Bacio to keep his Royal Ascot jockey for the Nunthorpe
Wesley Ward has confirmed that Juan Hernandez will retain the ride on Bacio for next week’s Coolmore City of Troy Nunthorpe Stakes at York. Hernandez partnered the three‑year‑old to a decisive handicap success in the Palace of Holyroodhouse Stakes at Royal Ascot and Ward has opted to keep faith with the American rider for the trip to the Knavesmire.
Continuity for a transatlantic campaign
Ward emphasised the value of keeping a jockey familiar with the horse for what is a long journey from the United States. Bacio has already begun his transit to Britain, travelling via Chicago and a direct flight to Prestwick, and is scheduled to be based at York ahead of the Nunthorpe. The trainer is hopeful of securing a course gallop for the colt at York prior to the race.
After Royal Ascot the colt returned to Ward’s farm for a short spell where he enjoyed some swimming and turnout before resuming light trackwork. Ward said Bacio has been worked consistently and has not missed a workout. With the team travelling well in advance, the trainer preferred to avoid a final fast work on Keeneland’s dirt surface and is instead planning a turf breeze at York if possible.
Trainer’s York record and race context
Ward has mounted a number of high‑profile transatlantic campaigns to British tracks in recent years, including near misses at York with two‑year‑olds in previous seasons. He acknowledged the quality of the Nunthorpe field and the step up in class for Bacio, whose Ascot handicap time compared favourably with races earlier on the same card.
The three‑year‑old heads to York in good order according to his trainer, who says he is doing “fantastic” following his Royal Ascot appearance and the subsequent spell at the farm.
Jockey arrangements and logistics
Hernandez will be able to ride at Del Mar on the Saturday of the race meeting week, having only one day’s racing conflict, and Ward was impressed by the rider’s adaptability to British race riding. The trainer noted that some American jockeys find it difficult to adjust to the different riding angles and race shape in the UK, but felt Hernandez had acquitted himself well at Ascot.
With Bacio installed among the market leaders for the Nunthorpe, Ward said he was pleased to go into the race in a positive position, while remaining mindful of the competitive nature of the sprint and the variables that can affect starting prices on the day.
The colt will be prepared at York in the coming days, with the team aiming to keep him fresh and in the same condition that produced his Royal Ascot success.
