Ruling Court is set to race in Acomb Stakes

The promising Ruling Court is set to advance in class for York's Tattersalls Acomb Stakes after his impressive victory at Sandown on Thursday.

Trained by Charlie Appleby and owned by Sheikh Mohammed’s Godolphin, Ruling Court was purchased for €2.3 million at the Arqana May Breeze-Up Sale earlier this year. This colt is only the second offspring of American Triple Crown winner Justify to enter Moulton Paddocks, and his strong debut suggests he could be a high-calibre prospect.

Following his standout performance, some bookmakers have already installed Ruling Court as a favourite for next year’s 2000 Guineas and Derby. He is now set to compete at the Knavesmire on the opening day of the Ebor Festival (August 21) for Group Three honours.

Appleby said he was very pleased with Ruling Court's performance, noting that handling an expensive breeze-up horse differs from managing a high-priced sales horse. The horse, trained to excel in breezes, showed his experience at Sandown. Despite being initially behind the bridle, this was part of the plan, and the key was that he ran as intended. The plan had always been to race at Sandown and then move on to the Acomb.