Humidity wins the Darley Stakes for Wathnan
Humidity returns successfully at Newmarket as Andrew Balding trains the first three.
Humidity won the Group 3 Darley Stakes at Newmarket on Saturday, 10 October 2026 for Wathnan Racing, ridden by James Doyle and trained by Andrew Balding. The turf race covered one mile and one furlong, with a winning time of 1:48.12.
Balding trained all three placed horses. The Lost King finished second under William Buick, followed by High Stock under Rob Hornby. The winning margin was a length and a half, with a further length and a quarter separating second and third. Wathnan’s other runner, Haatem, finished fifth.
The victory came on Humidity’s first appearance of the season following an absence since his Royal Lodge second last year. Balding discussed possible overseas winter races and targets for next season; these remain options rather than confirmed engagements.
1. Humidity
Trainer: Andrew Balding · Jockey: James Doyle · Owner: Wathnan Racing
Humidity advanced from a prominent position and sustained his lead through the straight, winning by a length and a half. The result marks a successful return after a lengthy absence; it does not, by itself, establish his readiness for longer distances.
2. The Lost King
Trainer: Andrew Balding · Jockey: William Buick · Owner: King Power Racing Co Ltd
The Lost King improved from the rear and finished well to secure second, without reaching the leader. He maintained his challenge through the straight, but his stablemate retained a clear advantage at the finish.
3. High Stock
Trainer: Andrew Balding · Jockey: Rob Hornby · Owner: Sheikh Hamed Dalmook Al Maktoum
High Stock advanced from the rear before continuing at one pace late on to finish third. He remained close to the runner-up but lacked the late acceleration needed to change the order.