Sweet Maria

Fri 28 Aug 2026

Winner 95 of 2026: MY MARIA, trained by Archie Watson and ridden by Gina Mangan. The ‘Sky Sports Racing Sky 415 EBF Restricted Novice Stakes’ over 6f at Wolverhampton.

The super-consistent and very likeable daughter of leading first-crop sire Persian Force (same sire as our superstar Pershaada) gained an overdue first victory after three subsequent second-place finishes.

MY MARIA disputed the lead early under Gina Mangan, who set sensible fractions at the front end, and managed to get a breather into our filly before the pair kicked a couple of lengths clear approaching the home straight. The eventual second and market favourite of the race showed a good turn of foot inside the final furlong, but ultimately wasn’t able to catch our filly. A good ride from Gina, and yet another game performance from our ever-so-genuine Breeze-Up purchase who thoroughly deserved her maiden victory.

Huge well done to Archie and all his team at home, who have her in fantastic shape, and of course to her owners!

Watch the full race replay here: https://www.attheraces.com/racecard/Wolverhampton/26-August-2026/1430

Timeform rated her victory with a t75: "Put experience to good use, the switch to all-weather and step up to 6f eking out enough improvement to help her end a run of seconds; made running, went with enthusiasm, kicked on entering straight, all out to hold on."

To view and purchase the official winning photos, please follow the link below:

https://www.jahphoto.co.uk/-/galleries/wolverhampton-horse-racing-2026/august-2026/26th-august-2026/race-2