One of the highlights of the British two-year-old racing calendar returns to Newbury on Saturday 18th July, with the Weatherbys Super Sprint Stakes once again offering a spectacular prize fund of £275,000. Run over the straight 5 furlongs and 34 yards, the valuable Class 2 contest has attracted 30 confirmed entries as of Monday 13th July, setting the scene for another fiercely competitive renewal. Better still, racing fans have the unique opportunity to own a share in one of this year’s contenders, From Me To You, the exciting Richard Hannon-trained gelding who is set to feature on Saturday.
Unlike most other races in Britain, the Weatherbys Super Sprint uses a unique weight system based on each horse’s auction purchase price. The highest-priced eligible horses carry top weight, with one pound deducted for every £5,000 below the maximum sale price. Eligibility is restricted to two-year-olds sold or bought in at specified public auctions, either as yearlings or as two-year-olds up to 23rd February 2026. Horses must have been purchased for no more than £62,000 before 1st July 2025, or £65,000 after 30th June 2025, with the most recent sale price determining eligibility if a horse has changed hands more than once. These distinctive conditions make the race a genuine showcase for value purchases capable of competing on one of the sport’s biggest stages.
Scheduled for 3:37pm, the race offers a winner’s prize of £135,217.50 from a total prize fund of £275,000, with prize money paid down to tenth place, underlining its significance for owners, trainers and breeders alike.
Few trainers have enjoyed more success in the race than Richard Hannon. The Wiltshire trainer claimed his fourth Weatherbys Super Sprint victory when Gubbass landed the prize in 2024 and returns this year with five entries as he bids to add another success to his impressive record. The family benchmark, however, remains with his father, Richard Hannon Snr, whose remarkable seven victories still stand as the race record.
Another trainer with a strong connection to the race is Richard Hughes. A two-time winning jockey, Hughes is now seeking his first success as a trainer and could be represented by Bint Archange, who impressed with a Listed success at Sandown earlier this month and is expected to be among the leading contenders.
Last year’s renewal was won by Anthelia, trained by Rod Millman and ridden by Lewis Edmunds, scoring under 8st 8lb. Millman also boasts an excellent record in the race, having saddled three winners, making him one of the contest’s most successful modern trainers. This year, he is represented by two contenders who are expected to go off at big prices.
Originally run as the Newbury Sales Super Sprint Trophy, the race has evolved into one of the most prestigious opportunities of the season for precocious juveniles. Its unique conditions and lucrative prize fund consistently attract a deep and competitive field, with many future Pattern performers using the race as a springboard to bigger honours.
With leading trainers, exciting young talent and a fascinating mix of well-bred youngsters all chasing a share of the substantial prize money, the 2026 Weatherbys Super Sprint looks set to provide another thrilling renewal of one of Newbury’s most distinctive and eagerly anticipated races.
If this year’s race has captured your imagination, there is still an opportunity to become part of the story by owning a share in one of this year’s contenders, From Me To You.
Trained by four-time winner Richard Hannon, From Me To You has always been held in high regard. Hannon believes the gelding has a major chance on Saturday if he can reproduce the level of ability he has consistently shown at home.
A son of Persian Force, who was himself trained by Richard Hannon, From Me To You boasts an exciting pedigree. Persian Force announced himself with victory in the Brocklesby Stakes before adding the Group 2 July Stakes and recording multiple Group 1 placings during an outstanding juvenile campaign.
From Me To You has shown plenty of promise in his racecourse appearances. On debut at Newbury, he travelled strongly and looked the likely winner approaching the two-furlong pole before greenness and immaturity caught him out in the closing stages. He has since been gelded which is expected to help him concentrate and enable him to reproduce the level of form he has consistently shown at home.
Shares are available from just £65, giving you the chance to own part of a live Weatherbys Super Sprint contender. As a shareholder, you’ll be eligible to share in any prize money the horse earns and have the opportunity to win raceday owner badges.
There’s no better way to experience one of Britain’s most exciting juvenile races than by having your own runner involved.
