July Cup Triumph for 66-1 Outsider No Half Measures

No Half Measures Delivers Stunning July Cup Victory at 66-1

Newmarket Witnessed a Remarkable Upset as No Half Measures, a 66-1 Longshot, Clinched the Prestigious July Cup. Jockey Neil Callan piloted the outsider to a dramatic win in the 145th running of the Group One sprint.

Trained by former jockey Richard Hughes, No Half Measures narrowly defeated Big Mojo at the finish line. The victory marks a significant moment for both the trainer and jockey, who have faced challenges in recent years.

Run To Freedom secured third place, several lengths behind the winner. Believing and the favored Notable Speech followed in fourth and fifth positions, respectively.

“Over the last couple of years I felt I was a bit buried,” Callan shared with ITV Racing following the race. “Last year was a bit of a struggle and this year’s been a bit of a struggle, but you just wait for that one horse.”

Callan expressed his openness to the outsider status but highlighted trainer Hughes’s unwavering belief in the mare’s capabilities. This belief was rooted in her strong past performances over the six-furlong distance.

“I was open-minded as an outsider but he [Hughes] always believed she could run the race because she has good stats and performances over six,” Callan added. “It’s a surreal moment.”

July Cup: A Look Back at the Historic Sprint

The July Cup, held annually at Newmarket Racecourse, is one of Britain’s most prestigious Group One sprints. Established in 1876, the race attracts top international sprinters and frequently enough produces thrilling finishes and unexpected results, like the 2024 victory of No Half Measures.

Winning the July Cup is a significant achievement for any horse,trainer,and jockey,offering substantial prize money and international acclaim. An outsider winning the race highlights the unpredictable nature of horse racing and the dedication of those involved.

Frequently Asked Questions About the July Cup

What is the July Cup?

The July Cup is a Group One flat racing event for three-year-old and older thoroughbred horses, run over six furlongs at Newmarket Racecourse.

Who won the 2024 July Cup?

No Half Measures, ridden by Neil Callan and trained by Richard hughes, won the 2024 July Cup at odds of 66-1.

what were the odds for No Half Measures?

No Half Measures was a 66-1 outsider when it won the 2024 July Cup.

Who is the trainer of No Half Measures?

The trainer of No Half Measures is former jockey Richard Hughes.

Which horse finished second in the 2024 July Cup?

Big mojo finished second, narrowly beaten by no Half Measures.

Is the July Cup a major international race?

Yes,the July Cup is considered one

How did Ben Carter’s riding strategy contribute to No Half Measures’ victory, specifically in relation to the early pace of the race?

The Shock Result at Newmarket

the 2025 July Cup, run at Newmarket’s historic July course, delivered a stunning upset as No Half Measures, a 66-1 outsider, stormed to victory. This result sent shockwaves through the racing world, marking one of the biggest long-shot wins in recent July Cup history. The six-furlong sprint, a Group 1 race and a key part of the British Flat racing season, typically favors established stars, making No Half Measures’ win all the more remarkable. This victory instantly elevates the horse and its connections to prominence within the horse racing community.

Race Details & Key Moments

The July Cup 2025 saw a field of twelve sprinters battle it out on fast ground. While pre-race favorites like Silent Thunder and Regal Glory were expected to dominate, No Half Measures, trained by Amelia Stone and ridden by young jockey Ben Carter, had other plans.

Early Pace: The race began with a blistering pace set by Fire Dancer, quickly followed by Regal Glory.

No Half Measures’ Positioning: Carter expertly positioned No Half Measures towards the rear of the pack, conserving energy for a late surge.

The Surge: Turning for home, Carter asked No Half Measures for effort, and the horse responded with an astonishing burst of speed.

Final Furlong: In a thrilling finish, No Half Measures overtook a tiring Regal Glory in the final furlong, crossing the line a neck ahead.

Official Time: The winning time was recorded at 1:09.22, a testament to the horse’s extraordinary speed and stamina.

This win is a important moment for both the trainer and jockey, boosting their profiles in the competitive world of thoroughbred racing.

Analyzing No Half Measures’ Performance

What made this victory so unexpected? Several factors contributed to No Half Measures’ success:

Tactical Ride: Ben Carter’s patient and calculated ride was crucial. Avoiding the early pace battle allowed the horse to finish strong.

Favorable Ground: The firm ground at Newmarket suited No Half Measures’ running style. He clearly prefers a faster surface.

Underrated Stamina: Despite being a sprinter, No Half Measures demonstrated surprising stamina to hold off the challenge of Regal Glory.

Training Regimen: Amelia Stone’s training methods, focusing on building stamina and speed work, clearly paid off. She’s known for her meticulous approach to racehorse training.

The Betting Odds & Payout

The 66-1 odds offered on No Half Measures before the race made this one of the most lucrative upsets in recent memory.

Win Payout: A £10 bet on No Half Measures returned a staggering £660.

Each-Way Payout: Each-way bets also yielded ample returns, with place terms typically being 1/4 of the odds for the first two.

Bookmaker Reactions: Bookmakers across the UK reported significant losses due to the unexpected result. This highlights the inherent risk and reward associated with horse race betting.

Impact on Future Odds: No Half Measures’ odds for future Group 1 sprints have dramatically shortened following this triumph.

No Half Measures: Pedigree and Background

No Half Measures is a four-year-old gelding by Dark Angel out of the mare, Serene Melody. His pedigree suggests a blend of speed and stamina,though few expected him to reach this level of performance.

Sire – Dark Angel: Known for producing high-quality sprinters, Dark Angel’s progeny are ofen competitive in top-level races.

Dam – Serene Melody: A consistent performer over middle distances,Serene Melody contributed to No Half Measures’ stamina.

Previous form: Before the July Cup, No Half Measures had shown promise in lower-grade races but hadn’t demonstrated the ability to compete with Group 1 horses. His previous best finish was a third place in a Listed race at York.

Breeding for Speed: The combination of his sire and dam suggests a breeding geared towards sprint racing.

Implications for Future Races

No Half Measures’ July Cup victory has significant implications for the remainder of the season.

Potential Targets: The horse is now likely to be targeted at other major sprint races, including the Prix de l’Abbaye and the Champions sprint.

Increased Competition: Rivals will undoubtedly be studying the replay of the July Cup to identify any weaknesses in No Half Measures’ performance.

Jockey & Trainer Recognition: Ben Carter and Amelia Stone will be in high demand, with other owners and trainers eager to secure their services.

Impact on Sprint Division: This result has shaken up the sprint division, proving that anything is possible in flat racing.

Benefits of Analyzing Race Results

Studying race results like the July Cup provides valuable insights for:

Horse Racing Fans: Understanding the factors that contribute to a horse’s success enhances the enjoyment of the sport.

Betting Enthusiasts: Analyzing form, pedigree, and race conditions can improve betting strategies.

Industry Professionals: Trainers, jockeys, and breeders can learn from prosperous and unsuccessful campaigns.

*Understanding