The 2026 Sir Howard Stakes is set to be contested on Saturday, March 21, 2026. The six-furlong event for three-year-old colts and geldings is recognised as the first major preparatory race for the ever-coveted Classic contests.
In the 2025 renewal of the Sir Howard, seven runners faced the starter.
The Quick Galloper takes a reflective look at the progress, or lack thereof, of those seven participants. This review is presented in finishing order.
FIRST – HONOUR PRINCE
Honour Prince stamped his authority as a leading Classic contender with a powerful come-from-behind victory in the Sir Howard. The bay colt by Bern Identity out of Awesome Lucy confirmed his promise with another success in the seven-furlong Prince Consort Stakes. Following that triumph, Honour Prince did not take part in The Kingston or any of the Classic races for which he was eligible. Unfortunately, he sustained a right knee injury that required surgery. His trainer, Robert Pearson, explained: “The sad reality is Honour Prince has injured his right knee, which necessitated surgery. This will rule him out of the 2000 Guineas and keep him away from racing for a while.” After a lengthy absence from the track, thankfully, Honour Prince has recently returned to training.
SECOND – PRINCE ROY
Prince Roy, after a strong second-place finish in the Sir Howard, has failed to live up to expectations. Even a change of stables has not revived his career. Prince Roy remains active, with three wins from 22 starts and career earnings approaching $3 million.
THIRD – ANOTHER ONE
This bay colt by Aveenu Malcainu out of Chinitagoodaz distinguished himself as one of the first of his three-year-old group to reach the Overnight Allowance level by progressing through his conditions. Another One secured his first success in Overnight over five furlongs straight, a distance he has mastered. He has developed into a capable sprinter, recording five victories from 13 starts and accumulating career earnings of more than $4 million.
FOURTH – MARK MY IDENTITY
Mark My Identity did not fulfil expectations in the Classics. However, after a short break, he returned to racing and quickly advanced through the grades, including a three-race winning streak, to reach Overnight. Although he has yet to win at that level, he has performed consistently, with three third-place finishes from three starts in Overnight. A credit to his connections, Mark My Identity has a career record of four wins from 15 starts, with earnings close to $4 million.
FIFTH – SENSATIONAL SOUL
After finishing fifth in the Sir Howard, Sensational Soul went on to secure major victories in The Kingston and then in the 2000 Guineas, establishing himself as the leading colt among his peers. His form dipped in the 10-furlong Jamaica St Leger, where he finished fourth, some ten lengths behind the winner, I Dream Again. In the Jamaica Derby, Sensational Soul produced his poorest performance as a three-year-old, finishing eleventh of 15 runners. He returned to winning ways on February 7, 2026, scoring at the non-winners of four level. Sensational Soul is now competing in Overnight Allowance. His career record stands at four wins from 16 starts, with earnings just above $6 million.
SIXTH – EASY MONEY
Little is known about the current status or whereabouts of Easy Money.
SEVENTH – STRONG MIND
Strong Mind has not been a regular participant at the races.
