Highclere Castle Gin Carnarvon Stakes (Listed Race)
Course: Newbury
Date: 16th May 2026
Distance: 6f (6f)
Type: Flat
Going: Good
Class: Class 1
Prize: £36,862
Runners: 11
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Albert Einstein
3yo b Colt (IRE)Connections
Jockey: Ryan Moore
Trainer: A P O'Brien
Cashel, Co Tipperary
Owner: Derrick Smith/Mrs John Magnier/Michael Tabor/Westerberg
Breeding
Sire: Wootton Bassett (GB)
Dam: Yet (USA)
Damsire: War Front (USA)
Breeder: Coolmore
Ratings & Stats
Spotlight
Has rather compromised his chance by taking a good hold in 7f events this term, latest at Newbury (Group 3) when still running creditably in a hood that is now removed; skipped the Guineas option and heads down the Commonwealth Cup route instead; 2-2 previously, both wins over 6f in May 2025, including Curragh Group 3; retains potential.
Comment
Likely to benefit from this return to sprinting and retains potential; 2-2 over 6f
Stable Tour
"He was a bit disappointing on Saturday, but he started off sort of three or four lengths off the leaders and nobody changed position. It was more important that he behaved well and got beat than behave bad and win. We felt he did behave well. He settled but he was a little bit strong in Ryan's hands. But Ryan said he was by no means unmanageable. Ryan felt they were going very slow, and he has a lot of pace on that bad ground. In the full light of day, you'd have to be happy enough. We'll see how he is over the next couple of weeks, and the lads will decide if they give him a chance at a mile or go back sprinting. We know if he goes back sprinting he'll find that very easy, if that's what they decide to do. 31-03-26"
Quotes
"Albert Einstein has run a creditable race in a muddling contest. We have to be happy with that. We'll let Ryan [Moore] speak with Aidan [O'Brien] and the owners, and then a decision will be made about which route we're going to go - Kevin Buckley, trainer's representative."
2026-04-18 - Newbury"I think Albert Einstein is a sprinter and that was a little bit of the reason he was here. It was a very tough call to run him in that ground against older, hardier horses. Obviously we just have to do the right thing by the horse. He's always found it very hard to go slow. Some horses find it very hard to go quick but he finds it very hard to go slow. Usually that kind of horse needs a very strong tempo early. The lads will decide but my initial thought is that he'll be coming back and he'll go sprinting. It's a very difficult thing to run against those horses in that bad ground. If you have an older, strong horse, they can maul a three-year-old. He was travelling very strong and in that ground you'd have preferred that he would be travelling a gear or two lower. He's naturally just not able to do that. His tempo is so quick; he is a very high-tempo horse. It was in the back of my mind that this is a big sprinter. Obviously, we'll go and talk to the lads and see what they want to do, but there is a very good chance that's [Commonwealth Cup] the route he's going to go. He will definitely have another run before the Commonwealth Cup. The sprinters are coming here [for a racecourse gallop] tomorrow - Charles Darwin, Brussels and a few others - they are all three-year-old sprinters as well and this fella will add into the mix there. This fella was always a bit different, but we'll see - Aidan O'Brien, trainer."
2026-03-28 - Curragh"Ryan waited and got Albert Einstein to relax as best he could. When he pulled him out he said it took a minute for him to engage but he's a very, very fast horse. We were hoping it was going to be a fast-run race, which I thought it was, but Ryan said he would have liked them to go even faster. The plan was to come here and go to the Coventry. I was worried today because it was so windy and he's so sharp mentally but he had to run. If everything goes well I think he will go to the Coventry, but all those things are decided the week before Royal Ascot. I think his name was changed three times actually. Every time we named him I think Sue [Magnier] maybe thought the name wasn't good enough for him. I wasn't even sure what his name was because it was changed so many times. I'm delighted for the lads and he's very exciting - Aidan O'Brien, trainer."
2025-05-25 - Curragh"Albert Einstein was never far away and that's the first time he's come off the bridle. We're delighted with him. You can see the size and power of him. He learned a bit today. Ger's horse had a very good run the first day. We always thought he was a Coventry horse. You'd like to get another run into him before it, though - Aidan O'Brien, trainer."
2025-05-10 - NaasPrevious Owners
- Derrick Smith (until 2025-05-06)
Race History for Albert Einstein
Wise Approach
3yo b Colt (IRE)Connections
Jockey: William Buick
Trainer: Charlie Appleby
Newmarket, Suffolk
Owner: Godolphin
Breeding
Sire: Mehmas (IRE)
Dam: Sagely (IRE)
Damsire: Frozen Power (IRE)
Breeder: Tally-Ho Stud
Ratings & Stats
Spotlight
Campaigned only on good/firmer; progressive 2yo campaign featured 6f wins at Newbury (Listed) and Newmarket (Group 1 Middle Park Stakes); may be back in top form with Ascot reappearance (Group 3) under his belt; major player, despite conceding weight all round.
Comment
Middle Park winner; may be back in top form with Ascot reappearance under his belt
Quotes
"The plan was to drop in and Wise Approach did! All joking apart, we never expected to stumble but the plan was to drop in. I felt in the Morny that William [Buick] gave him a great ride, but I did feel that when he kicked on, he was electrifying and then just pulled up in front. So, I said to William to put him there on the line today. He did that but it wasn't an easy watch! Full credit to William and the horse. I am delighted. He has got an engine and given us glimpses before. He won his maiden impressively. Me and York don't seen to go together but at Ascot we told William to hold him up and we won the race on our side. The horse has got stronger and here we are today. We are delighted. He is battle-hardened and by Mehmas. He is a half-brother to a good sprinter [Group One winner Perfect Power]. I'd say that will be it for the year, but we'll see what the team want to do. The Commonwealth Cup will be he plan next season - Charlie Appleby, trainer.The horses on either side of Wise Approach came across him and he caught a heel, so he stumbled and we were where we were. But the plan was to ride him cool. Charlie [Appleby, trainer] gave me the confidence to ride him cool and get there late, and we did that. It's not an easy track to do that because momentum is key. I went where I did and you saw what a decent horse he is. Luckily he got comfortable quite quickly and I had to make decisions as I went along - William Buick, jockey, speaking to ITV Racing."
2025-09-27 - Newmarket"On paper that looks like the best two-year-old race of the year so far and I'm very happy with Wise Approach. We could look at the Middle Park or maybe wait for the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Sprint as he wants quick ground - Charlie Appleby, trainer."
2025-08-24 - Deauville"It was a nice performance. Wise Approach ran a good race at Ascot where he was on a different side to the winner. I think he'll develop. He's quite a scopey horse, but he was always very natural from early on - William Buick, jockey."
2025-07-18 - Newbury"Wise Approach ran super. Obviously we were drawn on the other side of the track to the winner. The winner won well and I'm very happy with my horse - William Buick, jockey."
2025-06-19 - AscotRace History for Wise Approach
Royal Fixation
3yo b Filly (GB)Connections
Jockey: Shane Foley
Trainer: K R Burke
Coverham, North Yorkshire
Owner: Forz Europe Ltd
Breeding
Sire: Palace Pier (GB)
Dam: Fixette (IRE)
Damsire: Kodiac (GB)
Breeder: D J Weston
Ratings & Stats
Spotlight
Progressive filly over 6f on good to firm ground last year for Ed Walker, acquitting herself well at Group level after debut win; prevailed in the Lowther at York on penultimate start, then ran well in Group 1 Cheveley Park Stakes that was won by the subsequent 1,000 Guineas winner; respected at the weights on debut for new connections.
Comment
Progressive for Ed Walker; won the Lowther then ran well in the Cheveley Park Stakes
Stable Tour
"Last year's Lowther winner and a very quick filly. She's quite relaxed and we were considering going for a Guineas trial, but I think she's a sprinter as her pedigree is all speed. We'll go for one of the Commonwealth Cup trials instead. 31-03-26"
Quotes
"We've always thought a lot of Royal Fixation. She ran a huge race at Newmarket and it's been a really long six weeks. You let her down and built her back up and hope you've got it right and haven't left her too fresh. It's been quite a challenge. What's exciting is that she still looked a bit green off the bridle. I think she'll go for the Cheveley Park Stakes. She's quick and is from a very fast female line - Ed Walker, trainer."
2025-08-21 - York"I'm very proud of her. When you come into this on the back of winning a Thirsk maiden you don't really know how good you are, but Royal Fixation is very good. It would have been disappointing had she run badly as we rate her very highly among our two-year-olds. To run that filly as close as we did is pretty exciting, as I think the winner is a very special filly. The Lowther would have to be an option - Ed Walker, trainer."
2025-07-11 - Newmarket (July)"Royal Fixation did things quite effortlessly through the first half of the race, and I thought she finished off her race well. She seemed a little bit too classy for the rest of them - George Downing, jockey, speaking to Racing TV."
2025-06-17 - ThirskPrevious Trainers
- Ed Walker (until 2026-03-03)
Previous Owners
- Opulence Thoroughbreds (until 2026-03-03)
Race History for Royal Fixation
Ghost Mode
3yo ch Colt (IRE)Connections
Jockey: Oisin Murphy
Trainer: Andrew Balding
Kingsclere, Hants
Owner: Michael Blencowe/ R Gorell & Ptr
Breeding
Sire: Ghaiyyath (IRE)
Dam: Graciebird (IRE)
Damsire: Camacho (GB)
Breeder: Kellsgrange Stud Limited
Ratings & Stats
Spotlight
Talented, albeit is a shade quirky, and made a mockery of his mark in Southwell handicap (6f, AW) on reappearance; eventually dropped away in Ascot Group 3 since but may still have more to offer; not written off.
Comment
Well ahead of his mark in AW handicap on reappearance; dropped away in Group 3 since
Previous Owners
- Michael Blencowe & Partner (until 2026-03-07)
Race History for Ghost Mode
Song Of The Clyde
3yo b Colt (GB)Connections
Jockey: Hector Crouch
Trainer: Clive Cox
Lambourn, Berks
Owner: Middleham Park Racing Cxx & M Parker
Breeding
Sire: Sergei Prokofiev (CAN)
Dam: Queenoftheclyde (IRE)
Damsire: Dandy Man (IRE)
Breeder: Whitsbury Manor Stud
Ratings & Stats
Spotlight
Posted good performances (won/second) in sales races last term and ran creditably off top weight in Newmarket handicap (6f, good) on reappearance; however, has something to find on ratings in this field.
Comment
Form includes good performances in sales races; something to find on ratings
Previous Owners
- Middleham Park Racing CXX (until 2025-05-13)
Race History for Song Of The Clyde
Havana Hurricane
3yo b Colt (GB)Connections
Jockey: Charles Bishop
Trainer: Eve Johnson Houghton
Blewbury, Oxfordshire
Owner: J Allison & T Cartwright
Breeding
Sire: Havana Gold (IRE)
Dam: Spitfire Limited (GB)
Damsire: Excelebration (IRE)
Breeder: Lady Cobham
Ratings & Stats
Spotlight
Held by Wise Approach on Group 1 Middle Park running (6f) but otherwise proved a useful and consistent sprinter last term, winning at Royal Ascot (Listed) and making the frame in several other notable races; solid claims, assuming he has trained on.
Comment
Useful and consistent sprinter last term; successful at Royal Ascot; solid claims
Stable Tour
"It was exciting to see him win the Windsor Castle at Royal Ascot. He didn't stay the 6f in the Woodcote when he was second behind Maximise but he showed a great turn of foot back over 5f. He's in the Super Sprint but we won't necessarily go there - we might go for the Molecomb, although the Super Sprint is before that. Then we'd possibly need to look at the Nunthorpe. He's got great speed. 02-07-25"
Quotes
"We might as well have a look at Goodwood now, but I don't think Havana Hurricane wants soft ground as it just dents his turn of foot. I don't know if we'll go five or six furlongs just yet, I need to have a think about it - Eve Johnson Houghton, trainer."
2025-07-19 - Newbury"I said to the owners, win lose or draw, Havana Hurricane cost you 9,000 guineas, you've made more than that and you're here to play. We've had a great day, but I think he's pretty special. He won really easily. Charlie gave him the most lovely ride. He waited, he was incredibly patient, and I'm very proud. Tom [Clemmit, groom] is in charge of the bottom yard which is where all the two-year-old colts are, and he does this horse and has done a great job with him. He's pretty laidback, pretty easy, but my staff do a great job and they've done a great job with him - Eve Johnson Houghton, trainer.Havana Hurricane is a lovely horse. He didn't stay six furlongs at Epsom, and I was very confident coming here today, which is a very strange thing to say coming to Ascot, but he quickened up very well - he's a smart horse. I felt he was the best horse in the race at Epsom, and if he had got home he would have won, and with a stiff five here, the race was made for him. You've got to get a bit of luck in running, and I did - Charles Bishop, jockey."
2025-06-18 - Ascot"That was a great run. Having not really handed the hill, and Charlie [Bishop] might possibly have got there too soon, having had to work to get there, Havana Hurricane has run a blinder and I'm thrilled with him. He looked like he was going to win a furlong out and maybe, on this ground, he was outstayed. The winner is probably a really good horse, but we're very happy with ours for our nine grand! - Eve Johnson Houghton, trainer."
2025-06-06 - EpsomRace History for Havana Hurricane
Sirius A
3yo br Colt (IRE)Connections
Jockey: Jack Mitchell
Trainer: James Horton
Newmarket, Suffolk
Owner: Team Valor LLC & Gary Barber
Breeding
Sire: Palace Pier (GB)
Dam: Night Of Light (IRE)
Damsire: Sea The Stars (IRE)
Breeder: Flaxman Stables Ireland Ltd
Ratings & Stats
Spotlight
Has a broadly solid record, latterly on AW; registered a neck success in useful conditions race at Wolverhampton (6f, AW) on seasonal debut; however, needs to show further improvement back on turf.
Comment
Won useful AW conditions race on reappearance; needs further progress back on turf
Previous Owners
- Horton Racing Ltd (until 2025-06-09)
Race History for Sirius A
Ardisia
3yo b Gelding (IRE)Connections
Jockey: Colin Keane
Trainer: Hugo Palmer
Malpas, Cheshire
Owner: Ardisia Partnership
Breeding
Sire: Ardad (IRE)
Dam: Garraun (IRE)
Damsire: Tamayuz (GB)
Breeder: Lynn Lodge Stud
Ratings & Stats
Spotlight
Picked up a lot of prize-money during a busy 2yo season and ran respectably in 6f Group 3 at Ascot most recently; however, has probably already reached his ceiling, unlike some of today's rivals.
Comment
Has racked up a lot of prize-money but probably already reached his ceiling
Stable Tour
"He's been an absolute star, I can't remember having a two-year-old who won five races. He's tough and consistent and just a very likeable horse. He showed all those traits again in the Two Year Old Trophy at Redcar and we're going to roll on to the new conditions race on Champions Day. We're probably going to end up meeting the Mill Reef winner without a penalty. He'll go on any ground and he'll try his heart out. The stiffer 6f shouldn't be a problem as he only just got there over the sharp six at Redcar. 08-10-25"
Quotes
"Ardisia is such a trojan! He goes for it and I couldn't be happier. That's his tenth run and fifth win, with two thirds as well. Hugo [Palmer, trainer] said this morning he was in great fettle and goes on any ground - Jane Mairs, part-owner.We were drawn wide and I used up plenty of horse to get across but Ardisia travelled well and was only doing enough in the last 50 yards - Oisin Orr, jockey."
2025-10-04 - RedcarRace History for Ardisia
Egoli
3yo b Gelding (GB)Connections
Jockey: Rossa Ryan
Trainer: Ralph Beckett
Kimpton, Hants
Owner: Cayton Park Stud Limited
Breeding
Sire: No Nay Never (USA)
Dam: Solar Gold (IRE)
Damsire: Sea The Stars (IRE)
Breeder: Cayton Park Stud Ltd
Ratings & Stats
Spotlight
Gained one of his 2yo wins over C&D but had his limitations rather exposed in better races subsequently; gelded after final outing; stiff task on on reappearance, being bottom of this pack on ratings.
Comment
Limitations became exposed after C&D win; gelded since last run; bottom rated
Stable Tour
"He's been gelded and we're already seeing a change for that. He might start over six furlongs at York next month and I'm keen to see whether he can go up to seven as well. He's a big, tough horse so he should do better again and have a good year. 27-04-26"
Quotes
"Egoli was impressive at York last time and he's one to look forward to. There's a bit of size and scope to him and he shouldn't just be a two-year-old either - Ralph Beckett, trainer."
2025-07-19 - Newbury"Egoli ran a good race first time, but he was entitled to do what he did and will improve. He's a big baby but jumped out smart. I sat quiet on him but showed his natural ability when he hit the front - Silvestre de Sousa, jockey."
2025-06-14 - YorkRace History for Egoli
Aqpan
3yo br Colt (IRE)Connections
Jockey: Ray Dawson
Trainer: Roger Varian
Newmarket, Suffolk
Owner: Nurlan Bizakov
Breeding
Sire: Blue Point (IRE)
Dam: Testimony (GB)
Damsire: Lawman (FR)
Breeder: Awbeg Stud
Ratings & Stats
Spotlight
Seemed to run well on the bare figures at Newbury (Group 3) in latest 7f attempt and turf debut (raced on AW previously); however, needs to prove he can back up that form and cope with this new trip.
Comment
Needs to prove he can back up latest 7f effort and cope with this new trip
Stable Tour
"I think he was beaten by two very good horses in his two races last season. He wasn't tuned-up 100 per cent for his return at Southwell on Saturday and was only really getting into top gear late on, but I thought he was a good winner at the line. He holds an entry in the French 2,000 Guineas and we have to put his credentials on trial now, possibly in the Greenham. We don't know how good he is, but hopefully he's a colt we can be bold and ambitious with. He'll get a mile no problem and I think he's quite smart. 01-04-26"
Race History for Aqpan
Frescobaldi
3yo b Colt (IRE)Connections
Jockey: Sean Levey
Trainer: Daniel James Murphy
Curragh, Co Kildare
Owner: N W T Dalzell & R P Behan & Mrs John Murphy
Breeding
Sire: No Nay Never (USA)
Dam: Kodiva (IRE)
Damsire: Kodiac (GB)
Breeder: Newstead Breeding
Ratings & Stats
Spotlight
Irish colt who has performed creditably at Listed level since winning a notable maiden at York but needs improvement for the first-time headgear in this second start for new stable.
Comment
Irish colt who needs improvement for first-time headgear; second run for new yard
Previous Trainers
- A P O'Brien (until 2026-04-21)
Previous Owners
- N W T Dalzell & R P Behan & Mrs John Murphy (until 2026-04-28)
- Mrs John Magnier/Michael Tabor/Derrick Smith/Westerberg (until 2026-04-21)
- M Tabor & D Smith & Mrs J Magnier & Westerberg (until 2025-06-02)
- Westerberg Ireland (until 2025-04-10)
Race History for Frescobaldi