Racing would return to West Yorkshire as Pontefract began their season for 2025 with a competitive card. The tight and twisty left handed course provides a challenge for horses young and old, but as this card shows, plenty of money goes into the prize money fund. Last year saw contrasting conditions for this meeting as it was run on heavy ground, but with plenty of recent sunshine and breeze, the ground was on the safe side as good to soft.

Race One: The Thank You Richard Hammill Novice Stakes - Class Five - Six Furlongs - Runners: 8
The 2025 season would kick off at Pontefract with this interesting novice contest over six furlongs. The race is open to three year olds and older and saw some previous winners line up against those who showed promise last year. Last year, Michael Dods's Close Connection handled the ground best of all with a stylish victory. 

The class of 2025 would consist solely of three year olds.  The first of the previous winners in the contest would be Richard Fahey's colt Strong Warrior. The son of Mehmas defied inexperience to win very stylishly at Ayr in July, but has been absent since then. Lining up in opposition would be Karl Burke's Veblen Good, who comes from a family of top sprinters and used the experience of his debut second at Sandown to win by the smallest of margins at Wolverhampton when last seen. Mick and David Easterby would saddle their newcomer Big Apple Jack in this contest, the gelding is a close relative to a speedy winner, so would need to be sharp on his first start here. The Easterby name would also be represented with Tim's Canaria Sun, who also made his debut here. His dam won at this venue in the past and would look to keep it in the family. The Tony Coyle and Kaine Wood stable would saddle two runners. Firstly Ey Up He's A Star, who comes from a family of multiple winners for his owners and wouldn't be a surprise to be the latest winner in time. The gelding showed promise in both starts last summer and looks capable of winning. His stablemate from the Norton yard Passchendaele would join him in the lineup. The gelding is bred to be quick and is related a former course and distance winner. Declan Carroll would also be represented by a newcomer in the form of Right And Exact. He is bred by a high profile breeding operation and his dam was a good level sprinter. The stable have introduced winning newcomers in the past. Tim Easterby's U Sure Do ran to a smart standard last year, almost causing a big shock when second on debut and then finishing third in a good novice at York next time. He has since been gelded and it seemed to be a matter of time before he wins a race. The newcomer William Marshal has been gelded ahead of his debut for the Kevin Frost stable and is a half brother to a tough sort, but this looked a good race to make his debut in. The filly Call Me Betty lined up for connections and is related to some speedy winners in recent years and rounded out the field in the opener.

Winner: STRONG WARRIOR (#1) (Mehmas x Camisole) - O. Orr - R. Fahey

Pontefract was greeted with a bustling crowd for this midweek meeting, courtesy of the Easter holidays, free admission for under 18's and bright sunshine that made the venue feel like Western Europe than West Yorkshire. Some of the runners would show inexperience at the stalls, most significantly would be Ey Up He's A Star was walked all the way to the start and then the newcomer Call Me Betty refused to enter the stalls which would leave an field of eight.

The majority of the runners got away to a level break, apart from Ey Up He's A Star, who showed reluctance once more by losing many lengths at the start. As the three-year-olds found their stride, Strong Warrior bagged the early lead, moving over from his wide draw and onto the running well. He would be joined by the fellow front runner U Sure Do in the lead with the Veblen Good sitting on the heels of the leading pair. Next came the debutantes William Marshal and Passchendaele, just ahead of the slow starting Big Apple Jack and keen going Canaria Sun. Ey Up He's A Star would bring up the rear, detached from his rivals. The field soon swung around the bend and into the final two furlongs and the race developed as expected. Strong Warrior still travelled powerfully and began to burn off U Sure Do. He would build a slender advantage, but next to challenge would be Veblen Good. The two previous winners went to battle inside the final furlong, but it always looked like Strong Warrior would hold on. Veblen Good made a good fist of it by getting to within a head of Strong Warrior, but it would be Richard Fahey's colt who extended his unbeaten record. U Sure Do bumped into two smart types yet again back in third with a gap back to fourth, taken by Big Apple Jack who made a pleasing debut.

The opening contest looked on paper as a three horse race and it developed that way with three nice sprinting types for this season. It would be a perfect return to action for the winner Strong Warrior, who defied a long absence and race rustiness to win comfortably. The son of Mehmas made a very pleasing debut at Ayr last July, where he defeated three rivals but came well clear in the final stages. It would prompt Group race aspirations, but he would then miss the rest of the season. Given time to mature physically, the colt has the potential to rank higher in the sprinting division. The placed horses U Sure Do and Veblen Good will also make into nice sorts this season, the latter named with the more scope to rank highly during the summer given his pedigree.

Race Two: The Tony Hepple Memorial Handicap - Class Five - One Mile, Four Furlongs - Runners: 10
Race two would see the first of the long distance races as this twelve furlong contest took place at the bottom of the hill. The race is open to four year olds and older and last year, it would go the way of the ten year old Torcello, who led all the way to beat off his two rivals.

This year's running would see a bigger field than 2024 and it was headed by Detroit Lion, trained by Richard Hannon. The colt has been inconsistent so far for his connections but produced a better effort at Southwell last time when second over this trip.  The five year old Value Added has been fairly disappointing compared to her breeding but to his credit placed over hurdles. Since reverting to the flat for the Micky Hammond stable, the mare has finished tailed off in two starts on the all-weather. The improving sort in the race would be Kevin Ryan's four year old Ribble River. He would show big improvement moved up to this distance towards the end of last season, holding on to win for the second time in a row last time out. The Michael Dods-trained Billy No Mates has finished in the placings in all three starts at Pontefract, including when second in this race last year. He hasn't won for a while, but a return to this venue would suit him. The Harry Eustace-trained Trapper John has raced just once on the turf but that came on heavy ground where he ran poorly. He has yet to show much promise in four starts, but remained open to progress. The five year old Vampire Slayer has been a dual purpose type in recent times for the Darragh Bourke team but finished second on his last two starts on the flat. He remained lightly raced in this disciple to improve further. The popular Ursa Major Racing syndicate would have plenty of support with the eye catching grey Sonning. The seven year old has won three times over hurdles, but is versatile with most jobs. He returned to the flat for trainer Mark Walford having finished fifth over fences when last seen. Tim Easterby would saddle the fairly lightly raced four year old Greenlightforgo. The gelding would seemingly be suited to this test as he finished third over a longer trip at Redcar last season. The Sara Ender stable looked to have an exciting prospect in mid 2023 as Mr Zippi won two bumpers during that year, but he has yet to win since then. Despite being well bred for the job, the six year old's progress has ground to a halt. The consistent filly Letmeseethecolts carried her good form from the all-weather onto the turf by finishing second over a shorter trip at Doncaster just over a week ago. The four year old has been successful at this trip in the past though. 

Winner: LETMESEETHECOLTS (#10) (Ulysses x Full Day) - J. Mason - B. Ellison

A full field of ten made it to post for this twelve furlong contest, facing up to the undulating test of Pontefract. The group of experienced stayers broke out of the starts to a decent standard, although the likes of Letmeseethecolts and Vampire Slayer would miss the break slightly. Up front, Greenlightforgo would be suitably named as he led in the early stages but was joined by Trapper John. Just behind this pair would come Detroit Lion, Sonning and the keen going Ribble River as the slow starting favourite Letmeseethecolts was one of those towards the rear. 
As the group ticked off the furlong markers one by one, the race began to develop. Letmeseethecolts had moved forward into a handy position under Jo Mason as Trapper John took over the lead from the weakening Greenlightforgo. Entering the home straight, the battle for the lead would be tightly contested by Trapper John and Detroit Lion. Letmeseethecolts swooped past them and opened up a clear lead inside the final furlong.  The diminutive filly wasn't for catching and she crossed the line three and a half lengths in front, much to the delight of the punters. Detroit Lion finished best of the rest in second while Ribble River and Billy No Mates completing the placings. 

It would be the continuation of a consistent spell for Brian Ellison's filly Letmeseethecolts, who landed her second win of the year. The four year old has improved since moving up to longer distances and broke her maiden tag at Southwell in mid January this year. After two more good runs on the all-weather, she would transfer her form to the turf by finishing a solid second at Doncaster's Lincoln meeting over two furlongs shorter. A return to a trip she likes and her current wellbeing contributed to an impressive win and she should be able to continue in the coming months at this sort of level.

Race Three: The Jamaican Flight Handicap - Class Five - Two Miles, Two Furlongs - Runners: 5
The theme of stamina would continue here as Pontefract's longest race distance was used for the first time this year. Races of this nature are well attended as the popular series takes place throughout the year. Completing just over a full lap of the circuit, there is a stiff test with plenty of undulations in the ground. Last year, the race went the way of Justus, who got the better of an exciting three way finish to win for trainer Micky Hammond.

The defending champion returned to put his title on the line here and following his comeback win here, he added another win to his CV shortly after. His latest run in October came after a long break and he was very disappointing here. The multi talented Glory And Honour lined up here for trainer Sam England and owners Ursa Major Racing and won by a big margin over course and distance in October. He then went on to win over fences and would be back on the flat at a venue he clearly likes. Golden Flame would pick his rivals up and carry them at the peak of his form three years ago, but he has regressed recently for the Tom Faulkner yard. The seven year old is well handicapped, but often finds winning hard to come by. The five year old Royal Deeside has yet to win so far, but has gone close on a few occasions and would return to the flat following a couple of runs over hurdles. The Jennie Candlish team is growing with each season and they would be represented by Pigeon House, an improving dual purpose type. The five year old gained plenty of experience over hurdles, but has done well on the level, including a second at Musselburgh in an amateurs handicap last week. Another dual purpose type would be the Robert Bevis-trained six year old Diamond de Vindecy. He has previously shown a liking for softer ground so may not get his conditions here, but won at Haydock last summer over a slightly shorter trip.  The seven year old Bamboo Bay has been around the stables during his career and now resides at Tracey Waggott's yard, but he has made a habit of finishing sixth. He is versatile with trip but was pulled up when last in action over hurdles. 

Winner: DIAMOND DE VINDECY (#6) (Diamond Green x Miss Chic'Vindecy) - J. Hart - R. Bevis

The race would be reduced by one on the morning of the race as Golden Flame was a non-runner, but then it would be reduced even further moments before race time as the ground was deemed too quick for last year's winner Justus. It would leave a field of five, but the quintet would be closely matched on ratings.
With the field starting in front of the stands, there would plenty of time for punters to catch a glimpse of the runners and the stayers would break away evenly and made their way around the rollercoaster layout of the Pontefract course. Short priced favourite Pigeon House would take up the early running, but he was joined by Royal Deeside in the early exhanges. The pair would take each other on at an even pace as Diamond De Vindecy sat in third, alongside Glory And Honour. The one detached from the main group would be Bamboo Bay, but he wasn't too far back. 

As the pack made their way back to where they started, there was little change in the order. Reaching the home bend, Diamond de Vindecy made his move and passed Royal Deeside, relegating him to third, but the six year old had bigger prizes to aim for. With Pigeon House in his sights, Diamond de Vindecy kicked in the lead under Jason Hart and soon left his rivals in the dust, striding out with purpose and putting daylight behind him. The race was signed and sealed as Diamond de Vindecy cantered home to win by just under ten lengths, a distance more regularly seen in the National Hunt sphere. Royal Deeside found an extra wind to retake second close home from Pigeon House as Glory And Honour picked up minor honours in fourth.

It would be a very impressive success for Diamond De Vindecy, who enjoyed his return to the flat on this occasion. Trained in the small scale yard by Robert Bevis, the son of Diamond Green has done all of his winning on the flat, despite racing over hurdles in the past. His latest win on the flat came as recently as July last year when landing an apprentice race at Haydock over two miles, but since then he has struggled to get competitive over hurdles. He was suited by the way this race panned out, but it was still an eyecatching performance and it wouldn't be a surprise to see the gelding return to Pontefract for a similar race during the season. 

Race Four: The Every Race Live On RacingTV Handicap - Class Two - Five Furlongs - Runners: 10
The feature race of the day would be this class two sprint over the minimum trip of five furlongs. The action would be fast and furious with runners keen to get a prominent position before the uphill run to the line. The recent history of this race reads positively as the popular sprinter Judicial won this in 2017 and in 2023, Live In The Moment began his season by winning this race and going all the way to the top and winning the Group One Nunthorpe at York later in the season. Last year, in differing conditions, the race went to The Bell Conductor for trainer Craig Lidster. The seven year old went on to run well in the Epsom Dash and Wokingham handicaps later in the season. 

The seven year old Dream Composer gave his connections a dream result by winning the Epsom Dash in June, the world's fastest race. He then added another race of this nature over course and distance in August and has established himself at this level for trainer James Evans. The Kevin Ryan-trained Venture Capital enjoyed a good season last year, winning twice in class three level but finishing in the placings in class two races at Ascot and Doncaster in between. Jennie Candlish would give a quick turnaround for Alzahir, who won at Doncaster eight days ago. He would come home in front of a big field over seven furlongs but would need to show pace here now dropping back to five furlongs. TIm Easterby's Manilla Scouse has landed some good races in recent years but he can also be an all-or-nothing type. The six year old returned to Pontefract where he has run well at in the past. Nazron would line up and give his owner a good back up in the race alongside Alzahir. The four year old was consistent last year before getting found out at this level. He then joined the Ivan Furtado stable but finished down the order in both starts for the yard. The eight year old Ventura Express goes very well at this track as Paul Midgley's sprinter has won five times at Pontefract over the years. He would remain in form still with a good second at Newcastle last time on a rare start on the all-weather. Vince l'Amour would make it two from the Great Habton yard of Tim Easterby. He won twice at the start of last year and resumed his winning ways later in the season by winning a big field handicap at York in October. The Mark Usher-trained Fahrenheit Seven progressed rapidly towards the end of last season, winning three times over five and six furlongs. He showed he had further progress in him with a close third at Newcastle recently in a similar contest. The Mick Appleby-trained Intervention is more of an all-weather specialist, but he has won on the turf in the past. Having won over seven furlongs last time out, this would be a sharper test for the eight year old. Richard Fahey would be represented by the talented yet frustrating Brooklyn Nine Nine. The five year old's two wins came on the all-weather but is versatile with handling ground conditions. The field was completed by the returning Wen Moon for the Ben Haslam yard. The five year old is a former winner here and posted one of his better efforts last year with a second in a similar contest in July. Last season he would place six times, so deserved a change of luck.

Winner: FAHRENHEIT SEVEN (#9) (Showcasing x Pizzazz) - C. Beasley - M. Usher

This competitive handicap wouldn't look out of place at a festival such as York or Chester, which is a credit to the opportunity Pontefract provided here.

The lower drawn runners would hold the advantage as Dream Composer flew out of the gates and stole the inside running rail, nipping in front of Ventura Express and taking the lead. Vince L'Amour moved forward to add to the early pace along with the keen going Intervention. Venture Capital would also race prominently but was trapped out wide due to his high draw. The race had already reached the home bend stage and Dream Composer still held a narrow lead. As push came to shove, Jason Hart attempted to squeeze through the smallest of gaps on the rail on Ventura Express, but Dream Composer closed the door, making Jason Hart sit up in the saddle and luckily escape incident.

As the race became messy on the inside, there would a clear run for those down the centre of the track. Vince L'Amour was unable to quicken, but from the rear, Fahrenheit Seven emerged on scene and made it three challengers for the win. With momentum on his side, the four year old chestnut pulled clear of his rivals with Dream Composer before gaining the upper hand by the margin of a neck. Vince L'Amour would produce a solid run in third while Intervention was always thereabouts in fourth. Winning rider Connor Beasley would continue his hot streak having landed a double at Redcar the day before as well as riding two winners at Meydan on Dubai World Cup night just three days earlier.

It would be another win for the progressive gelding Fahrenheit Seven, the star of Mark Usher's yard. The son of Showcasing made his debut a year and three days ago when second on the all-weather, but he has been on an upward rise ever since. Winning for the first time at Haydock in July, he went on to win two more races in 2024, one at Epsom and one at Newcastle. He made an encouraging return at Newcastle a month ago when staying on into a close third and this performance suggests there is more to come. Versatile in regards to trip, it could be a profitable season for Fahrenheit Seven and he is one to follow.

Race Five: The Napoleons Casino Bradford Handicap - Class Three - Six Furlongs - Runners: 9
The quality would continue on the card with this class three contest over six furlongs. The three year old's only contest is usually worth noting for future reference as last year, the Clive Cox-trained James's Delight made a winning reappearance before going on to win a valuable handicap at York and a listed race in France. 

This year's renewal would see the top weight carried by the Richard Fahey-trained Lesley's Boy. He had a good first season by winning twice during the summer. He was last seen finishing third in a blanket finish over seven furlongs at Newcastle and was  gelded over the winter. David O'Meara's Dark Cloud Rising showed benefit of his debut to win next time out but raced too keenly at York when tried in a listed race on his most recent run in October. Richard Hannon is a trainer who is often respected in races like these and he saddled Cayman Tai here. The grey won a race last year, but found himself with seconditis throughout the season. He wasn't disgraced in a competitive handicap at the Ebor Festival when last seen. Warren Greatrex is more used to training staying hurdlers instead of sprinters, but he was represented by Peter The Wolf in this contest. The gelding has shown the potential to win a race with a pair of good efforts in stronger company last season. Tim Easterby often does well at this venue and he saddled Fan Mail, who has improved with each run so far. The gelding won for the first time at Newcastle last month and ran decently against Coul Angel at Southwell. This year's representative for the defending winning trainer Clive Cox would be Middleton View. The son of Bated Breath showed little on the turf, but after a gelding operation he ran much better when second on the all-weather and made his handicap debut here. The filly Scatter Penny looked to be a smart prospect for the Mick and David Easterby stable last summer and made it two wins from two starts over course and distance in July. Her form would tail off however but she had the course experience as an advantage. The Karl Burke-trained Invitorio made a quiet start to his career, but won at the third attempt on his first try on soft ground. He comes from a decent family and was open to any amount of improvement. Another from the Mick and David Easterby yard would be I Need Your Love, who completed the lineup. The gelding responded well to a visor when winning at Redcar and then backed it up with a pair of soft ground third placings towards the end of last season. 

Winner: DARK CLOUD RISING (#2) (Dark Angel x Aristocratic) - D. Tudhope - D. O'Meara

This race would also be a good quality contest on display and notebooks were open and ready to write down points about many of the runners in this race.

Dark Cloud Rising would make a rapid getaway from the stalls and held the overall lead from the outset. Just behind him would come Peter The Wolf and Fan Mail, along with Lesley's Boy who delayed the start by being reluctant to go to post. The pace would be a decent one given the quality of horse and watching from the rear would be Scatter Penny, Invitorio and Cayman Tai. Rounding the bend, Danny Tudhope turned the screw tighter, kicking for home on Dark Cloud Rising and going clear approaching the final furlong. The gelding held a handy buffer to his chasing rivals, who were now led by the staying on grey Cayman Tai. It would be a first winner at Pontefract of the year for David O'Meara as Dark Cloud Rising crossed the line just under two lengths clear of Cayman Tai. Peter The Wolf was always handy and took home third while Invitorio made up plenty of late ground to take fourth close home.

It would be a simple ride but impressive win for the winner Dark Cloud Rising, who was well regarded last year. The son of Dark Angel comes from a highly talented family bred by Cheveley Park Stud and includes the likes of Group One winner Audience and last year's Greenham Stakes winner Esquire.  Making his debut in a hot maiden at York, he would win at the second attempt at  Thirsk before running credibly with a penalty in novice company at Haydock next time. His last run of the year came in the listed Rockingham Stakes over six furlongs back at York, but a combination of heavy ground and racing keenly saw him weaken away. With a strong pedigree and recent gelding operation, this was a much improved Dark Cloud Rising and given his connections it wouldn't be a surprise to contest in big handicaps for 3-year-olds, such as the one at York in June, won by the winner of this race last year.

Race Six: The Celebrating The Life Of Cheryl Hibbert Handicap - Class Six - Five Furlongs - Runners: 10
The penultimate race of the card would drop back to the minimum trip for this low grade contest for older horses. 

Heading the weights would be South Shore for the Ruth Carr stable. The gelding began his career with a decent reputation for Roger Varian and then Karl Burke, but managed to win just once. He has shown limited form since, but his new stable often do well with projects like this one. The Pam Sly yard won a race on this card last year and were represented again this year with their homebred mare Torfrida. The five year old ran to a good standard during 2023 with a liking for soft ground, but has raced just twice since then. Ben Haslam often targets winners at this course every meeting and would rely on Wrestling Revenue. The four year old ran well at a similar level at places such as Brighton and Bath last year, but he has been going through the motions on the all-weather earlier this year. Paul Midgley is another trainer who specialises in these races and he would be represented by Herakles. The five year old placed here twelve months ago and is a generally consistent sort on all surfaces. Doddie's Impact is a former Brocklesby Stakes winner and has retained plenty of his natural speed. The four year old won for the first time since his debut at Newcastle in December and continued to run well at the North East venue. Another once smart sort would be King's Crown for the Michael Dods stable. The five year old ended a long losing streak in January at Southwell then added a second win of the year last month. This would be his first start on turf since September last year. The returning Crocodile Power was in great form when last seen by winning three times at Catterick towards the end of the season. Seb Spencer's seven year appears to be suited by unique courses as he made his first start here. The neighbouring yard of Sean and John Quinn would saddle One More Dream, who hasn't run well at this course in the past. The six year old has found his level on the all-weather over the winter but has had less runs on turf in his career. A second runner for the Paul Midgley stable would be Mrs Trump, who lined up here with a low weight. The five year old developed a liking for Redcar last year with a pair of wins and signed off with a good effort to finish third over course and distance in October. The Tim Easterby representative Ifonlytheycudtalk lined up here having developed into a solid sprinter at this level, winning at Beverley two starts ago but only midfield on the all-weather last time out. 

Winner: ONE MORE DREAM (#8) (Bated Breath x Gracefilly) - J. Hart - J & S. Quinn

It would be the turn of the more experienced sprinters with this basement level contest that saw plenty of familiar names in contention. 

The early pace in the sprint would come from Torfrida, who showed plenty of speed from her high draw to bag the lead under Shane Kelly. The mare would be joined by Herakles up front and the pair would take each other, increasing the pace further. One More Dream held a perfect position in third, alongside Ifonlytheycudtalk while towards the back came South Shore and the slow starting Crocodile Power. The field would make their way towards the home bend, where Torfrida bravely kicked on into a clear lead. It would look to be a well judged move as she went into a lead of two lengths, but One More Dream went with her. The John and Sean Quinn-trained gelding rallied inside the final furlong and began to inch ahead of Torfrida. They would hit the line together, but the verdict would go to One More Dream who stretched his neck out the furthest when it mattered. Back in third would come Wrestling Revenue, who produced his best run for Ben Haslam and King's Crown finishing in the frame once again for Michael Dods.

This would be win number eleven for One More Dream, who is more of an all-weather expert than turf. The six year old has raced thirty-eight times on the artificial surfaces from his fifty-five starts in total, but this would be a refreshing task from what he has become used to. His latest win came at Wolverhampton in Feburary, before running well in defeat in and around this level at Southwell and Newcastle. Having raced just a week ago at Lingfield, the son of Bated Breath made a quick return to racing, but the turf clearly perked his interests up and came home a gutsy winner.

Race Seven: The Racing TV Sky Channel 424 Handicap - Class Five - One Mile - Runners: 7
The finale of the season opener at Pontefract would be this class five handicap which took place at the bottom of the course and saw runners face a lung bursting constant rise in altitude to the finish. Last year, the race was won by the beautifully bred Wintercrack, trained by Pam Sly. 

This year's edition would be run on quicker ground than twelve months ago as Livio Milo lined up with top weight. The grey landed just one win in Ireland, but has now joined forces with local trainer Sam England for this season. The four year old Yaajooz won a selling race at Thirsk very easily before getting bought by Mick and David Easterby. The gelding disappointed on his only run for new connections last season, but that came over ten furlongs. The nicely bred five year old Partisan Warrior has done well since joining the David Loughnane stable in 2024 and has finished in the first three in all starts for the yard. His consistency was rewarded with a win at Wolverhampton recently. It has been a while since Shaladar last won a race, but the Kevin Ryan-trained six year old ran well on seasonal debut last year and would be hoping to go well fresh once again. Ian Williams has given all sorts of assignments to Finn Russell over the last year, but the five year old has coped well with what is thrown at him. The gelding finished second over hurdles in Ireland as well as Jersey, before closing out 2024 with a win on the flat over nine furlongs. This would be a new test as his first attempt at this unique venue. Connections of Masqool have gotten their money's worth from the Godolphin cast off having won eleven times for trainer James Evans. He bookended the New Year period with a pair of wins on the all-weather and made a very rare start on turf. The Harriett Bethell stable do well with new recruits, so plenty of interest would be around Milteye. The five year old won during his first spell in Britain but spent last year and this year mixing it over hurdles and on the flat, with little success. 

Winner: PARTISAN HERO (#3) (Muhaarar x Mad About You) - R. Kingscote - D. Loughnane 

The finale of the afternoon saw a smaller field, but it would still look to be a good race for the class five grade.

Starting from the base of the summit, the seven runners got away to a level break and soon found their stride. Up front, Partisan Hero would take up the running under Richard Kingscote, despite racing keenly. In second would come Milteye as Yaajooz made it three in a line, one by one. Masqool raced slightly wider of Yaajooz, but remained ahead of Finn Russell, Livio Milo and Shaladar. The pace began to rise approaching the business end of the race and Kingscote kicked on from the front rounding the bend. Partisan Hero would respond to the pressure and open up a lead entering the final furlong as the race for second was much closer. Yaajooz briefly took second, but Milteye fought back to regain the position close home. They would chase the shadow of Partisan Hero however as the four year old kept up his good record to win.

The Dave Loughnane stable are often shrewd with new recruits and can get them winning immediately. The son of Muhaarar, Partisan Hero joined the yard from Ireland in May last year with just one win. Since settling into Britain, the four year old has finished second or third three times and landed a first win for the stable on previous run. Making all on that occasion too, it is clear that the horse enjoys dictating affairs. It would be a worthwhile trip to Pontefract for jockey Richard Kingscote, who had just the one ride on the card. Keeping things simple from the front, it was an easy success for the pair and the horse has the potential to win more in the coming months.