Newmarket Racecourse to Host Nostrum’s Highly-Anticipated Return Run
Unbeaten Nostrum likely to return in Edmondson Hall Solicitors Sir Henry Cecil Stakes
The highly anticipated return of the unbeaten juvenile, Nostrum, may happen sooner than expected. Trained by Sir Michael Stoute and owned by Juddmonte, the Kingman colt won his first two starts as a juvenile before finishing third in the Dewhurst last autumn.
Possible comeback at July Festival
Nostrum was set to make his comeback with Classic aspirations earlier this season but suffered a setback in the spring which prevented him from competing at Royal Ascot. However, connections are now considering pencilling him in for Edmondson Hall Solicitors Sir Henry Cecil Stakes during Newmarket’s July Festival.
The Listed race is familiar territory for Juddmonte-owned horses, with Baaeed winning it back in 2021. European racing manager for Juddmonte, Barry Mahon confirmed that “he’s [Nostrum] getting close” and that “the loose plan is that he will run in the Henry Cecil.”
Second half of the season holds promise
Although missing out on both Classics and Royal Ascot has been disappointing for Nostrum’s connections, there remains plenty to look forward to throughout the second half of this season according to Mahon. He believes that if Nostrum proves himself as a Group One horse later this year or even next year then he will be able to showcase his talent regardless of missed opportunities earlier on.
“It’s not the be-all and end-all (missing the start of the season). If you are a Group One horse then there are plenty of races…even next season. From a commercial point of view, you would love to be there for the Guineas and Ascot etc but I suppose you have to remember that with Chaldean as well, we would probably have been trying to keep them apart anyway.”
Despite not being able to participate in some major events this season, Nostrum’s connections are optimistic about his future. The exciting colt has already shown great promise and it remains to be seen how he will perform once back on track.