bet365 Bunbury Cup
Heritage Handicap,
Newmarket 16:00
£100,000 added, 3yo plus,
7f, Class 2   
Saturday 12th July 2025

1 More Thunder 6/5F
2 Aalto 40/1
3 Billyjoh 28/1
12 ran NR: Golden Mind Distances: nse, 2¾l, ½l
Time: 1m 24.75s (slow by 1.45s)

Tom Marquand delivered a masterclass in timing and tactics as More Thunder thundered home late to claim a dramatic victory, avenging his Royal Ascot near-miss with a nose verdict snatched on the shadow of the post.

From an awkward berth in stall 13, the Classic-winning rider showed his racing acumen early, charting a path towards the stand side rail — the favoured strip on the day — in a move that ultimately proved race-defining.

As the field hit the two-furlong marker in the historic seven-furlong cavalry charge, the complexion of the race remained anything but clear. What the market had framed as a straight duel between More Thunder and Royal Ascot bridesmaid Akkadian Thunder quickly became a more democratic affair, with half a dozen hopefuls looming large.

For a fleeting moment, it looked as if lightning might indeed strike twice for Aalto, who was bidding to hand Ian Williams back-to-back victories in the race. But Marquand, never flustered, cajoled one final surge from the resolute favourite, whose head was down exactly when it mattered most.

The judge’s photo confirmed what the naked eye barely could: a nose. Just enough. Redemption secured.

William Haggas, quietly pleased despite the late drama, reflected:
"They didn’t go quick enough for him — at least, not early on. Tom felt he was always having to stoke the fire. He thinks six furlongs might be where we really see him at his best."

There had been talk — strong talk — of the July Cup, but connections opted instead to stretch out to seven furlongs, with one eye on long-term options. That plan was vindicated in the narrowest of terms.

"He only won when his head was down," Haggas added, with a rueful smile. "I’ve had plenty this season where the head’s been up and we’ve come off second best. He could remain in handicaps, but I’d say he’s earned a crack at something better. He just needs pace. That’s the key with this horse."

Where that crack may come — perhaps back at six, perhaps even overseas — remains to be seen. But on this evidence, More Thunder’s storm is far from over.

SureWIn

Bunbury Cup (Heritage Handicap)
£100,000 added, 3yo plus, 7f, Class 2
12 ran
Going: Good to Firm

POS. (DRAW) DIST HORSE AGE WGT TRAINER JOCKEY SP
1 (13)    More Thunder 4 9-8 William Haggas Tom Marquand 6/5F
2 (5) nse Aalto 5 9-2 Ian Williams Joe Leavy 40/1
3 (6) 2¾ Billyjoh 5 9-4 Michael Appleby Frederick Larson 28/1
4 (3) ½ Ten Pounds 4 9-12 Harry Charlton Trevor Whelan 8/1
5 (7) ¾ Ebt's Guard 4 9-7 William Muir & Chris Grassick Lewis Edmunds 20/1
6 (8) 2 Run Boy Run 4 9-5 Richard Spencer George Wood 12/1
7 (1) nk Gorak 6 9-4 Charlie Fellowes Harry Davies 40/1
8 (10) ¾ Our Havana 4 9-2 Richard Fahey Saffie Osborne 66/1
9 (12) 1¼ Akkadian Thunder 5 9-5 David O'Meara William Buick 3/1
10 (11) 1¾ He's A Monster 5 9-6 2 Hamad Al Jehani Sam James 40/1
11 (9) ¾ Myal 4 9-10 Steph Hollinshead Oisin Murphy 8/1
12 (4) ¾ Dark Thirty 5 9-5 6ex Richard Hannon Billy Loughnane 25/1
NR 2 (2) Golden Mind 4 9-10 Richard Fahey NON RUNNER