Having finished a promising third in the Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot, Coppull (5/1) returned sharper and more settled. Drawn with the stands’ side group, he tracked the rail confidently under David Probert before surging clear inside the final furlong to beat Puerto Rico by two lengths. Havana Hurricane, the G2 Norfolk Stakes winner, stayed on well for third.
Cox Completes Richmond Hat-Trick
This win adds Coppull to Cox’s previous Richmond champions—Golden Horde (2019) and Supremacy (2020)—both of whom graduated to G1 success. The Lambourn-based trainer was full of praise for the juvenile, especially considering the testing ground conditions.
“I was worried about soft ground because Coppull has such a beautiful action on better going,” Cox said. “But he showed his class and speed today. It’s incredibly rewarding for Sophie and David Armstrong, who both bred and own him—this win is years in the making.”
He added: “He reminds me a lot of Supremacy and Golden Horde. He’s a proper six-furlong horse, and the Middle Park Stakes will likely be his target now. He has scope to be a smart three-year-old as well.”
Probert Bids UK Goodbye with a Statement Ride
For David Probert, who is set to move to Hong Kong at the end of August, this was a win that symbolised both timing and talent. “He came on really well from Ascot. The plan was always to come over to the rail and get into a rhythm. He’s still raw, but he responded beautifully and was really stretching in the final furlong,” said Probert.
“I’m riding some top juveniles at the moment, and it’s bittersweet that I’m leaving just as they’re peaking. But I’m grateful to Clive and Andrew Balding for their support this season.”
Plenty to Like from Rivals
Aidan O’Brien was encouraged by Puerto Rico‘s effort. “It was a lovely run. He’ll appreciate stepping up to seven furlongs,” he commented.
Eve Johnson Houghton, trainer of Havana Hurricane, admitted the soft ground blunted her colt’s turn of foot. “He’s all heart and tried hard, but he’s better on firm ground. The Mill Reef Stakes might be next, depending on how he comes out of this.”
Coppull now heads the shortlist of progressive two-year-olds to follow through the autumn, with connections eyeing Group 1 honours next. Given his pedigree, action, and composure, the journey from Goodwood to Newmarket promises to be a compelling one.
For more coverage of British juvenile stars, read our International section of news coverage.
