireland, GG tipster Joe Napier previews York‘s global affair, but sides with a selection closer to home.

2026 Nunthorpe Stakes Runners 

There is revenge at stake for Wesley Ward in the Nunthorpe. Nine years ago, his jockey celebrated early aboard Lady Aurelia, only to find Marsha had denied her on the nod. Bacio is his vengeance seeker, sans Dettori, after a blistering handicap win at Royal Ascot. He could not have won that race more comfortably off a mark of 100 and should prove a Group race sprinter at the very least.

In an open division, he may provide the necessary stardust. Nevertheless, Ascot worked out ideally for him due to the draw and the majority of runners shunning the rail. He has enough to prove even if there are no world class horses in opposition. Rayevka and Asfoora could yet lay claim to that description anyway. The former was beaten on the nod in the Group 1 King Charles III Stakes at the royal meeting, but may fare better as long as stall 12 does not get in the way. The latter, last year’s winner of this, looked set for retirement until showing some spark at Goodwood. This is definitely her swansong and she can go well again.

Mission Central was the horse to defeat Rayevka. Ryan Moore perhaps got fortunate that everything opened up down the near side at Ascot, but he clearly has a change of gear. As long as he goes the early pace, he could finish strongly. Conversely, Night Raider will hope to sustain his gallop through the line. With Bacio also in attendance, that could be tough, though he could rough up the American challenge.

Glorious Goodwood form may work out well too. Asfoora was behind American Affair, Rumstar and Time For Sandals down the Sussex cambers. Time For Sandals may have it tough from stall 13, but the two six-year-olds may be up for the fight. American Affair has won on the Knavesmire despite a patchy overall record and any soft may faze him, unlike Rumstar. Jonathan Portman’s charge is consistent everywhere but Ascot and ran a screamer in this a year ago from an unhelpful draw. He is in a better spot this year and may be primed for a surprise.

Others of note are the two-year-old Pershaada in this rare, all-age Group 1. There has only been a single juvenile winner this century, so while he undoubtedly has a burst, this may prove a baptism of fire. Cover Up and Redorange both have significant recent victories to their names, but stalls 15 and 18 may hinder them, likewise course specialist Jm Jungle from 16. From a more conventional position in stall 6, Ain’t Nobody left previous form behind to be second a year ago and could be a flyer again at massive odds.

2026 Nunthorpe Stakes Racecard

Nunthorpe Stakes Trends 2026

You can read Dave Young’s trends analysis for the Nunthorpe Stakes here, with a key summary below of the main trends to follow.

2026 Nunthorpe Stakes Tips 

Bacio may prove a class apart, but he enjoyed the perfect placement at Ascot and his victory was only in handicap company. Three-year-olds have not overly excelled in this race of late, though he and Mission Central both have the requisite pace. Bacio should enjoy company from the equally speedy Night Raider early on and Karl Burke’s charge also has a chance. Glorious Goodwood form could hold the key though and Rumstar, who ran a belter in this 12 months ago from a poor draw, looks overpriced in comparison to both American Affair and Asfoora. His second at Goodwood was a game effort on the far side of the track and stall 8 gives him a potentially perfect tow in from the low draw pace. Rayevka is potentially the biggest danger for France, with her recent efforts over 5f superior to any form she previously produced.

FAQ

When and where is the Nunthorpe Stakes?

The Nunthorpe Stakes will take place at York racecourse on Friday 21 August 2026 at 3.35pm.

How can I watch the Nunthorpe Stakes on Friday?

The Nunthorpe Stakes is live on ITV Racing at 3.35pm on Friday.

When were the Nunthorpe Stakes tips published?

The tips for the Nunthorpe Stakes were published at 10.15am on Thursday 20 August.

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