The first weekend of October would see a huge couple of days for the sport with high class racing taking place in Britain, Ireland and France. As the climax of the turf season quickly approaches on the horizon, the quality would continue to ramp up. The seaside destination of Redcar would host their most valuable race day of the year with the featured Two Year Old Trophy taking the headline spot. The listed race for juveniles has gone the way of some classy young sprinters in the past and this year would see a talented line up. Elsewhere on the card, a second listed race over seven furlongs would be followed by the final of the Redcar Mile Championship, which saw a competitive field. 
With big races taking place at Ascot, Newmarket and Longchamp, the elite riders would be in action elsewhere which provided the opportunities for some unusual trainer and jockey combinations to form. Patrons of the North East would be treated to a busy eight race card, taking place over a variety of distances.

Race One: The Racing TV EBF Stallions Novice Stakes - Class Four - 2-Y-O Only - Seven Furlongs - Runners: 5

The opening contest would come in the form of an interesting novice contest over the intermediate trip of seven furlongs and saw a clash between former winners and newcomers making their debut. The class four event was split into two divisions in 2024 and would be won by Karl Burke's Arabian Angel, who got off the mark at third attempt that day, before the William Haggas-trained Binhareer broke her maiden tag in impressive style before developing into a smart handicapper this year.

This year's renewal would see the sole previous winner Pandemonium head the racecard. Trained by Simon and Ed Crisford in Newmarket, the son of No Nay Never made a perfect start to life by winning easily on her debut a few weeks ago. He would carry more weight than his rivals for that success. The first of the newcomers would be trained by Nigel Tinkler, the already gelded Itzaboy. He wouldn't have a particularly flashy pedigree compared to others and he would appear to be a longer term prospect. Karl Burke is a regular source of juvenile winners and the stable have produced some high class youngsters in 2025. He would introduce the colt Skiathos in this contest for his debut and made automatic interest given his connections. The speedily bred colt is a half brother to a listed race winner, so could be useful. Another runner would previous experience would be Tim Easterby's Fareenar. The filly made her debut only recently over course and distance, but was slow to start. Despite this, she kept on in decent style to suggest there is ability. Completing the line up would be a second filly and another newcomer, the Mick and David Easterby-trained Yorkies Dream. The daughter of Ulysses comes from a decent Juddmonte family, but her stable isn't renowned for winning newcomers. She would be aiming for some nice prize money on debut.

Winner: PANDEMONIUM (#1) (No Nay Never x Panthere) - O. Orr - S & E. Crisford

The remnants of Stom Amy would linger over the country and brought strong gusts of wind to the racecourse, but thankfully the skies remained dry. The ground would also take in a large amount of rain during the previous couple of days, but conditions underfoot stayed at good to soft. 

The opening contest of a mammoth card appeared to be a one sided affair in the betting as Pandemonium was sent off at very short odds. The gates would open to kick off the action and the favourite would go straight to the front under Oisin Orr. Main market rival Skiathos would sit handily in second, shadowing the leader in the opening stages as fellow newcomer Itzaboy sat in third. Fareenar was slow to go from the stalls and lost a bit of ground, she would share the last two spots with Yorkies Dream. The leader would set an average gallop and the placings remained largely the same approaching the two furlong pole. The outsider Itzaboy began to feel the pinch and was the first beaten, getting left behind as the pace increased. As push came to shove for his rivals, Pandemonium continued to travel smoothly up front. Skiathos was also moving comfortably within himself, but was the last to crumble at the hands of the leader and Pandemonium kicked away. Quickly opening up a lead of three lengths, Oisin Orr was able to take a look over his shoulder at the growing gap. The favourite would keep up the gallop and hit the line strongly to land the opener and remain unbeaten. Skiathos would show ability on debut to take second, albeit finishing two and a quarter lengths behind. Yorkies Dream would also run an acceptable race for third, taking that position away from Fareenar.

The race looked an one sided affair on paper and it would follow the script with an easy win for Pandemonium. Trained in Newmarket by the Simon and Ed Crisford partnership, the colt looks to be an exciting prospect for next year. The son of No Nay Never cost £350,000 as a yearling, so clearly caught the eye in the sales ring. He is the first foal of a lightly raced racemare who is related to Queen's Jewel, winner of the Group One Prix Saint-Alary. Pandemonium made his debut as recently as three weeks ago on soft ground at Yarmouth, Despite racing keenly that day, he quickened up nicely to win by over three lengths on that occasion and this would be more experience for the colt. Now successful in two small fields, this was a good educational outing and now the sights of connections will be aimed higher with the Group Three Horris Hill Stakes at Newbury later this month mentioned as the next target. That contest will be a true gauge of his ability.

Race Two: The Watch Live Racing On Racing TV Handicap (Div I) - Class Five - One Mile, Two Furlongs - Runners: 11
Next up would be a class five handicap over the medium distance of ten furlongs. The contest would feature some local favourites and well known faces at the level but it would also split into two divisions. Last year, the race would go the way of Dandy's Angel; a perennial winner for the John Wainwright stable.

Heading the weights in division one would be the filly Mighty Quiet, who carried the silks of Owners Group. Harry Charlton's four year old benefited for a return to softer ground by winning at Windsor and this appears to be her time of the year. A highly experienced runner would be the ten year old Jewel Maker for the Tim Easterby stable. This would a landmark 100th start for the gelding who hasn't shown signs of slowing recently and won emphatically at Catterick in September. The more lightly raced Tetsworth would represent the Julie Camacho stable, but he hasn't kicked on from a promising start to his career. The three year old has returned in midfield positions in his three starts during the summer. Another three year old in the lineup would be Craig Lidster's Four Fifty. After making a winning debut in April, he hadn't achieved much since but ran much better after a break at Doncaster when fourth over a mile last time out. The handicap newcomer would be Shipshape, running for leading trainer Ralph Beckett. He would make a long awaited return to action in this contest having last been seen in February, but has been gelded during the interim. The wave of three year olds would continue with Hugo Palmer's Condotti. The gelding has gone close to winning on a few occasions, but struggled on his latest start on heavy ground at Chester. Brian Ellison recently surpassed the 1,500 winners mark and is on his way to the next milestone. The Malton trainer would saddle Solar Bentley, who found a jolt of improvement to win over a mile and a half at Pontefract last week. The Ed Bethell stable often does well at Redcar and they would be represented by Velvet Whisper. The filly has shown a mixed bag of form so far, but has placed twice during her career so should win races in time. The Jennie Candlish yard would be represented by their three year old Implied Volatility, who has been largely disappointing this year. The gelding is bred to appreciate longer trips, so could enjoy his first try at this distance. Another veteran in the field would be the eleven-year-old Lunar Jet. Now trained by Steph Hollinshead, the gelding has shown form at a much higher level in years gone by, but has run just once this year so far. He is a renowned mudlark, so should appreciate the slower conditions. Completing the field would be another runner for Tim Easterby, Marry The Night. The three year old has gradually improved this year and landed his sole career win at this venue over a mile back in August. This would be a first attempt at this trip however.

Winner: JEWEL MAKER (#2) (Invincible Spirit x Sapphire) - D. Allan - T. Easterby

A field of eleven would go to post for part one of this competitive handicap as there was no alterations.

As the gates opened, the bottom weight Marry The Night blew the start and soon found himself trailing the field and his chances already looking slim. At the head of the pack, a bunch of three year olds would lead the way. Tetsworth would take advantage of his low draw and move into the lead after a furlong as Four Fifty and Condotti sat in a prominent position. Shipshape had to suffer from a wide draw and race on the outside as the pack rounded the long home bend. Race favourite Solar Bentley raced alongside Mighty Quiet and Implied Volatily in the ruck as Jewel Maker was another to start slowly and brought up the rear. As the race reached the point where the false rail cut away, Implied Volatility loomed on the outside but his challenge was a brief one. The leader Tetsworth kicked for home and suddenly opened up a lead of two lengths approaching the final furlong. Velvet Whisper would be the first to challenge down the middle of the track as Shipshape was also running a big race. Tetsworth would be grabbed by the chasing pack, but wouldn't go down without a fight. From a long way back, Jewel Maker arrived on the scene to make it a three way battle for the win. In a driving finish, heads would bob up and down but Jewel Maker gamely found a little more to hit the line in front. Velvet Whisper was unluckily demoted to second as Tetsworth bold sighter resulted in him taking third. Shipshape returned in fourth, albeit beaten just a length and a half overall.

In a field packed with unexposed three year olds, experience would come to the fore as the veteran Jewel Maker would take a milestone success on his 100th career start. The ten year old began his career way back in 2017 and was trained in Ireland during the infancy of his career. He would move to the Malton based stable of Tim Easterby in 2019 and he has since turned into a mainstay in the yard. Initially winning at a lower level on the all-weather, the gelding has been plying his trade around this sort of class throughout the years. With successes at Newcastle, Southwell, Pontefract, Carlisle, Haydock and Redcar, he has been a credit to connections and the stars aligned for this victory. 

Race Three: The Watch Racing Live On Racing TV Handicap (Div II) - Class Five - One Mile, Two Furlongs - Runners: 10

Division two of the middle distance handicap would see an equally competitive lineup compared to the first.

Carrying top weight would be the Jennie Candlish-trained Spartan Times. The four year old has been in excellent form this year, finding a huge amount of improvement on turf and winning three times this summer. He would run another good race last time when third at Chester over this distance. The three year old Arkleside has been frustrating for the Ed Bethell stable, but has also shown potential to appreciate longer distances. His best result came at Carlisle when staying on into third over a mile, offering hope that he will stay this new distance. The dual purpose stable of Oliver Greenall and Josh Guerriero are preparing for the upcoming jumps season, but would be represented by the handicap newcomer Token Love. The three year old ran well on his previous visit to Redcar, taking second, but disappointed at Chester on his most recent start. The former course winner Rwenearlytheredad made a return to the seaside venue, but would run over a new distance this time. Declan Carroll's five year old has won over a mile, but the former sprinter faced a new challenge here. Another Yorkshire based runner would be the Mark Walford-trained Bay Dream Believer, who enjoyed a profitable summer earlier in the year. The mare landed a hat trick in August, but has since struggled off his current handicap rating. The Kevin Frost-trained Onslow Gardens remains winless after eighteen starts, but has gone very close on a few occasions. The five year old was narrowly denied over a mile, but has shaped as if this distance will suit him. Masekela's winless streak has now surpassed four years and Tim Easterby's gelding has snatched defeat away from victory at times. He was left behind by Spartan Times when taking second on his latest start at Ripon over a mile and a half. The Geoff Harker-trained Powerful Response finished third in this race last year before adding two more placings on the all-weather at the end of 2024. The five year old hasn't been at this best this season, so hopes will be pinned on him returning to form in the latter stages of the calendar year. The likeable mare Dandy's Angel landed this race last season for John Wainwright and would defend her crown this year. The undulating track expert won once again at Beverley in July and has run well on a few occasions here in the past. Completing the line up in division two would be another handicap newcomer, this time representing top connections; Karl Burke's Showstorm. The three year old would make his first start in almost a whole year, having finished tailed off at York over six furlongs. The newly gelded runner is bred to do better over this sort of distance.

Winner: SPARTAN TIMES (#1) (Frontiersman x Lysander Belle) - W. Pyle - J. Candlish

Division two of the handicap would also see no alterations to the field and looked just as competitive as the first division.

The race would get away to a much more level break than the previous contest and Onslow Gardens made a sharp getaway to lead the field away. Powerful Response would share second with three year olds Showstorm and Arkleside as the pack tightened up for the home bend. As they exited the long left handed bend, Masekela, Bay Dream Believer and Token Love would watch on from the rear. As the dolled rail would end two furlongs out, the pack began to fan out. Spartan Times moved forward to eyeball Onslow Gardens, travelling smoothly under Will Pyle. At the final furlong pole, the majority of the pack were all hard ridden, with the exception of Spartan Times. The leader was able to freely choose his moment to quicken and did so in smart style. He put daylight between himself and the strong finishing Bay Dream Believer, but the race was already sealed. Spartan Times hit the line almost three lengths to the good with Bay Dream Believer "winning" the race for second from the long time time leader Onslow Gardens. Masekela would see the race out well once again, but could only manage fourth.

The team at the Jennie Candlish stable in Staffordshire have worked wonders to improve this four year old in such a short time as the gelding recorded his fifth success since June. The son of Frontiersman had shown limited form in the early stages of his career, with a best finish of third at Wolverhampton in January this year. With a lack of promise shown, he would switch his attentions to hurdling; making his debut in that discipline at Worcester in May. Despite finishing fifth, he ran well that day and returned to the Midlands course a month later to land his first victory. With the confidence achieved from that landmark win, the four year old hasn't looked back since. Returning to the flat later in the month, he would record three more victories with two of them by wide margins at Ffos Las and Ripon. Taking in a class four at Chester last time out, he ran well once again when a close third over a longer trip. This win came off a rating 20lbs higher than his first winning rating which shows the rate of progression he has made as well as showing the talents of his rising stable.

Race Four: The William Hill Two Year Old Trophy Stakes - Listed Race - 2-Y-O Only - Six Furlongs - Runners: 15

One of Redcar's biggest races of the year would take place on its usual early October spot. First run in 1993, the quality of this listed race has improved in recent years and is regularly supported by leading stables. Former winners of this race include Group One winner Pipalong and brilliant sprinter Somnus during the early 2000's, Group race winning mare Ladies Are Forever in 2010, the high class Limato in 2014 and a Royal Ascot winner Chipotle in 2022. The cavalry charge saw a surprise winner last year as Richard Spencer's Candy made all the running to a sweet success. He would then make his mark this year by winning the Ayr Silver Cup recently, boosting the reputation of this race in the process.

The class of 2025 would be headed by the grey colt Exclamation, who has been largely consistent. The star of Grace Harris's stable placed in the Brocklesby at the start of the year and would aim to end the season on a high having finishing fifth in the Flying Childers Stakes last time out. Hugo Palmer's Ardisia is another juvenile who made an early start to the season, but continues to improve recently. A third in a big sales race at York sits between two nursery handicap wins at the Goodwood and Ayr festivals. Last year's winning trainer Richard Spencer would aim Born Slippy at this year's renewal, but arrived in lesser form than last year's winner. The colt appears exposed with just one win, but finished third at Ayr last time out. Clive Cox completed the York sales race and Two Year Old Trophy double in 2023 with Dragon Leader and would aim to do it again with Song Of The Clyde. Racing in the Middleham Park Racing silks, the colt has improved with each start, winning nicely at York and then getting touched off in a similar race at Doncaster's St Leger Festival. An unknown quantity in the line up would be Tim Easterby's filly Storm Esme. She would make a perfect start to her career with a stylish victory on debut at Newcastle recently and is seemingly well regarded. A second runner for the Clive Cox stable would be Inca Heights, who make a winning first start at Newbury in April, but has been exposed in better company so far. Another graduate from the season opening Brocklesby to race here would be Brian Ellison's Kanishka. He would get off the mark at sixth attempt at Newcastle, but struggled in a valuable York nursery handicap last time out. The first of two runners for Malton trainer Craig Lidster would be the maiden Straight Ahead. The colt has improved to take second on his last two starts, albeit over five furlongs and stepped back up in trip and grade. Richard Fahey has never won this race, but continues to try hard. He would be represented by the filly Cotai Belle, who looked to be progressing with a pair of wins during the summer, but was outclassed in sales races at Newbury and York recently. Kevin Ryan's filly Isle Of Fernandez brought Group quality form to the table and has been heading the right way this season. After breaking her maiden on fourth start, she would run an excellent race at Ayr when third in a Group Three two weeks ago. An intriguing runner would come in the form of Andrew Balding's Mystical Eye. The colt made his debut just three days ago, but showed promise by overcoming greenness and taking fourth. This would be a stiff test, but is well thought of. Another good quality filly in the line up would be Hollywood Treasure, in the purple silks of Amo Racing. She would cause a surprise by winning a listed race over five furlongs, but struggled on heavy ground on latest start in France. The locally based stable of Michael Dods would be represented by Magistery, a filly who won at a much lower level earlier in the season before taking a midfield finish in an Ayr handicap last time. Ed Walker's maiden Golden Brown looked to be improving with each start and his best effort came in a nursery handicap at Glorious Goodwood. He would then take sixth in a York sales race, but could only manage a midfield spot at Doncaster last time out. A second runner for the Craig Lidster stable would be the experienced Arduis Invicta. The filly took a while to win, but has improved quickly since then. Taking a second win at Musselburgh, she would then return in third in a similar race at Ayr last time out. Completing the line up would be Tim Easterby's smart filly Argentine Tango. She has been a tough sort this year and after winning a listed race, she would go on to place in Group Two company, but her form has dropped off slightly recently.

Winner: ARDISIA (#2) (Ardad x Garraun) - O. Orr - H. Palmer

The biggest race of the year at Redcar had finally come around and the field would be reduced by one just minutes before the start as Hollywood Treasure was withdrawn due to the softer ground.

A good quality field of fifteen would go to post and a prominent position would be key. As the gates opened, the pack migrated to the far side once again; continuing the theme of the afternoon. The filly Isle Of Fernandez would go straight into the lead under Tom Eaves and was joined by Arduis Invicta, who raced on the rail. Argentine Tango and Song Of The Clyde would be two more fancied runners to the fore as Storm Esme was rousted forward to sit handily after a hesitant start. Towards the rear, Mystical Eye's blindfold would catch on the gate which hampered his start, compromising his race position and giving him an uphill task. The pack would charge towards the grandstands and the race remained wide open approaching the final furlong pole. Argentine Tango surpassed Isle Of Fernandez for the lead as Song Of The Clyde's keen going ways proved costly and he began to retreat. As it looked set for another Tim Easterby success in the race, Ardisia was the last to challenge under a strong drive, taking the lead inside the final half furlong. The race was far from over as Golden Brown emerged from the pack to challenge late on, but Ardisia had done enough to hold on and would take the crown. Golden Brown ran another excellent race as he searches for an elusive first win, taking second just ahead of Argentine Tango and Isle Of Fernandez.

It would be a first victory in the race for the Hugo Palmer stable, who are often a source of tough juveniles. The colt's season began way back in early April, where he looked a precocious sort at Musselburgh by quickening smartly and win going away. On his second start, he looked unlucky at Pontefract in novice company where he was slowly away but finished well; which set up a tilt at the Lily Agnes Conditions Stakes at the stable's local track Chester. He would run well against similar sorts to take fourth before taking a second victory at Salisbury on his next start. A pair of heavy defeats in Windsor Castle Stakes at Royal Ascot and Newbury's Super Sprint suggested that his limit had been exposed, but a step up to six furlongs saw a change of fortune. Handling the softer ground, he would enjoy the extra furlong and win a valuable handicap at Goodwood. Following on from that success, he ran another excellent race to take third in a sales race at the Ebor meeting in August and continued his liking for festivals by winning another nursery handicap at Ayr's Gold Cup meeting. With a record that now stands at five wins from ten starts, he has been a credit to his trainer's aggressive campaign. As early season juveniles begin to fade at the end of the season, Ardisia continues to find improvement. His tough and determined attitude should see him transfer his form into next year and beyond.

Race Five: The Racing TV EBF Stallions Gainsborough Stakes - Listed Race - Seven Furlongs - Runners: 9
The second listed event of the card would see the older horses take to the stage with this often competitive contest for seven furlong specialists. Sitting nicely at the end of the season, the race is viewed as a bridge between high class handicappers and horses who haven't been able to cut it at Group company so far and the eleven runners would possess a high level of ability. Last year, the race took place on soft ground and saw the Ralph Beckett-trained Grey's Monument just hold on for the win.

The 2025 renewal would be headed by Grey's Monument who put his crown on the line. The five year old hasn't been seen much on track since his win here twelve months ago and hasn't achieved much on track either. Despite this, he would return to a venue he seemingly likes and is fresher than some of his rivals. The six time winner Myal has been a credit to his trainer Steph Hollinshead as he landed class two handicaps earlier in the season before taking an excellent fourth at Royal Ascot. He was outclassed on his last two starts, albeit in strong handicaps at Newmarket and York. A second runner for the Ralph Beckett stable would be the four year old Palmar Bay. The gelding has shown good form in handicaps and was successful at Chester and Chelmsford and is a pure seven furlong specialist. This would be his first attempt in stakes company. The Kevin Ryan-trained Room Service graduated through the handicap system and won a listed event at Doncaster at the end of 2024 and has taken his form to a new level this year. The four year old took second in Group Three company at York in June, but struggled on soft ground at Doncaster last time. Mick Appleby's smart runner Royal Zabeel won at this level in March on the all-weather, but has struggled to match the form on turf. Despite this, he would land a handicap at Newmarket in August and was badly hampered when last in a similar race at York. A second runner for the Kevin Ryan stable would be Volterra, another who has improved this year. After an impressive handicap win on this day last year, he has since placed at Group Three level before an unfortunate second at Newbury in a similar event. The Newmarket stable of Simon and Ed Crisford won this in 2020 with the talented Ostilio and were represented this year by Great Dream. The three year old has been a slow burner so far but has improved nicely on the all-weather. He would land his first win at Newcastle, but had the run of the race that day. The Richard Fahey-trained filly Tropical Island has an all-or-nothing profile, but is talented when on song. She would pick up a valuable listed race at Galway two starts ago, but ran too keenly at Pontefract last time when tailed off. Godolphin have won this race three times in the last twenty years and this year the "boys in blue" would rely on Saeed bin Suroor's Dubai Beach. The grey filly has been very progressive on the all-weather, but has raced on turf just once where she looked unlucky on that occasion. This would be a chance for valuable black type. Another female in the field would be the Ed Bethell-trained Elim, who made a belated seasonal reappearance. The five year old improved last year without winning as she placed in Group Three company and then a listed race exactly twelve months ago which was her last race. Completing the lineup would be Brian Ellison's three year old Perfect Part. She would cause a huge shock by winning a conditions race on debut last year, but has produced smart form since then. Her best finish of fourth came in listed company and connections won this race in 2013.

Winner: ELIM (#10) (Make Believe x Majestic Queen) - C. Beasley - E. Bethell

The good quality action would continue with this second listed race of the afternoon, but the field would be reduced by two owing to the ground - Royal Zabeel and Dubai Beach.

As the wind began to pick up once again, it would provide cross-wind gusts and uncomfortable conditions for the horses. Kevin Ryan would hold a strong grip on the race as his runners Volterra and Room Service sat at the top of the market and it would be Volterra would led the field along in the opening stages. Last year's winner Grey's Monument sat in a share of second alongside Tropical Island as Myal was also in the firing line. The filly Perfect Part would miss the break by a fraction of a second, but it put her on the back foot in the early stages. She would be joined at the rear by Great Dream as Room Service gave his supporters cause for concern by racing lazily throughout the opening half of the race; getting scrubbed along by Tom Eaves. Those at the head of the field bore the brunt of the gusts, but still travelled well. Volterra had dictated the pace until the final furlong marker but was joined by Myal, who looked a big threat on his first try at listed company. As the two leaders went eye to eye, the mare Elim also laid down her challenge and swooped past the two inside the final furlong. The momentum took her to the lead and she would cross the line three parts of a length to the good. Myal would run an excellent race upped in grade to take second as Volterra ran with credit and was rewarded with third. In a race where not many horses landed a blow, Grey's Monument kept on at the same pace to take fourth. 

The last time Elim was seen in action was on this weekend exactly one year ago, where she took part in a seven furlong race at Ascot for fillies. It would be an excellent training performance by the Ed Bethell team to get the five year old back to her best for her first start in 364 days. Last year was a season of close calls for the daughter of Make Believe as she showed smart form without winning. After taking sixth in a competitive Royal Ascot handicap last summer, she would take third over a mile at Pontefract and then second in the Group Three Sceptre Stakes at Doncaster's St Leger Festival. She has always been a talented mare and this would be her third win from eleven starts. There is the potential to add another victory on turf before the end of the year as a fresh horse, but she has now landed an all important black type race for her prospective broodmare career in the future.

Race Six: The Marske Fabrications & Engineering Straight-MIle Handicap Series Final - Class Two - One Mile - Runners: 12

Another feature of this fixture would be the climax of Redcar's championship handicap over the straight mile in which today's competitors made themselves eligible for throughout the season. Those lining up in the Final simply had to compete in a qualifying event at Redcar during the previous meetings and they would come together to determine the king of Redcar's straight track. The nature of the event also attracts some old favourites and course specialists and it has been won in the past by the likes of Give It Some Teddy, Kiwi Bay and Father Bertie, all of whom won the race twice. Last year, the contest would go to the progressive three year old Naepoint for the Ed Bethell stable.

This year's renewal would see the resurgent Rhythm Master carry top weight for trainer Geoff Oldroyd. The seven year old isn't at the same level as he once was, but he was gradually worked his way back to form this season, finishing in the placings in two qualifying races here. He would produce an off day on his latest start however. Jennie Candlish has enjoyed a career-best season this year and would saddle the four year old Debora's Dream. He has gone well at this venue in the past, including a second two starts ago before winning over ten furlongs last time out. David O'Meara is regularly spotted with runners at Redcar and he would aim for this valuable prize with Rajapour. The former French based gelding has run well in defeat this year, finishing second at York and a close fifth at Southwell a few weeks ago. Tim Easterby has an excellent record in this race, winning seven renewals of this race since 2005. The first of his representatives would be Barley, who made a quick return to action. The six year old has hit the post on a number of occasions this year but found trouble in running last weekend at Newcastle. His stablemate Leadenhall fared much better in the Newcastle contest when third last week and the five year old has started to live up to his potential. After successes at Haydock and Pontefract this year, he has also developed the habit of finishing fourth this year. A second runner for the David O'Meara team would be the three year old Donna Nook. The filly won for the only time in Ireland last year and has gone well during a short spell for the Helmsley stable. After taking second two starts ago, she would fail to stay the extra distance over ten furlongs at Ayr and quickly reverted to a mile. Michael Dods has also seen plenty of success in this race in previous years and would be represented this year by Boy Douglas. The five year old is an Ayr specialist as all five of his wins have come at the Scottish venue, but he hasn't been at his best in recent starts as well as during his previous visits to Redcar. A third runner for Tim Easterby would be course and distance winner Double Parked. The three year old improved nicely through the season and all three of his wins so far have come at Redcar. He wasn't beaten far at York last time out, but returned to his favourite place here. Another to compete at Newcastle last weekend would be the Sam England-trained Mr Mistoffelees. The quirky five year old has been placed more times than he has won and usually needs everything to drop his way during the races. Yet another runner for the Tim Easterby yard would be Mount King, a reliable handicapper at a lower level who has yet to finish higher than fourth in all starts at Redcar. He would add two more victories at Pontefract to his CV. Sam England would be another trainer with multiple entries as she also saddled Jez Bomb. The four year old has been ultra-consistent this year and won twice in his last four starts, albeit at a lower level. John Wainwright's Eetee is another course and distance winner in the line up having scored here in June, his third win at the North East venue. His latest run at Doncaster would prove disappointing however. Completing the line up would be the fifth and final Tim Easterby runner, Poet's Dawn. The highly experienced ten year old has been in good form despite his advancing years, winning at Beverley and Carlisle before finishing on the scene on numerous occasions. A win in this contest would be a popular one for those involved. 

Winner: DEBORA'S DREAM (#2) (Sioux Nation x Duljanah) - W. Pyle - J. Candlish

A full quota of thirteen would line up for the final of the popular series at Redcar as it provided the meeting point for course specialists.

Starting at the very far end of the home straight, amongst the housing estate, the race would get underway to a decent break. Double Parked would go into the early lead under David Allan and was joined by the much older Rhythm Master. Mr Mistoffelees would show his quirky side again by starting slowly, but it wouldn't be such a harsh punishment as the pace was a steady one. Barley and Poet's Dawn would join their stablemate near the head of the field along with Debora's Dream and Boy Douglas. The field remained tightly packed throughout the race, but things would begin to heat up approaching the final two furlongs. Debora's Dream moved forward to race alongside Double Parked and they would soon have the race between themselves. Going head to head inside the final furlong, Debora's Dream began to find a little extra under Will Pyle and got the better of Double Parked. From further back, Jez Bomb quickened up and finished strongly, but it was too little too late as Debora's Dream landed the final of the series. It would be a female trained one-two as Jez Bomb took second for the Sam England yard ahead of Double Parked, who continued his affinity with Redcar in third. Mr Mistoffelees would defy his slow start with a fast finish into fourth. 

It would be a double for the Jennie Candlish stable, who have been in sparkling form all year. The Stoke-based yard recently surpassed their previous highest tally of winners and would crown off a memorable season with a first listed race success earlier in the week with their stable star Alzahir. The dual purpose stable have made a named for themselves by improving horses who have previously lost their way and another example would be shown here with Debora's Dream. Starting out his career with the Roger Varian stable, the son of Sioux Nation showed decent form without looking a bright talent and finished his time at that yard with three wins. Moving north to the Candlish stable towards the end of 2024, the progress wasn't immediate but he would show flashes of promise. After a frustrating period during the summer, he would finish second over course and distance to Double Parked in August which cemented his place in the field. The four year old returned to this seaside venue a few weeks ago to win over ten furlongs so he arrived in top form. Knuckling down to a game success, this would be the latest big race win for his trainer. 

Race Seven: The Market Cross Jewellers Handicap - Class Four - One Mile, Six Furlongs - Runners: 7

The penultimate contest of the afternoon would see the focus turn to stamina with this interesting race for improving stayers. It would also see the younger generation of stayers take on their elder counterparts as connections look towards next year and beyond. Last year, the three year old Open Secret would grind out a clear cut success for the Charlie Johnston stable before transferring to Ireland this year.

The Crafty Mole ran a poor race in last year's contest, but David O'Meara's stayer returned this year hoping to make amends despite carrying top weight. The four year old overcame a mid season slump in form to win twice in his last three starts; at Newmarket and Ripon. The first of the three year olds would come in the shape of Andrew Balding's Peaky Blinder. The colt shaped nicely in novice company, suggesting he would appreciate longer trips, but he was unable to land a blow on handicap company at Newcastle. This would be just his second try on turf. Another potential improver in the line up would be Hughie Morrison's three year old Sourdough. He has improved with experience and went close on his latest start at Lingfield where he finished strongly into second over a mile and half, so he ventured further up in distance. Last year's winning trainer Charlie Johnston would aim to repeat the feat this year with another three year old, Atlantic Sunset. He is bred to be much better than this level, but has managed just one career win so far which came at Newmarket in June. Connections have gelded him since his last run where he ran poorly in search of an improvement. Tim Easterby's flotilla of runners on the day would continue with the six year old Kitsune Power. Despite not winning for a while, the gelding has proven himself to be a solid type at this level and has placed over similar distances this year to suggest he is still holding his form. The oldest horse in the field would be Red Derek for the small scale yard of Lisa Williamson. The nine year old still holds just two career wins to date but has placed at this venue in the past. He would run a better race last time out when staying on strongly into third in a similar contest at Haydock. Completing the line up would be the improving three year old Division Day for the Brian Ellison yard. The gelding is bred for staying trips and arrives here on the verge of a hat trick following wins over course and distance and then Southwell a week ago.

Winner: PEAKY BLINDER (#2) (Soldier Hollow x Peri) - C. Hutchinson - A. Balding

The testing weather conditions would start to have an effect on the crowd attendance as some made a bee line for the exits, but the racing action carried on at pace. 

The longest contest of the afternoon would get underway and it would be the older generation who landed the first blow. Nine year old Red Derek broke from his gate smartly to lead. Next came a pair of three year olds Division Day and Peaky Blinder, but Atlantic Sunrise was slow to break and brought up the rear. As the field navigated the bend away from the stands, Red Derek began to open up a gap down the back straight. His rivals were happy to let the leader gallop on and Red Derek was soon a good five lengths clear approaching the home bend. Peaky Blinder would remain in second along with Division Day and the smooth travelling Sourdough, as Red Derek continued on his merry way. The leader began to tread on water approaching two furlongs out and Division Day halved the gap before taking a narrow lead. As the pace increased, The Crafty Mole would be caught off guard at a crucial moment as his rivals got away. On the running rail, Peaky Blinder finished strongly under Callum Hutchinson and began to pull clear of Division Day. The lightly raced colt had enough left in the tank to win comfortably, finishing a length and a half clear of Division Day. Red Derek's bold bid paid off with a third placed finish as The Crafty Mole rallied for a never nearer fourth.

It would be a worthwhile trip north for the Andrew Balding stable as they found a winning opportunity for their three year old Peaky Blinder, who was winning for the first time in the process. The colt made his debut back in April at Newbury, taking part in a long distance maiden which featured some subsequently smart types. He would improve into third on his next start but was still beaten a long way, but ran much better on third start at Kempton with another third place behind a pair of well bred colts Sea Of Kings and Skimmer. Making his handicap debut on his most recent start at Newcastle, he was outpaced halfway down the home straight. He would bravely fight back close home, but the damage was done already as he took a modest ninth. Returning to the North East, this new trip of fourteen furlongs was always going to suit this stoutly bred colt. A distant relative to Palmas, winner of the German Oaks four year ago, the family contains some other very smart stayers from Europe. On the day where the Balding stable announced the retirement of staying star Coltrane, this colt has a long way to go to fill the gap, but he should continue to run well in long distance contests through the winter and into next year.

Race Eight: The Watch Replays On RacingTV.com Handicap - Class Four - Five Furlongs - Runners: 10

The closing contest would see this valuable meeting end on a high with a competitive handicap over the minimum trip of five furlongs. The speed test would also require plenty of stamina as conditions underfoot will be at their worst for this final race. Despite this, three year olds were able to take on their older rivals once again. Twelve months ago, the Katie Scott-trained Curious Rover made every yard of the running to blaze to success.

The Scottish based runner would be a non-runner this time around, which meant a new name would go on the trophy. The weights would be headed by the unexposed three year old Goyard from the David O'Meara stable. The son of Mehmas looked a nice prospect with two wins in novice company, but ran disappointingly on his handicap debut which meant he needed to bounce back here. Another three year old would be the Robert Cowell-trained Lexington Blitz, who possesses some good efforts in defeat this year. The colt has remained in decent form of late with a pair of seconds recently. The mare Sugar Hill Babe has been in decent for this summer for the Lisa Williamson stable, finishing in the top four in most of her starts this year. She would push a decent filly close over course and distance two starts ago, but weakened quickly on her latest start. Paul Midgley's horses are regularly seen at this sort of level and he would be represented by the chestnut Ventura Express. The well travelled eight year old hasn't won for a while, but strung together a series of good efforts this year when going down narrowly at places such as Newcastle and Pontefract. An old favourite of the Northern circuit would be Michael Dods's eleven year old Dakota Gold. The much loved veteran plies his trade at this level nowadays, but still holds his form well as shown at Ripon at the start of the year where he landed his latest victory. He would show encouragement back on soft ground last time out at Doncaster. Another three year old would be Mission Command from the Jennie Candlish yard. The gelding has yet to add to the two wins he recorded last season, but has run well on more than one occasion for current connections. Alligator Alley is another who has enjoyed a long and productive career and now finds himself under the care of Ruth Carr. The eight year old returned in second on three starts in a row, including at Redcar in June which suggests his turn is coming soon. Michael Dods would also saddle the six year old Emeralds Pride, another former course winner. The mare has plenty of form at this level and was successful at Beverley three starts ago. She would back that effort up with a pair of solid placings on her last two starts so remained in good spirit. Another elder statesman would be the ten year old Spoof, trained by Kevin Frost. His season was cut short during 2024, but he produced a best effort of fourth in a class two event at York. This year, he has only been seen in action twice and shaped with promise when fourth last time out. A second runner for Paul Midgely would American Bay, who took advantage of an easy opportunity to win his first race here in 2024. Since joining his current trainer, the four year old has won at Thirsk, but shown a bit of inconsistency of late. Completing the lineup would be another Yorkshire legend, the Tim Easterby-trained Copper Knight. Despite reaching eleven years of age, the punters' favourite has remained as good as ever this year, winning at Pontefract and Chester with plenty of excellent placed efforts subsequently. He would run well again at Ripon when second last time and the roof would be raised if he were to win.
Winner: COPPER KNIGHT (#12) (Sir Prancealot x Mystic Dawn) - D. Allan - T. Easterby

The finale would be reduced further in numbers as American Bay joined last year's winner Curious Rover on the sidelines, but a host of old favourites took their place.

The far side running rail had been the place to be throughout the afternoon, but the shortest race on the card there would be a few differences of opinion. As the gates opened, a small group of three opted to run straight on the stands side which was made of Copper Knight, Lexington Blitz and Sugar Hill Babe. The remaining seven runners would converge on the far side which prompted doubt in some of the riders on the near side. Lexington Blitz and Sugar Hill Babe abandoned Copper Knight and began to switch to the far side group at halfway. Mission Command originally held the lead of the larger group but was soon joined by Lexington Blitz and Dakota Gold as the final furlong loomed large. The race looked wide open as Copper Knight remained in contention despite racing alone on the near side. Lexington Blitz began to get the better of Mission Command and looked set to win the contest, but Copper Knight flashed home to snatch victory under David Allan. The somewhat unlucky Lexington Blitz would take second once again, just ahead of Mission Control and another veteran Alligator Alley returned in fourth.

It would be the most heart warming result of the afternoon as the legendary Copper Knight raised the roof with his eighteenth race victory. From a career that began in 2016, the diminutive speedster has won numerous times at class two level and won the listed City Walls Stakes at York in 2019. Tim Easterby's eleven year old is best known for his affinity at York where he holds the title for most race wins at the venue with seven, but he is also handy at Chester with five wins there as well. Despite his ageing years, Copper Knight has remained at his best this year; finishing out of the top four in just two of his previous twelve starts this season. With more success at Pontefract and Chester back in June, he doesn't know when to give up and has the potential to line up at his beloved York next weekend in top form.