Notable Speech secures sixth Group One win at York
Charlie Appleby’s champion returns to top form with a City of York Stakes victory, while William Haggas’ Infraad extends his career distance in the Melrose Handicap.
Notable Speech has reasserted his status as one of the leading sprinters in the sport, claiming his sixth Group One victory in the Sky Bet City of York Stakes at York. Ridden by William Buick, the chestnut trained by Charlie Appleby travelled powerfully before quickening to finish two and three-quarter lengths clear of the chasing pack. The win came as the 9-4 favourite, marking a significant return to form after a rare defeat in June.
The victory in the seven-furlong contest was a notable bounce-back for the horse, who had finished sixth as favourite in the Queen Anne at Royal Ascot earlier in the year. Appleby’s horse has been a top-class performer for the last three seasons, with his Group One haul including the 2000 Guineas and Sussex Stakes in 2024, as well as the Woodbine Mile and Breeders’ Cup Mile in 2025. He also added the Lockinge Stakes at Newbury to his record this spring.
The performance at York has set up a potential return to America for the Breeders’ Cup Mile, although a final decision on the horse’s next target has not yet been confirmed. The win suggests the horse retains the stamina and speed required for the prestigious international event, keeping his campaign alive for the latter part of the season.
In a separate contest at the same venue, William Haggas’ Infraad continued his steady progression with a victory in the Sky Bet Melrose Handicap. The Ghaiyyath colt, who had previously won a mile and a half at Glorious Goodwood, stepped up to a mile and three-quarters for the first time. He started as a 100-30 joint-favourite alongside Joseph O’Brien’s Limestone.
Infraad saw out the extended distance best, coming home two lengths clear of the staying-on Galilean Quality, with Limestone fading into fifth. Haggas, who has won the Melrose Handicap three times previously, noted that the horse is still raw and has a bit to learn, but praised his relentless finishing speed.
Looking ahead, Haggas indicated that Infraad may target the Noel Murless at Ascot rather than the Betfred St Leger at Doncaster next month. Although bookmakers cut the winner’s odds for the St Leger to 8-1 from 16-1, the trainer believes the Classic may be too soon for a horse he views as a long-term project. Haggas expressed a preference for allowing the horse to develop into a potential Cup horse rather than squeezing too much from him early in his career.
