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Pop Star makes his Coral Racing Club debut at Thirsk | Raceday Highlights

19 May 2025
Pop Star made his debut for the Coral Racing Club on Saturday, over the five furlong trip at Thirsk. 

Having had one run for his previous connections last month, Pop Star was ready to race carrying the Coral Racing Club colours for the first time at Thirsk on Saturday. 10 lucky Owners for the Day got to head to Thirsk to witness our new gelding's debut run, and were treated to a glorious afternoon of sunshine, perfect for summer flat racing.


Two of Pop Star's Owners for the Day with jockey Christian Howarth following the race

Pop Star kicked out of stall four in slightly slow fashion, but was running on the heels of the eventual winner of the contest, Kodiac Thriller, and ran most of the contest in the middle of the field. He looked quite keen for much of the race, and that appeared to catch up with him as they got two furlongs from the finish. Apprentice jockey, Christian Howarth, began to put the pressure on Pop Star inside the final two furlongs, but he failed to kick on and eventually began to lose more ground as the field hit the furlong pole. Christian rode him out to the finish, but was unable to make up any positions and came home in eighth place of the nine runners. 

WATCH: Christian Howarth tells us how he felt Pop Star's Coral Racing club debut went
CRC
We caught up with Alice Haynes the morning after the race to see how he was getting on and to find out what her plan is for Pop Star next time out: 

"Hi everyone, Pop Star is fine after yesterday's run at Thirsk. He was a bit slow/awkward from the gates and was just on the back foot for most of the race.

He is a better horse when getting into his racing and having plenty of runs, so we'll look to get him back out realtively quickly and kick on with him.
"

Check back soon to find out when and where Alice Haynes runs Pop Star next, and how you could be in attendance as one of his Owners for the Day!
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