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Bradsell stormed to a sensational victory in the Gr.1 Coolmore Wootton Bassett Nunthorpe Stakes at York, delivering a stunning performance for Bahrain's Victorious Racing. The 4YO speedster, owned by His Majesty King Hamad's representative for humanitarian work and youth affairs and Supreme Council for Youth and Sport chairman Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, outclassed a top-quality field in the five-furlong sprint.
Trained by the astute Archie Watson and piloted by the irrepressible Hollie Doyle, Bradsell powered to the front with two furlongs to go and held on gamely to repel late challenges from Believing, Starlust, and Asfoora.
The victory marked a remarkable comeback for Bradsell, who had suffered a potentially career-ending injury earlier in the year. Watson's genius was on full display as he nursed the colt back to peak fitness, with Bradsell having warmed up for this assignment with a win in a Listed event at Deauville just weeks ago.
Doyle, clearly elated, told Racing Post: "Wow, he's unbelievable. He's the comeback kid and all credit to Archie and the team at home as they've done an unbelievable job with him. I remember getting that phone call that night when he got injured and he said it could be career-ending, which you never want to hear, but here we are."
Watson, reflecting on the triumph, added: "It's pretty incredible to be honest, a lot of hard work's gone into this horse. He suffered a fracture in early February and had surgery on a cannon bone, so his comeback was less than six months later. It's been unreal. He's an incredibly special horse, you know."
The Nunthorpe Stakes has a rich history of producing top-class sprinters. Previous winners include the likes of Battaash, who took the race in 2019 and 2020, and Marsha, who claimed victory in 2017 before being sold for a record US$8.5 million. Sole Power etched his name in the record books with back-to-back wins in 2014 and 2015.
Bradsell crossed the line three-quarters-of-a-length clear of runner-up Believing, representing Highclere T'Bred Racing-Jane Addams, trainer George Boughey, and jockey Ryan Moore. Starlust rounded out the placings for Mrs Fitri Hay, Ralph Beckett, and Rossa Ryan in a field of 12 high-class sprinters.
The victory was met with jubilation in Bahrain, with Rashid Equestrian and Horseracing Club (REHC) chairman Shaikh Isa bin Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa extending congratulations to Shaikh Nasser. Shaikh Isa emphasised the pivotal role of His Majesty and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, in bolstering Bahrain's sporting reputation on the global stage.
In a double delight for Bahraini connections, Military Academy marched to victory at Hamilton Park for owners REHC honorary president Shaikh Abdulla bin Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa and Shaikh Isa. The John and Thady Gosden-trained 3YO, with Robert Havlin in the irons, dominated the Darley EBF Novice Stakes over 11 furlongs.
As the dust settles on a memorable day of racing, all eyes will now turn to Bradsell's next assignment. With connections surely eyeing further Group One glory, the racing world waits with bated breath to see what this comeback king can achieve next.