Race One: The Sky Bet Strensall Stakes - Group Three - One Mile, One Furlong - Runners: 8

A big crowd would descend on the Knavesmire as York opened the doors for the fourth and final time this week, Ebor day. The popularity of the race with the locals would see a bustling crowd taking up every vantage point in the grandstands and the meeting would kick off with a classy Group Three, the Strensall Stakes. Taking place over the rarely used nine furlong distance, this middle distance contest joined the Ebor Festival lineup in 2008 and has since been won by some well known faces who have gone on to perform on the world stage. The list of Group One winners to have won this race continues to grow with the likes of Lord Glitters, Zaaki, Mustashry winning this between 2017 and 2019 while Alflaila and Spirit Dancer have won very good races in their own right. Last year would see the high class filly See The Fire win this easily and returned to the Knavesmire this week to compete in the Juddmonte International. 

The class of 2025 would see a blend of progressive handicaps and established Group performers and Karl Burke's Boiling Point would head the field. The colt has always promised to be a high class sort, but has proven frustrating to date. He would return home only fourth in a listed contest at Pontefract last month. The late developing Bullet Point has been a progressive handicapper for the William Haggas stable and moved into Group company for the first time. The four year old was in winning action here two days ago in a valuable handicap so made a quick turnaround. The popular six year old  Checkandchallenge lined up here from the William Knight stable. Despite not winning for nearly two years now, he finished third in this contest last year and has placed in three listed races this year. Wathnan Racing's silks would be on display with Harry Charlton's gelding King's Gambit. The four year old looked to be heading to the top last year, but still hasn't won since last year's London Gold Cup. He would run much better at Royal Ascot last time when a fast finishing third in a listed race. Another progressive handicapper to make the leap to the next level would be Ed Dunlop's Skukuza. The four year old enjoyed two successful raids to Ireland, including a listed race win at the Curragh, but was very disappointing in the Golden Mile at Goodwood last time. There would be a strong bunch of three year olds for this contest, including Bowmark for the John and Thady Gosden. After an impressive debut win, the Kingman colt would add a second win in novice company here back in May and was last seen finishing down the field in the French Derby in June. Last year's winning trainer Andrew Balding would saddle the three year old Gladius here and the colt is another who is sharply on the rise. He would have the race sewn up in handicap company before holding on at the line to make it three wins from four starts. Completing the line up would be Richard Hannon's King Of Cities. The one time winner ran an excellent race in the Fielden Stakes over this trip in April and placed once more in the listed Glorious Stakes at Goodwood at the start of the month.

Winner: KING OF CITIES (Dubawi x Ajman Princess) (#8) - S. Levey - R. Hannon

All eight runners would take their place in the opening line up, including Thursday's winner Bullet Point. for whom his connections opted to aim for a quickfire double.

The intriguing contest would get underway to a good break and from the outset, the older horse Boiling Point was sent into the lead under Clifford Lee. The gallop would be just a sensible one, but it meant that a number of horses raced keenly in the opening exchanges. Shadowing the leader would be all of the three year olds, Bowmark, King Of Cities and Gladius who raced wider than ideal down the tree lined straight. Bullet Point would also sit handily along with Skukuza as King's Gambit and Checkandchallenge brought up the rear. There would be little change in the order as each horse was running comfortably within themselves. Halfway down the straight, Gladius began to move forward and press the leaders under Oisin Murphy. He would be joined by Bullet Point who moved threateningly into contention, but the front running Boiling Point and King Of Cities kept moving forward. The race began to heat up approaching the final furlong as King Of Cities quickened up well to take over in front, the colt began to pull a length clear but still had a fair way to go until the line. Boiling Point refused to give in and rallied back inside the final furlong as Skukuza began to motor home as well. There would be a thrilling final fifty yards as the three horses crossed the line together in a blend of yellow and light blue silks. After a long wait, the judge announced that the win would go to King Of Cities, who had just done enough by a head. It would be a great start for Sheikh Mohammed Obaid al Maktoum as he would own the first and second with Boiling Point running an excellent race. Skukuza was outpaced briefly but finished strongly into third while Gladius ran a respectable race to take fourth on first try at this grade.

It would be a welcome return to form for the colt King Of Cities, who threatened to win a big race earlier in the season, but things wouldn't go his way. The Richard Hannon-trained three year old claimed his only other win as a two year old last season, but started this year promisingly with a close second in the Fielden Stakes at Newmarket in April. That would set up a tilt at the French Derby, but after being held up early on, he finished no better than midfield. Returning to this sort of level during the summer, he ran only moderately when third at Newmarket in July and last time out, he contested a messy race at Goodwood in which he took third once again. The son of Dubawi comes from a top class family, most notably as a half brother to top sprinter Inisherin and distant relative to the excellent Triple Time, Ostilio and Cape Byron. With an overdue victory sealed, connections will be hoping that King of Cities can kick on now. A potential trip to Bahrain for their international festival could be on the cards in November, a path taken by 2023's winner Spirit Dancer.

Race Two: The Sky Bet Melrose Heritage Handicap - Class Two - One Mile, Six Furlongs - Runners: 12

Next up would be the first of the strong handicaps and the Melrose Stakes would provide clues for the Ebor Handicap both later in the afternoon and in years to come. The three year old restricted handicap takes place over the same course and distance as the Ebor and a win here would guarantee their place in next year's lineup. The class two heritage handicap can also produce high class stayers of the future as well as turning into a source for novice hurdlers. Last year, the race was won in excellent style by the Tom Clover-trained Tabletalk, who had competed in the Epsom Derby earlier in the season and has placed in a couple of Group Three races so far this year.

Heading the weights in this year's renewal would be Boatswain from the Simon and Ed Crisford stable. After an easy success on debut in January and hasn't run badly on the whole this season. He would finish a respectable fourth over this distance at Sandown last time out. The National Hunt based yard of Alan King would saddle Daiquiri Bay in this contest. The son of New Bay was an impressive winner at Chester in May and bounced back from a low key run at Royal Ascot with a fourth at Goodwood, shaping as if this distance would suit better. Carrying the Juddmonte silks would be the well bred Tarriance for the Andrew Balding stable. The son of Frankel has improved in three starts since his debut and looks to be a strong stayer having won gamely at Sandown over this trip last time out. Charlie Johnston's runners are a regular sight in staying handicaps and he would be represented by the improving Pole Star. The son of Teofilo has shown he is versatile with ground conditions and arrives here on the verge of a hat trick of wins. He landed a valuable handicap at Haydock before following up at Yarmouth last time. A second Juddmonte runner would come in the form of Ralph Beckett's Cape Breton. The gelded son of Frankel has raced at York before, but finished a modest sixth in May. Since then, he was a wide margin winner two starts ago before running well at a similar level at Goodwood recently. Another from the Andrew Balding stable would be the progressive Fantasy World. The gelding has been a slow burner so far but has won his last two races, the first in clear cut fashion and most recently when battling hard for the win at Yarmouth. There would be a Royal runner in this prestigious contest with Andrew Balding's Golden Handshake. After making a poor debut earlier in the year, the Zarak gelding hasn't looked back with two successive wins of late. Jim Boyle's stable star Many Men has been a solid stayer this year After winning twice at Doncaster earlier in the season, he would then improve further to win nicely over two miles at Ascot on his latest start. Grant Tuer's filly Love Talk lined up in the colours of Nick Bradley Racing and has also gained plenty of experience. The two time winner has some pieces of high class form including two starts ago when third in the Lancashire Oaks. The unexposed Talismans Time has been heading the right way this year and after breaking his maiden tag on seasonal reappearance, Ed Bethell's gelding was a wide margin winner over a similar trip last time out. A second runner for the Charlie Johnston stable would be Novelista, who completed the line up. The chestnut remains a maiden, but has been unlucky not to win so far with numerous placings to his name, including behind Pole Star and Many Men.

Winner: TARRIANCE (Frankel x Visit) (#3) - C. Keane - A. Balding

There would be another full line up as all thirteen runners stood their ground and this bunch of promising stayers would duke it out on the Knavesmire.

As the gates opened, the Juddmonte-owned Cape Breton would dispute the early lead with Wathnan Racing's Sea Of Kings along the back straight. The hard-to-miss orange silks of Talismans Tales was also right up there with the leaders early on and they would be joined by Fantasy World, who overcame a slightly sluggish start. The pace would be a normal one and the order would remain the same until the field rounded the home bend and entered the straight with the grandstands ahead of them. Cape Breton's time in front began to come to an end as the challengers loomed large. Daiquiri Bay was in the right position to strike and took over the lead at the two furlong pole, travelling smoothly. From further back, Many Men had quietly crept through the field and emerged with a good challenge approaching the final furlong. Last to play his hand would be the well fancied Tarriance, who caused the volume to rise in the grandstands as he laid down his challenge. Tarriance and Many Men would then go eye to eye inside the final furlong, exchanging blows in a brilliant battle. As the line approached quickly, there would be little to choose from between the two horses and another photo finish was called. After a lengthy wait, Tarriance's number was called the winner and he had prevailed by the narrowest of margins. Many Men would go out on his sword in second and the first two pulled a good distance clear of third, which went to Daiquiri Bay. After helping to set the pace early, Sea of Kings would take a modest fourth.
The Juddmonte operation curiously didn't have any runners in the previous three days of the meeting, given their close association with York racecourse but their first runner of the week would be a winning one. It would be yet another victory at York this year for the Andrew Balding stable as he looks to successfully defend his leading trainer title at this venue. As for Tarriance, the son of Frankel has progressed rapidly since his debut in April. After showing promise at Leicester when third on his first start, he showed plenty of staying power by winning easily at Beverley on his second start. He would suffer a reversal next time at Doncaster once again, but has developed since then. On his latest start at Sandown, he would face this trip for the first time and ground out a narrow win in determined style. He had to roll his sleeves up to win here, but did so in the style of a high class stayer in the making. A shot at the St Leger was ruled out by Andrew Balding, but instead he has set his sights on Cup races in the future for Tarriance, just like their popular stayer Coltrane who won this race in 2020.

Race Three: The Sky Bet City Of York Stakes - Group One - Seven Furlongs - Runners: 10
One of the highlights of the final day of the Ebor Festival would begin a new era as the City Of York Stakes has been upgraded to a the highest level for this season. The seven furlong test was previously run as a Group Two, but the lack of a domestic Group One race over seven furlongs prompted the authorities to grant the wish of many involved in the sport. Since the turn of the decade, some high class names of the turf have taken this prize, including Space Blues and Kinross on two occasions, but last year saw a surprise win for the filly Breege, who gave John and Sean Quinn a second win in the race since 2020

Despite the presence of the Group Two Hungerford Stakes at Newbury over the same distance taking place a week earlier, the City Of York Stakes would a mouthwatering lineup of the highest quality. Heading the racecard would be the Mick Appleby-trained Annaf. The six year old has been an excellent sprinter in the last few years, winning the Portland and valuable prize in the Middle East but moved up in distance for a rare start over seven furlongs here. The quirky Audience was previously regarded as a seven furlong specialist for the John and Thady Gosden stable and finished second in this race in 2022. He would then take a shock win in the Lockinge over a mile last year but wasn't at his best since then. He would show signs of his old self when fourth in the Lennox at Goodwood last time out. The Wiliam Haggas-trained Lake Forest won the Gimcrack Stakes at this meeting two years ago before landing a prestigious race in Australia last year. This year has been a frustrating one, but the highs include a fifth in the Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot and second in the Lennox Stakes at Goodwood. The four year old Never So Brave was a smart handicapper before joining the Andrew Balding stable this year, but he has been transformed into a top prospect. After bolting up in the Buckingham Palace Handicap at Royal Ascot, he would return to the Berkshire venue and comfortably win the Group Two Summer Mile. Ralph Beckett would be partly responsible for one of the biggest shocks in racing history as his gelding Qirat slipped the field to win the Group One Sussex Stakes at Goodwood last time and the five year old would have the chance to prove it wasn't a fluke. Stuart Williams has done an excellent job with Quinault as the five year old has won eleven times since joining the stable. He would be an all-the-way winner of the Criterion Stakes here in June and backed that effort up with a fourth in the Lennox Stakes at Goodwood last time. The star name on the card would be outstanding miler Rosallion for the Richard Hannon stable. Last year's Irish Guineas and St James's Palace Stakes winner has been very unlucky recently, losing by a nose in the Queen Anne at Ascot and then getting going too late in the Sussex Stakes. The Ed Walker-trained Ten Bob Tony is hard to miss with his big white face, but the four year old showed he is in for a good season after winning the John O'Gwaunt Stakes at Haydock, accounting for some of his reopposing rivals with ease. A fascinating group of three year olds would take on their elders in an excellent clash. First of them would be Cosmic Year for the Harry Charlton yard. The son of Kingman was an exciting prospect at the start of the year and confirmed his ability when second in the Irish Guineas. He would need to bounce back from a poor showing at Goodwood however. A high class challenger from France would add a different angle to the race, Christopher Head's Maranoa Charlie. The three time Group Three winner was only narrowly denied in the Prix Jean Prat, France's biggest race over a mile for three year olds. He has been purchased by local owners Bond Thoroughbred Racing with the aim of a massive victory. A late supplementary entry to the race would be the Hugo Palmer-trained Seagulls Eleven. Owned by a group of Brighton and Hove Albion players, the colt returned to his best with a game success on the South Downs at Goodwood over a mile. Completing the field would be the only runner for Aidan O'Brien, the filly Exactly. The daughter of Frankel placed twice at this level last year before taking fourth in the French 1000 Guineas, but she hasn't been at her best over a mile so would drop down in distance.

Winner: NEVER SO BRAVE (No Nay Never x Chica Whopa) (#4) - O. Murphy - A. Balding

The sole non-runner in the field would be Ten Bob Tony, but it would fail to detract from the quality of this contest and the winner would make York history in this race.

The inclusion of recognised sprinter and front runner Quinault would ensure a strong early pace and that scenario would happen as Jason Hart strode into a clear lead on the five year old. Sitting in an isolated second would be Audience, but the main group would sit further back. Qirat was happy to sit in third this time around, relieved of his pace setting duties, as the likes of Maranoa Charlie, Exactly and Rosallion would all race in close proximity. Another leading candidate Never So Brave would sit and wait at the rear as the tearaway leader Quinault had already reached the halfway stage. Audience and Rab Havlin drifted to the near side rail so the two leaders would have plenty of turf between them as they continued to force the pace. As the final two furlongs loomed, the pack began to bunch up. Maranoa Charlie was caught on heels briefly but emerged with a narrow lead for France. Never So Brave had also made good headway despite being ridden along earlier than some of the others. The focus would switch to Rosallion, who was travelling well enough, but started to look vulnerable. Never So Brave nosed his way to the front and quickened up smartly, gaining first run on his rivals. He would battle with Maranoa Charlie inside the final half furlong as it became clear it wasn't Rosallion's day today. Responding to Oisin Murphy's every urging, Never So Brave would live up to his name and held on for a half length victory and become a Group One winner. Lake Forest had been held up during the race but made strong late progress to steal second away from Maranoa Charlie, who took third. The disappointment would be Rosallion, who never looked comfortable but still returned home in a close up fourth place.

This year has seen a number of horses formerly trained by Sir Michael Stoute improve massively for their new trainers. The four year old Never So Brave was always well thought of and started his career brightly with a pair of wins at the start of the 2024 season, but things began to go awry later on. After the retirement of the legendary Sir Michael Stoute, Never So Brave was moved to the Andrew Balding stable where he hasn't looked back since a gelding operation. Making his first start at Haydock in late April, he would get going too late and lost out by the smallest of margins, but made amends in brilliant style at Royal Ascot. Lining up in the Buckingham Palace Handicap, the big field and strong pace suited Never So Brave perfectly and he would breeze through his rivals and turned the 28 runner handicap into a procession, winning by over two lengths. That would set up a rise in grade and he returned to Ascot for the Summer Mile in July. Despite a smaller field, he would still do the job nicely and look more comfortable than the half length margin suggested. Now a Group One winner, the son of No Nay Never has been a credit to the talents of Andrew Balding and he is now versatile over seven furlongs and a mile. His owner Saeed Suhail also has More Thunder to enjoy, so he is going through a real purple patch at the moment. 

Race Four: The Sky Bet Ebor Heritage Handicap - Class Two - One Mile, Six Furlongs - Runners: 22

It would be time for the famous old handicap which bears the name of the entire festival, the Ebor Handicap. This staying handicap over a mile and three quarters has been a highlight of the betting calendar for decades and has been a staple at York since 1843.  Legendary names in the training ranks would often plan their year around winning the Ebor Handicap and it still remains a challenge to this generation of trainers as the prestige of the race hasn't waned. The race is now officially the richest handicap in Europe after a prize money boost in 2019, which sees the winner receive £500,000 and the race being worth £1,000,000. With the added incentive, the quality of horse lining up in the race has improved greatly over the last few years. Back in 2020, the grey Fujaira Prince landed this race before adding the Irish St Leger to his collection. A year later, Sonnyboyliston would complete the same double. 2022 would see vintage Frankie Dettori ride to win on Trawlerman and that horse has gone on to win the Ascot Gold Cup this year. In 2023, Willie Mullins got involved as Absurde gave Dettori back to back wins in the race and the gelding went on to win at the Cheltenham Festival, the first horse to do so since the great Sea Pigeon. Twelve months ago, another leading Irish yard would win the race as Henry de Bromhead's Magical Zoe would cruise to a memorable success.

John and Thady Gosden have used this to source their newest staying star, such as Sweet William, and would be represented by French Master. The Wathnan Racing-owned four year old was impressive at Royal Ascot over this distance and bettered that form with a fifth in the Group One Goodwood Cup last time out. Anything sent over for this race by Willie Mullins is of automatic interest and he would be represented by Hipop de Loire. The five year old suffered a nightmare passage in last year's race when fifth, but warmed up with an easy win over hurdles at Galway. Yashin finished down the order in last year's race when trained by Jessie Harrington, but has since moved to Michael Bell's yard and improved to win a Group Three contest. Since then, he has struggled at a higher level. Aidan O'Brien's Queenstown is another who disappointed in this contest last year, but some of his form prior to that would give him a chance. He hasn't been at his best recently however. The star of Adrian Keatley's yard Kihavah has been a brilliant dual purpose horse, winning over hurdles and on the flat. He even chased home Magical Zoe when second in this race last year and would look to go one place better. Another leading contender for Willie Mullins would be Ethical Diamond. The five year old made amends for a luckless run in the Duke of Edinburgh Handicap in 2024 by winning 2025's running at Royal Ascot. He did the job in emphatic style and could be better than this level. The grey London City is beautifully bred and represented the Aidan O'Brien stable. He has won at York in the past, but has only plugged on over staying trips this season. Brian Ellison' Onesmoothoperator put the stable on the map with a win in the Geelong Cup in Australia and is likely to head back there this autumn. The seven year old was last seen finishing fourth in a Group Three here last time out. Andrew Balding won the John Smith's Cup here in July and would aim for a big race double with Subsequent. The four year old progressed with time and won a listed race at this trip almost a year ago. He ran poorly on his seasonal comeback over course and distance however. Real Dream has some solid back form to his name and he is another to improve since joining the Ian Williams stable. After a third in a listed race at Sandown, he would stay on into third in a similar contest at Newmarket last time. The connections of Roaring Legend have won the Chester Cup in the recent past and their gelding would line up in search of adding the Ebor to their trophy cabinet. The five year old was in good form on the all-weather earlier this year and bounced back to form at Newmarket when fourth in July. David O'Meara has become a talented trainer of stayers recently and would saddle Stressfree in this year's contest. The five year old was narrowly denied here at the Dante Festival before winning a valuable handicap at Haydock, but has struggled since then. The Roger Varian-trained Shadow Dance was very game to win over a mile and four furlongs at last year's Ebor Festival and was narrowly denied in the Mallard Handicap over this trip. He would look in need of the run on his seasonal comeback at Glorious Goodwood a few weeks ago. Johnny Murtagh won this race as a trainer back in 2014 and would look to repeat the feat over ten years later with Siege Of Troy. The half brother to Kihavah has run well this year, including a fourth at Royal Ascot in June. Ian Williams saddled the third home in this race last year and would rely this year on Enemy. The eight year old has been an excellent servant and took his form to a new level last year, finishing second in a Group Three. He would be a threat based on that form. Oneforthegutter ran a storming race for Ian Williams last year by finishing third and warmed up for a return bid with a smooth win at Newmarket in July. Last year's winning trainer Henry de Bromhead has unearthed another top staying prospect in Ascending. The four year old has been progressing well and didn't look short of stamina when winning then Ascot Stakes over two and a half miles at Royal Ascot in June. Karl Burke's Almosh'her booked his place in the lineup by winning a handicap at the Dante Festival in good style, but was tailed off at Royal Ascot on his only subsequent run since. The totally unexposed Majestic Warrior lined up for the James Tate in this very hot race. The five year old overcame a near two year absence to win very impressively at Thirsk, but hasn't seen since then. Another runner for the Willie Mullins battalion would be the four year old Charlus. He would win over hurdles on stable debut earlier in the year and after a low key effort at Royal Ascot, returned to form with a third at Galway last time. Legendary Irish trainer Jim Bolger would aim to return to the spotlight there with Fleetfoot. The four year old has yet to run over this far on the flat, but has run over hurdles in the past. He would win twice over shorter trips this year and arrived in decent form. A leading contender for the Joseph O'Brien stable would be Mr Percy in the double green silks of leading national hunt owner Simon Munir. The four year old is another progressive stayer and won an Ebor qualifying race at the Curragh on his latest run.  

Winner: ETHICAL DIAMOND (Awtaad x Pearl Diamond) (#6) - W. Buick - W. Mullins

A maximum field of twenty-two runners would stand their ground in the line up and after much fanfare before the race, it was time for the horses to do the talking.

An excited hum filled the grandstands ahead of the race and the field would get away to a clean break from the stalls. The main body of the field would pack together on the inside running rail, but from his wide stall, Rab Havlin kept French Master apart from rivals. He would race to a true line from his stall, looking to use as little energy up as possible. The twenty-one other horses were led by the blinkered Queenstown in the Coolmore silks with Ryan Moore onboard. He would be chased by Ascending and the keen going pair of Fleetfoot and Almosh'her as the pack rejoined the main track. The well fancied Hipop de Loire, Majestic Warrior and Onesmoothoperator would all race close to the pace as London City, Stressfree and Real Dream would all sit patiently in the first half of the race. As the end of the back straight approached the course began to bear left, Rab Havlin finally drifted French Master across the track and would slot in nicely at the front of the field. The new leader would bring the pack along the false straight and the pace began to rise. As the field rounded the bend, the excitement in the crowd began to rise. The field would head towards the near side running rail and the jockeys could see their name in the headlines halfway down the home straight. The grey Shadow Dance moved ominously well and was easy to spot as the grey hit the front. Majestic Warrior was also running a big race for one so inexperienced, but the overall lead would be grabbed by the strong stayer Ascending. The Royal Ascot winner looked set to land back to back Ebor Handicaps for his trainer, but the final challenger arrived on the scene in the form of Ethical Diamond. The pale silks were buried in the pack at the halfway stage, but the gaps appeared at the right time and William Buick eased through on the bridle. It was just a matter of releasing the handbrake and Ethical Diamond shot clear of his rivals, opening up a widening gap and turning this difficult race into a procession. The five year old would scoot home to win by two and a half lengths over Ascending in second with the early leader Queenstown rallying back into third. From further back, Stressfree would do his customary late weaving through beaten horses and took fourth. 

It was inevitable in the end, another victory for the all conquering National Hunt stable of Willie Mullins. The Irishman has captured all of jumps racing's biggest prizes and has set his sights on the flat in recent years. After winning the race in 2009, Mullins has aimed higher quality horses at the race in the last few years, including the 2023 winner Absurde, who was also owned by the winning owners, H O S Syndicate. It would also cap off a superb four days for jockey William Buick, who was landing his fifth win of the festival, including the Juddmonte International and Lonsdale Cup. As for Ethical Diamond, it would be a case of second time is the charm. After initially starting out over hurdles, the gelding struggled in Grade One juvenile contests. Later on in 2024, he would be tried on the flat where he was narrowly denied over ten furlongs at Leopardstown and then raced too keenly when fourth at Royal Ascot in the Duke of Edinburgh Handicap. His attention would switch back to hurdling and after getting off the mark over obstacles, he would finish strongly into fourth in the County Hurdle at this year's Cheltenham Festival. After the National Hunt season finished, it was back to the flat for Ethical Diamond and he was much more professional in this year's running of the Duke of Edinburgh Handicap at Royal Ascot, bolting clear to win impressively that day. The key to success has been found for the five year old and this was a very impressive display visually. With Absurde likely to head to the Melbourne Cup, it is unlikely Ethical Diamond will join him in Australia, but instead a potential crack at the Irish St Leger, a race which has a good link with the Ebor Handicap. 

Race Five; The Sky Bet Constandine Heritage Handicap - Class Two - Six Furlongs - Runners: 20

After the excitement and drama of the preceding Ebor Handicap had died down and the fallout from the race would be investigated, the high class action carried on with another heritage handicap, this time the Constandine Stakes. The six furlong sprint is one of the newer races to the meeting having been inaugurated in 2022, but it has proven its worth on the support card already. In 2023, there would be a dead-heat between old favourite Summerghand and Albasheer while last year, the William Haggas-trained Elmonjed would defy a big field and older rivals to win this race. He would return recently to win another lucrative handicap over course and distance in July.

The unpredictable nature of York handicaps would provide a challenge for punters and plenty of well known faces would return to the Knavesmire once again. Carrying top weight would be recent Stewards' Cup winner Two Tribes from the Richard Spencer stable. The four year old has been revitalised of late and after winning over seven furlongs at Ascot previously, he was an emphatic winner of the famous sprint handicap at Goodwood. The Andrew Balding-trained three year old Tropical Island won the listed race on this card last year and made it two wins in two starts at York with another listed race win in May. He has been highly tried this year, but this would be an interesting entry instead of the Nunthorpe Stakes as he tried six furlongs for the first time. Jim Goldie's prolific winner Jordan Electrics lined up in the opening race on Wednesday, but stuck around for this contest three days later. The nine year finished second at this meeting last year and has seemingly been building race fitness in two quick starts since a break. Another very smart three year old would be Michael Dods's Northern Ticker. The gelding was well regarded last year and placed in a listed race last year. He would return to form with a good fourth last time out and his stable do well in this type of race. He would be joined by vastly experienced stablemate Commanche Falls. The high class handicapper and Group winner of the past hasn't been at his best this year, despite a second at Hamilton in June. Harry Charlton's grey Completely Random won twice at the start of the season before running an excellent race to take fifth in the Wokingham Stakes at Royal Ascot in June. He would post another good run in defeat at Goodwood recently. The speedy We Never Stop improved over the winter with three wins on the all-weather, but Kevin Ryan's gelding has been comfortably held in two contests back on the turf. The tough Badri can be a very smart handicapper on his day and Michael Herrington's eight year old has been running into form recently. He would be successful at Windsor two starts ago and ran another good race at the same venue last time out. Julie Camacho's Milford has been creeping up the ratings without winning as a price for his consistency. After placing over seven furlongs here in May, he has made strong late headway into the frame of late at Chester and Ascot. Another from the Richard Spencer stable would be Twilight Calls, whose last win still remains a Group Two back in 2022. The seven year old ran much better in the Stewards Cup last time when fifth. Geoff Oldroyd's Pocklington has always threatened to win a big contest at some point and was caught on the line at Newcastle in June. He then ran a bold race when fifth in a similar race over course and distance four weeks ago. Run Boy Run was also part of the 1-4-5 result for Richard Spencer in the Stewards Cup by taking fourth at Goodwood and he is another who has been running well in big handicaps lately. Richard Fahey's Strike Red has good record at York with two victories in York handicaps. The veteran chased home Two Tribes as he took second in the Stewards' Cup. Another three year old in the field would be Zayer from the Archie Watson stable. He would finish in the frame in handicaps over five and six furlongs at Royal Ascot and Newmarket, so would need a repeat of those runs. The James Ferguson-trained Jubilee Walk looked a sprinter on the up after winning here in May, but lost his way. He has started to return to form and was second behind Elmonjed here last time out. Yet another former York winner in the lineup would be Dark Thirty, who has held his form better this year than previous seasons. Richard Hannon's five year old finished second over course and distance in May but was down the field on the all-weather last time out. Saint Lawrence won the Wokingham Handicap a couple of seasons ago after joining the Archie Watson stable, but the seven year old has been badly out of form of late and looks hard to place. There would a fascinating international runner here as Sweden's Nimitz lined up for trainer Henrik Engblom. With nine wins in his home country, he didn't run badly on his UK debut at Goodwood. The unexposed Super Saiyan missed the entire season in 2023 and made his return to action at Doncaster in June this year. Billy Aprahamian's four year old looked very impressive when blitzing a novice race field and this would be a better gauge of his talent. Completing the field would be the in form Chief Mankato for the Jack Channon stable. The four year old has won twice this season, including on his previous start at Windsor, which was given a healthy form boost this week.

Winner: NORTHERN TICKER (Mehmas x Moment of Hope) (#7) - D. Tudhope - M. Dods 

This tough looking handicap would get underway with a full field and as expected, there would be a lot of pace early on and the usual splitting into two groups. Despite making contact with his stall as the gates opened, We Never Stop would go straight into the early lead undeterred. He would head the large group on the near side which would include Northern Ticker, Run Boy Run and keen going Super Saiyan. Over in the centre of the course, the old boy Commanche Falls was in the firing line alongside Pocklington and Jordan Electrics. At the halfway stage, it would be the Scottish raider Jordan Electrics who took over the lead as it appeared that the central group were holding the advantage. Approaching the final furlong, the pack would converge into one as the sprinters made their challenge. Jordan Electrics was joined by Northern Ticker inside the final furlong and the three year old would hold a slender advantage. Two Tribes would lay down a strong bid on the other side of the course as the race would produce an exciting finish. Commanche Falls and Pockington would both come steaming home approaching the line and the first four would cross the line together to continue the theme of close finishes. After a brief pause, the win was given to Northern Ticker, who bravely stuck his head out to take this big prize. It would be an excellent result for the Michael Dods team as their stable legend Commanche Falls returned to form at the age of eight to take second. The locally owned Pocklington would run yet another good race in defeat to take third while the Stewards' Cup winner Two Tribes would keep on into fourth. As Jordan Electrics took fifth, just a length would seperate the top five finishers; a handicapper's dream.

The Darlington-based stable of Michael Dods is often highly respected when it comes to training sprinters. With the likes of Mabs Cross, Mecca's Angel, Dakota Gold and Commanche Falls, there have been numerous big days for the yard since the turn of 2010 and they also enjoy a big York winner. Their newest sprinting star could be the three year old Northern Ticker, who has been held in high regard since his debut. With the benefit of his debut third last year, the son of Mehmas would go on to win two novice contests with ease, backing up his trainer's claims. He would then sign off for the season with a very good third in Redcar's Two Year Old Trophy last October which set him for a good season this year. Making his reappearance over this course and distance in June, he would look rusty and was outperformed in the valuable three year old sprint in June, but looked much better last time out in the Scottish Stewards' Cup at Hamilton. There, he would face older horses for the first time and stayed on into fourth which was good experience for this contest. Despite racing on the unfavoured stands' side group, Northern Ticker showed a nice attitude to win here and his next port of call is likely to be the historic Ayr Gold Cup. 

Race Six: The Julia Graves Roses Stakes - 2-Y-O Only - Listed Race - Five Furlongs - Runners: 8

The meeting would reach the final furlong for the week and next up would be another test of speed, this time for the juveniles with the listed Roses Stakes, The five furlong dash is regularly attended by those who raced at the Royal Ascot, Newmarket and Goodwood festivals which helps to boost the value of the race. Former winners include the smart Mujadiil, speedy Captain Gerrard and classy Hot Streak. Last year, the race would see Royal Ascot runner up Tropical Island land his first career win for trainer Andrew Balding while back in the placings was Magnum Force, who went on to win the Breeders Cup Juvenile Turf later in the year. 

Kevin Ryan's Dickensian looked very classy with a stylish debut win at Musselburgh in April and has shown smart form at this level. After taking second in the Windsor Castle Stakes, he would go on to finish third in the Molecomb at Goodwood on his latest start. The small scale stable of Grace Harris would take on the big names with her star Exclamation. The grey colt got a taste for pattern company at Royal Ascot two starts ago before doing the job nicely when winning for the first time at Doncaster in a weaker race. Another from the Kevin Ryan stable would be Kinnalargy. After looking very green on debut here over six furlongs, the Havana Grey colt won smartly when dropped to five furlongs at Thirsk next time. He would then move back up to six furlongs on his latest start, but could only manage third. Godolphin won this race eight years ago and would aim to do so again with Military Code. The well regarded son of Wootton Bassett looked set for the big time with a pair of novice race wins at the start of the season, but his form has levelled out of late. Despite a good second at this level at Sandown, he was outclassed at Royal Ascot and Glorious Goodwood this summer. Another Newmarket runner would come in the form of David Simcock's Ryedale Frosty. The roan gelding improved with each start before getting off the mark over six furlongs. He would then attempt five furlongs last time out and acquitted himself well with a fourth in the Molecomb Stakes at Goodwood last time out. A second runner for Godolphin would be Silent Applause. Charlie Appleby's gelding showed ability in some warm maiden races before Royal Ascot and has gotten the hang of things now. After winning at Nottingham, he was subsequently gelded and would go on to make a successful handicap debut at Haydock, showing his quality with a wide margin win. Fillies have won this race in the past, most recently in 2021 and the first of the females would be Richard Hughes's Our Cody. After a speedy display to win at Windsor on her third start, she gave cause for concern at Goodwood when pulled up mid race. She was thankfully fine however and produced a good run to take fourth in a listed race at Newbury a week ago. Tim Easterby's Revival Power is a half sister to the stable's Nunthorpe winner Winter Power so has always been highly regarded. After a dramatic debut win, she would chase home Spicy Marg in a conditions race at Goodwood last time out. Karl Burke's Zelaina would complete the line up. She looked out of the ordinary when blazing to a debut success at Nottingham in June, but she has yet to control her exuberance as she has weakened in the closing stages at Ascot and Goodwood since then.

Winner: REVIVAL POWER (Bungle Inthejungle x Titian Saga) (#8) - D. Allan - T. Easterby

The main protagonists would stand their ground in this eight strong line up as the sole absentee would be Exclamation from the Grace Harris stable. 

With so many speedy young horses, there wouldn't be much hanging around in the early stages. The filly Revival Power would make a fast getaway from the stalls to take a share of the early lead. She would be hassled through the opening couple of furlongs as Zelaina showed her customary early blazing speed. The early gallop would be a strong one and within seconds, the field had passed the halfway point. The secondary Godolphin runner Silent Applause would settle in third along with Kinnalargy as Military Code, Our Cody and Ryedale Frosty would sit and wait for a belated challenge. Zelaina's time in front began to wilt after just three furlongs and she would fade away as the race began to take shape. Revival Power was left in the lead but began to look wayward, drifting from side to side. Military Code would throw down a late challenge in the final furlong which inspired Revival Power once again and the filly found a little extra. The pair would brush together in the final furlong, but all is fair in love and war as Revival Power inched her way back in front at the finish line, returning to the winner's enclosure. Military Code would go down fighting, getting denied by a head and the front pair pulled nicely clear of the third home Dickensian and Godolphin's second runner Silent Applause in fourth.

Pedigrees often provide clues for young horses, but more often than not, they fail to live up to the expectation. In the case of Revival Power, she would be bred for the job with speed and quality in her lineage. The daughter of Bungle Inthejungle is a full sister to 2021's Nunthorpe Stakes winner Winter Power, a rapidly fast grey from the same stable in Malton, Tim Easterby. Revival Power would make an eyecatching debut at Thirsk in May where, despite a slow start and signs of greenness, she would recover and win very smartly. She was sent straight into Group company at Royal Ascot in the Queen Mary Stakes a month later and she would run a promising race when tenth of twenty-one runners. Her latest start at Goodwood would be much more like it as she chased home the very speedy juvenile Spicy Marg in a conditions race. Her victor would go on to line up in the Nunthorpe Stakes on the previous day, which showed that form was very good. Things didn't go exactly to plan as she was spooked on the canter down to the start by a helicopter taking off, but once her mind was back on the job, she would knuckle down and win in good style. Races such as the Cornwallis Stakes at Newmarket could be next later in the year, but connections will be hoping for similar success as Winter Power in the future.

Race Seven: The Sky Bet Steve Birch Finale Handicap - Class Two - One Mile, Two Furlongs - Runners: 15

The twenty-eighth and final race of the 2025 Ebor Festival would see another highly competitive handicap, this time over the Juddmonte distance of ten furlongs. The closing contest would continue the theme of course regulars returning to York and facing some up and coming younger horses. Last year, the William Knight-trained Sir Busker would roll back the years and win this contest and it was announced in the lead up to the festival that the nine year old would be retiring from racing after this race. It would give a little more support for the old favourite as he defended his title. 

Heading the weights would be the late developer, John and Thady Gosden's Westridge. The four year old still shows some quirks during his races, but has looked like a handicapper on the rise with two wide margin wins at Windsor and a similar race at Goodwood last time out. The three year old Marhaba Ghaiyyath would line up for the Charlie Johnston stable and has improved with each run this season. After winning over a mile at Redcar three starts ago, he has gone very close in two handicaps at the Newmarket and Goodwood festivals recently. The horse of the moment in this contest would be Sir Busker, who would line up for the final time. William Knight's former Group Two winner loves running at York and was part of a 1-2 for his owners in this race last season. Everyone in attendance would be willing him home here. . The seven year old Erzindjan has some very good form in Group races from a few seasons ago and looks to be a coup for the Terry Kent stable. The gelding flashed home into fourth in the John Smith's Cup on his only start this year. The smart handicapper Greek Order was heading to the top during his first spell in Britain, but a stint in America failed to produce much improvement. He returned to Britain, this time with the Michael Bell stable, and has run well in defeat in plenty of strong handicaps. The Amo Racing silks would be on display here with another Michael Bell runner, Tony Montana. The five year old was beaten in the final strides over course and distance in May but has since struggled at Ascot and Goodwood recently. Richard Fahey has done well with some new recruits this season and he would be represented for the first time by Castle Stuart. The three year old remains lightly raced and was a stylish winner of a handicap at Musselburgh on his latest start in July. Seagolazo would represent the Hugo Palmer stable and three year old has been hit and miss this year. Despite this, he has run well in defeat at York in the past and would try this distance for just the second time. Charlie Johnston's Thunder Wonder has been kept busy this year and has won twice at Musselburgh over slightly shorter trips. Since then, the three year old has returned in the midfield spots throughout the summer. The seven year old Ron O was one of the stories of last year after putting his owner/trainer Ray Craggs on the map by winning a similar race over course and distance. Now trained by David Thompson, the chestnut warmed up for this race with a good fifth over an inconvenient seven furlongs. The predominantly jumps based stable of Lucinda Russell and Michael Scudamore would aim to land a festival winner at York for the first time with Dain Ma Nut In. The four year old was given an excellent ride from the front to steal a lower class handicap over course and distance in July so would need to repeat those tactics. The Kevin Ryan-trained Dark Moon Rising has been campaigned over a range of distances, but remains a useful sort. Having won over a mile and a half in the past, he ran a good race to take seventh in the John Smith's Cup over course and distance in July. Next up would be the John Butler-trained Zain Blue. The four year old was successful over a mile at this course in September, boosting his already good record at York. Two finishes just outside the podium over this trip remain his best efforts to date this season. Completing the final field of the Ebor Festival would be Tim Easterby's Per Contra. The four year old appeared to lose his way last year, but has gradually worked his way back to form. The gelding has been running well over longer trips this year, including when third here last month and was third again at Newcastle just two days earlier.

Winner: DAIN MA NUT IN (Phoenix Of Spain x Jive Lady) (#8) - D. Tudhope - L. Russell & M. Scudamore

The closing contest of the festival would get underway without hitch and the confirmed front runner Dain Ma Nut In would make an excellent start and lead at the first bend into the false straight. He would be joined by the keen going Thunder Wonder, Ron O and Westridge, but the pace would be a steady one in the early stages. The three year old Castle Stuart would be trapped out wide from his high draw as the field navigated the home bend. Just behind the leaders, Per Contra was travelling smoothly and loomed large in the mirrors of Dain Ma Nut In. Despite this, the leader kept answering the questions asked by Dan Tudhope. Entering the final two furlongs, the leader was still there with a big bullseye on his rear. Per Contra would lay down his challenge and the pair would do battle throughout the final furlong with a crescendo of noise from the crowd. A thrilling duel would ensue, but it was Dain Ma Nut In who bravely held on to make every yard of the running. Per Contra showed he was well and truly back to form with a valiant second as the third place would be shared between Westridge and the staying on Castle Stuart. On his retirement, Sir Busker would trail home in last, but would owe his connections nothing for his illustrious career.

The winner Dain Ma Nut In would be the first ever win for the newly formed partnership between two famous names in National Hunt racing. Two time Grand National winning trainer Lucinda Russell recently took out a dual training license and added Welsh National winning trainer Michael Scudamore, her son in law. With two very recognisable names on the racecard, there will be plenty of excitement for the future at the yard. Dain Ma Nut In had shown useful form at a lower level, but produced a career best on his latest start over course and distance. Running in a class four handicap, Dain Ma Nut In was gifted a soft lead and at one point was ten lengths clear at halfway. He would keep up the gallop and win by a wide margin, but this was a much tougher race. Despite this and a much more restrained ride, Dain Ma Nut In showed a brilliant attitude to hold on gamely for a second win in a row. 

From the domination of the Gosden stable during the festival to the drama of the Juddmonte International, top class fillies strutting their stuff on the track and brand new household names with some international winners to boot, the Ebor Festival had it all this year and is one to look back on with pride.