Naval Light bids for a hat-trick now he’s hit winning form

By the Editorial Team · Saturday, August 1, 2026

Naval Light, ridden by Jack Nicholls, is aiming for a third straight win after impressive victories at Pontefract and Catterick following a slow start to his career. The gelding faces a competitive field in the upcoming Britannia Handicap at Royal Ascot, where a longer distance and challenging draw will test his continued progress.

Naval Light and jockey Jack Nicholls are poised to secure a third consecutive victory after showing marked improvement earlier this season. The three-year-old gelding, sired by Havana Grey, had previously failed to find the winner’s enclosure in his first six races. However, his form took a decisive upward turn following a sixth-place finish behind Ten Carat Harry in a six-furlong handicap at Newmarket on the day of the 2,000 Guineas.

Nicholls partnered Naval Light for the first time on July 22 at Pontefract, where the colt delivered a commanding performance to win a six-furlong maiden event at strong 2-5 odds. Trainer Karl Burke then stepped Naval Light back into handicap company. At Catterick on July 30, in a seven-furlong contest, Naval Light demonstrated his ability to close strongly, advancing from the rear of the field to lead inside the final furlong and win by one and three-quarter lengths over Woodstock. Sent off at 7-2, the horse’s upward trajectory has drawn attention despite a 5-pound weight increase following that victory.

While the favorite in that race, Haaderr, underperformed, Naval Light is expected to maintain his progress, with connections hopeful of another strong run. The upcoming Britannia Handicap at Royal Ascot could present new challenges, including a longer one-mile distance and a tough draw, which reportedly affected the performance of main rival We’re Goosers. Nevertheless, We’re Goosers remains among the leading contenders, alongside Ghost Mode and Ironwill.

Other notable entrants in the Britannia Handicap include Wild Desert, trained by Charlie Appleby, who recently finished sixth at Newmarket over a mile; Aqpan, trained by Ralph Varian, who struggled in a Group 2 race at Haydock earlier this year; and Egoli, who secured a narrow victory over Yorkshire at Doncaster in July. Ironwill and Proud Nation are among the others expected to run prominently, with Ironwill notably winning at Newmarket over seven furlongs.

The race features a competitive field with varied recent form and conditions favoring several horses. Naval Light’s connections will be keen for him to continue his steady improvement and build on his two recent wins as he looks to capitalize on favorable conditions and the partnership with Nicholls. The Britannia Handicap promises to be a tightly contested race with several likely to challenge for the top honors.

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