The opening afternoon of the 2026 Betfred Guineas Festival at Newmarket Racecourse offered early-season clues towards the summer’s premier middle-distance classics, with two of the day’s opening contests producing performances of genuine note ahead of Epsom Downs next month.
Aidan O’Brien’s influence may loom large later in the week, but it was Charlie Johnston who seized the early headlines as Ancient Egypt booked his place in the Betfred Derby with a determined success in the Listed JCB Newmarket Stakes over a mile and a quarter.
A son of Frankel who carried considerable expectation as a £1.1 million yearling, Ancient Egypt justified renewed confidence with a front-running display under Rowan Scott. Sent off at 16-1, the colt was allowed to stride on early and never relinquished control, keeping on gamely to score by two lengths from My Love Is King.
It was a performance that suggested both resilience and untapped potential. Johnston, who has handled the colt with patience after a mixed juvenile campaign, was keen to underline the horse’s physical and mental development.
“Once he won his two novices, we felt we had to dip our toe in the water in a higher grade at the end of the season,” Johnston said. “But it was always in the back of my mind that we might be trying to run before we could walk.
“You only have to watch him today to see he’s still an immature baby. He was quite colty on his first two starts and while it was a disappointing run in the Royal Lodge, I didn’t lose faith in the horse.”
The decision to target Newmarket rather than a more conventional trial proved decisive. Encouraging work at home, including a notable piece alongside Lazy Griff, convinced connections to take their chance here.
“He will stay the extra two furlongs standing on his head and his next run will be at Epsom,” Johnston added. “He’s got a nice blend of speed and stamina, which you need for a test like that.”
Earlier on the card, Earth Shot provided a striking start to proceedings in the Darley EBF Maiden Fillies’ Stakes, quickening clear to win by an emphatic five lengths under Tom Marquand.
The Time Test filly, trained by William Haggas, had shown promise on her sole previous outing and built on that effort with a polished display, travelling smoothly before asserting with authority in the closing stages.
Haggas was measured in his post-race assessment but acknowledged the performance marked a significant step forward.
“It probably wasn’t a strong race for the type of race today, but she did it very nicely,” he said. “She handled the ground and undulations well and won comfortably.
“She needs another race and today was a good start to her season. She’s a nice-looking filly and there’s more development to come.”
Earth Shot holds an entry for the Betfred Oaks, and while her participation remains under consideration, her ability to see out the trip strongly has brought her into the conversation for the Epsom fillies’ Classic.
The supporting handicap, run over a mile, went to St Anton, who delivered a well-timed effort for trainer Richard Hannon and rider Joe Leavy to secure a decisive victory in the Betfred ‘The Classic Bookmaker’ Handicap.
With the Guineas Festival now underway, the opening day has already provided substance beneath the spectacle. Performances like those of Ancient Egypt and Earth Shot will be studied closely in the weeks ahead, as the road to Epsom begins to take clearer shape.
For more stories, results, and updates from the world of horse racing, stay tuned to racebuzz