Victorious Racing’s Bradsell (GB) made a triumphant return at York on Friday, winning the Coolmore Wootton Bassett Nunthorpe Stakes (G1). This victory not only marked a significant improvement from last year’s performance but also earned Bradsell an automatic entry into the $1 million Prevagen Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint (G1) through the Breeders’ Cup Challenge: Win and You’re In program. The 4-year-old is now set to target a run at the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club.

The Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series features 82 international stakes races, with winners securing automatic spots and paid entry fees into corresponding races at the Breeders’ Cup World Championships, scheduled for November 1-2 in Del Mar, California.

Bradsell, trained by Archie Watson, faced a setback last year when he was a late scratch for the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint at Santa Anita Park and missed the start of this season due to injury. However, he made a strong comeback earlier this month with a win in the listed Prix du Cercle - Prix Hipodromo de la Gavea.

In the Nunthorpe, jockey Hollie Doyle kept Bradsell close to the early pace set by Ponntos (IRE) along the far rail. Doyle made her move with two furlongs remaining, pushing Bradsell to the front. Despite challenges from Asfoora (AUS), Big Evs (IRE), and Believing (IRE), Bradsell held his ground. Believing, trained by George Boughey and ridden by Ryan Moore, closed the gap but couldn’t catch Bradsell, finishing three-quarters of a length behind. Starlust (GB), a course specialist trained by Ralph Beckett, finished third by a head.

Sent off as the 3-1 second favorite behind Asfoora at 6-4, Bradsell’s victory marked a 10th career Group 1 win for jockey Hollie Doyle. Reflecting on the win, Doyle praised Watson and the team: “Bradsell is truly the comeback kid. Archie Watson and the team have done an incredible job. When I first heard about his injury, I feared it might end his career, but here we are!”

Watson shared more about Bradsell’s journey back from injury: “We were prepping him for Dubai in the spring when he fractured a fetlock in February. It’s been an amazing recovery. Initially, we thought he might have to be retired to stud, but he exceeded expectations at every stage.”

Looking ahead, Watson plans to target the Flying Five Stakes (G1), the Prix de l’Abbaye (G1), and finally, the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint. “We’re thrilled to have secured a free entry into the Breeders’ Cup today,” he added.

Believing’s trainer, George Boughey, confirmed she would aim for the Flying Five Stakes at the Curragh during the Irish Champions Festival next month, another qualifier for the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint. Asfoora might also head to Ireland, depending on trainer Henry Dwyer’s plans.

Bradsell completed the 5 furlongs in 57.34 on a track rated as good to firm.

As part of the Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series, Bradsell’s entry fees for the Prevagen Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint will be covered, along with a travel allowance for non-North American competitors.