Brendon McCullum's horse named after England's red-ball skipper set to make racing debut

While there's a lot on the line in the ongoing Ashes series as both England and Australia continue to push each other in a bid to claim the urn. However, it seems that Brendon McCullum, England's red-ball head coach has a lot on the line outside the series too.

McCullum is fond of horse racing and has named one horse after England's Test skipper Ben Stokes, and the horse is set to make his race debut. The horse was bred by McCullum and has trained under Kurtis Pertab.

The trials have been positive, and with Stokes (horse) winning his last two, his trainer Pertab expects he will win his first official race. Interestingly, the English skipper Stokes was born in Christchurch, New Zealand, and lived there till the age of 12. Later, his family moved to England. 

“Hopefully we can get a win for him, it is a bit of pressure for a maidener,” said Kurtis to LoveRacing NZ.

“He has trained on well from his trials, I couldn’t be happier with him,It will just come down to raceday experience and whether he is sharp enough against raceday pressure,his trials have been good, so he should go alright,” he further added.

Ben Stokes-Brendon McCullum partnership working well for Three Lions

The combination of Stokes and McCullum has already shone in international cricket with the Bazball approach. This new approach in international cricket has helped the English side to turn its Test fortunes. In the Ashes 2023, this approach has come under a bit of fire and criticism as the home side is trailing in the five-game series by 1-2. 

“It went down to the wire again but it is nice to get over the line and keep our hopes alive. The break comes at a good time. At 2-1, the next match is vital for both teams," Stokes was quoted as saying by the Mirror.

Although the Ben Stokes-led side won the last game at Headingley by three wickets, the hosts have a stern challenge ahead to deal with.