Contender Confirmed for Newbury Group 1 Race
Sahlan, a French contender, is set to make his seasonal debut in the prestigious Lockinge Stakes (Group I) at Newbury on Saturday, May 16, 2026. This six-furlong race has attracted a competitive field, with 13 horses remaining after initial declarations. Sahlan, trained by Francis Graffard, brings significant credentials, having won the Prix du Moulin de Longchamp (Group I) last autumn and secured a fifth-place finish in the Breeders’ Cup Mile.
The Lockinge Stakes, a Group 1 mile race at Newbury, is scheduled for May 16, 2026, featuring Sahlan among 13 confirmed runners.
The confirmed list of contenders includes:
Sahlan (Francis Graffard)
The Lion In Winter
Notable Speech
Damysus
Opera Ballo
Zeus Olympios
Expanded
Dancing Gemini
Cicero’s Gift
Jonquil
More Thunder
Rosallion
Tamfana
Historical Trends and Previous Performances
Recent history of the Lockinge Stakes indicates that four-year-olds have a strong record, winning nine of the last 11 runnings and 21 times since its elevation to Group 1 status. Of the last 15 winners, six had previously won at Newbury, and 11 had already secured a Group 1 victory.
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Notable Speech, a strong contender last season, finished fourth on his seasonal debut but has since raced in America, suggesting he may be fitter for this outing. Dancing Gemini was a close second last year, beaten by a neck. Cicero’s Gift achieved a surprise victory at 100/1 in last year’s QEII at Ascot, though his broader profile suggests that win might have been an outlier.
Jonquil, trained by Andrew Balding, returns to Newbury following a respectable performance in the Paradise Stakes at Ascot.
Trainer Form and Race Conditions
Trainer Francis Graffard, whose reputation extends globally with wins in Japan and the Breeders’ Cup, is currently in strong form, highlighted by Rayif’s recent French Guineas triumph. Graffard expressed satisfaction with Sahlan’s recent work on the grass, deeming him ready for the Lockinge.
The ground conditions are a consideration for some runners, with Rosallion, trained by Richard Hannon, reportedly performing best on firmer surfaces. Rosallion is making his first start since winning the St James’s Palace Stakes last June and has been recovering from a serious infection.
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Background: The Lockinge Stakes
The Lockinge Stakes is an international Group 1 flat race, run over a distance of one mile on turf. It is held annually at Newbury Racecourse in Great Britain. The race typically takes place in May and is a key event in the European flat racing calendar, attracting top milers from around the globe. The race was first run in 1972 and upgraded to Group 1 status in 2001.
