The race went pretty much to plan for Night Raider. He broke well, which hasn’t always been the case, and was quickly expressing that rakish stride of his. Unfortunately, he was doing so in the wake of an even more outstanding speedster: the American three-year-old, Bacio, who had comfortably defeated our Sandal’s Song in a handicap at Royal Ascot. He fully vindicated the decision of connections to step him straight into G1 company, and lead all away for a landmark triumph in this elite sprint challenge. Night Raider, fourth in this race last year, fared a little worse this time, fading out of contention to finish sixth, never landing a meaningful blow on the winner.

Fourth in this last year, Night Raider – who was gelded over the winter – has looked a better horse this season. He won the first two big 5f tests of 2026, at Newmarket and Haydock, and could do no more than lead them home on his side of the track in a disappointingly draw-affected Royal Ascot. He then ran a rare poor race at Goodwood. Assuming he is back in the pink, he has the form to go very close here for a debut triumph at the highest grade. The Nunthorpe, first run in 1922, has attracted runners from America and Australia, as well as from across Europe, led by last year’s Cartier Champion Sprinter and winner of this event, Asfoora. It’s one of the most celebrated sprint races in the world.