Markel Richmond Stakes
Group 2, Goodwood 13:55
£175,000 guaranteed,
2yo only,
6f, Class 1   
Thursday 31st July 2025

SureWIn

1 Coppull 5/1
2 Peurto Rico 13/2
3 Havana Hurricane 3/1F
9 ran Distances: 2l, nk, 2½l
Time: 1m 11.12s (slow by 1.12s)

Third in the Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot, but no bridesmaid today—Coppull scorched home with flair and authority, blazing a trail up the stands’ side to land a memorable win for owner-breeder David Armstrong.

From the break, the field fanned out into two groups, but it was David Probert aboard Coppull who seized the initiative on the stands’ rail. The Bated Breath colt travelled powerfully, and when Probert pushed the button, the response was electric. He stretched clear to beat Puerto Rico by two commanding lengths, with Havana Hurricane, the Royal Ascot winner, a further neck back in third.

A third Richmond success for Clive Cox, following Golden Horde (2019) and Supremacy (2020)—both of whom would go on to strike at the highest level.

“I was worried about the ground,” Cox admitted. “Coppull moves so beautifully on a sounder surface, but he’s very quick, and he handled it with class. It’s such a thrill for Sophie and David Armstrong—breeding them, nurturing them, and now watching them win. There’s years of work in that.”

While concerns linger about Coppull’s suitability for deep ground, Cox was adamant that talent won through:

“He’s got a similar sparkle to Golden Horde and Supremacy. He’s a proper six-furlong horse, and the Middle Park is firmly in our sights. He’s got size, scope, and will only improve as a three-year-old. He’s exciting—very exciting.”

For David Probert, who jets off to Hong Kong at the end of August, the performance was as satisfying as it was smooth.

“He’s come forward beautifully from Ascot,” he reflected. “There he was a touch keen. Here, he relaxed, travelled, and this track just suited him—slightly sharper, and we wanted that rail. He’s still raw, but he found a rhythm and really picked up in the last furlong and a half. There’s a lot more to come.”

Probert, clearly in demand, was full of gratitude:

“It’s bittersweet heading to Hong Kong. I’ve had a great run here—Clive and Andrew Balding have been brilliant, giving me the chances that matter. I’m here until August 28, so York’s still on the radar.”

Aidan O’Brien, pleased with Puerto Rico’s runner-up finish, suggested the colt could step up:

“A lovely run. I think he’ll enjoy seven furlongs next.”

And Eve Johnson Houghton, reflecting on Havana Hurricane’s bronze medal, pointed to the going:

“He ran a lovely race, but the soft just blunted his speed. He’s so genuine—still gave everything. The Gimcrack might come a bit quick; Mill Reef at Newbury is more likely.”

Richmond Stakes (Group 2)
£175,000 guaranteed, 2yo only, 6f, Class 1
9 ran
Going: Good, Good to Firm in places

POS. (DRAW) DIST HORSE AGE WGT TRAINER JOCKEY SP
1 (8)    Coppull 2 9-2 Clive Cox David Probert 5/1
2 (9) 2 Puerto Rico 2 9-2 A P O'Brien Ryan Moore 13/2
3 (6) nk Havana Hurricane 2 9-2 Eve Johnson Houghton Charles Bishop 3/1F
2 (5) 2½ Chicago Call 2 9-2 J P Murtagh Billy Loughnane 28/1
6 (7) 1¼ Maximized 2 9-2 Charlie Appleby William Buick 7/2
4 (4) 2 Egoli 2 9-2 Ralph Beckett Rossa Ryan 13/2
8 (1) ¾ Super Soldier 2 9-2 K R Burke Clifford Lee 14/1
9 (2) 4¼ Underwriter 2 9-2 Archie Watson James Doyle 22/1
1 (3) 1¼ Azizam 2 9-2 K R Burke Sam James 10/1

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