Race One: The Sky Bet Knavesmire Heritage Handicap - Class Two - Five and a Half Furlongs - Runners: 20

The meeting would begin with its traditional curtain raiser, but this time under a new title. Previously known as the Symphony Group Handicap, this highly competitive handicap over the rarely used starting point of five and a half furlongs is now worth a cool £120,000. With an added lure of the prize money, there would also be plenty of friends to the Knavesmire as course regulars would line up in the contest. Twelve months ago, there would be a local winner as John and Sean Quinn's JM Jungle held off the big field to win. This year, the gelding has since graduated to the big leagues by winning the King George Stakes at Glorious Goodwood and looks set to return to York this week for the Nunthorpe Stakes.

Hugo Palmer's Roman Dragon is the undisputed king of Chester having recently landed his seventh course victory there in a listed race, defeating some high profile names in the process. He would carry top weight in the opener here but hasn't run as well at this venue in the past. Jim Goldie has enjoyed a memorable year with his sprinters and would be represented by Jordan Electrics. The nine year old is a prolific winner and finished second in this race last year from a similar rating. He would make his comeback just a few weeks ago and wasn't disgraced at Goodwood recently. Some of Vintage Clarets's best form has come towards the end of each season, but Richard Fahey's six year old was given a good ride at the Shergar Cup recently to win his tenth race on fiftieth career start. Kevin Ryan's veteran Bergerac won this race back in 2022 and ran well again last year. This season however, the seven year old has been in good form of late, winning at Hamilton and producing plenty of placed finishes. A second runner for the Michael Dods stable would be Tattersall, who made his belated seasonal debut in this contest. The five year old showed a liking for unique tracks by winning at Catterick and Goodwood last summer and was clearly sharp enough to run well here. The speedy Tees Spirit should ensure a strong early gallop and Adrian Nicholls's seven year old has run at a higher level in recent years, but his form this year hasn't been at its best. The Charlie Hills-trained Trefor tends to do his winning in bunches but is a talented sprinter. The four year old won twice over six furlongs earlier in the year and has remained in form by finishing a close second a week earlier at Windsor over the same distance. Another Yorkshire runner would be Squealer for the Nigel Tinkler stable. The five year old is a speedy sort and returned from a quiet spell recently and has been in good form of late. He would win a similar contest over five furlongs in June at this venue and was slightly unlucky on his latest start when fourth. The Newmarket based stable of Richard Spencer enjoyed big race success in the Stewards Cup recently and would aim for more with The Man. The three year old has been seen just once so far, but he would win a competitive handicap with ease at this venue back in May and has been saved for this race. The mare Azure Angel is another with plenty of natural speed and has gradually improved since joining the Ed Bethell stable. The five year old finished third here at the end of June so already has some course form to rely on. The first of two Irish raiders would be Kendall Roy for the Katie McGivern stable. The gelding won three handicaps last season and has been working off the rustiness this season with two races so far. He would weaken into third on his latest start so could be race fit now. Ruth Carr is enjoying a brilliant season so far and is gifted at reinvigorating older horses back into form. She has worked her magic with Brazen Bolt, who arrives here on a hat trick having won at York and Goodwood under young rider Warren Fentiman. Another three year old in the line up would be the David Loughnane-trained Marty Hopkirk. The gelding has quickly made into a decent sort since his debut in May, but found the heavy ground at Goodwood against him last time out. A second runner for Kevin Ryan would be Vantheman, who has won three times over a regular five furlongs and has also run well at York in the past. His run was disappointing, but it came over six furlongs so he dropped slightly in trip here. A third runner for Kevin Ryan would be Mon Na Slieve, who is another speedy front runner. The four year old has form at this level, but appreciated a drop in grade to win easily at Hamilton three starts ago. Another Scottish challenger would be Curious Rover for the Katie Scott team. The gelding has finished placed more times than he has won, but stepped back into this company after an all-the-way success at Musselburgh last time. The lightly raced Air Force One landed the one-off Jumps Jockeys' Nunthorpe Handicap last time out over a slightly shorter trip, but Geoff Oldroyd's four year old looked back to his best and could go on from that success. The second Irish runner would be Patrick McKenna's Cuban Grey. The grey has been in good form this year with two wins at the Curragh and has finished in and around the frame on the majority of his runs this year. Another runner arriving here in top form would be Paul Midgley's Spring Is Sprung. The six year old won twice earlier in the year before overcoming a small break to complete a hat trick of wins in a valuable contest at Haydock recently. He would be hard to ignore in his current mood. Completing the lineup would be the York legend Copper Knight. Still going strong at the age of eleven, Tim Easterby's much loved gelding has finished in the top four in all starts this year and won this race way back in 2021. 

Winner: TREFOR (Invincible Army x Silk Bow) (#7) - K. Shoemark - C. Hills

An overcast sky and blustery winds would be a far cry from the expected weather for a summer festival, but the grandstands would be packed ahead of the opening contest. 
The stalls would crash open to signal the start of the race and from the outset, the field would split into two groups after a furlong. The groups would be roughly the same size and the side closest to the stands would have the advantage in the early stages. In that cluster, Mon Na Slieve showed his customary early dash to lead the pack along as Curious Rover and Jordan Electrics would sit handily. One of the expected front runners, Tees Spirit, would miss the break and was ridden along from an early point. Over the far side of the group, the in form Spring Is Sprung was at the head of affairs along with Copper Knight and The Man. Others to be held up at the halfway stage would include Roman Dragon, Trefor and Kendall Roy. 
As the furlong markers were ticked off one by one, Mon Na Slieve would still hold onto the narrow lead as the pack fanned out to make their challenge. At the final furlong point, The Man had quickened up to take the overall lead under David Egan and made his bid for victory. The halved silks of Trefor had swooped around the outside of the group and entered contention inside the final furlong, joining The Man in battle. Under a strong ride from Kieran Shoemark, the four year old would edge ahead in the closing stages. The Man rallied back approaching the line and a photo finish was called. After a brief pause, it was announced that Trefor had done just enough to put his head in front on the line and land another victory. The Man would run a brilliant race on his return while back in third, Air Force One had been held up throughout but flew home to take third, closing on the front two all the time. The frame would be completed by Irish raider Kendall Roy, who also did his best work at the finish.

It would be a poignant big festival winner for trainer Charlie Hills and his family following the death of legendary trainer and his father Barry Hills in June. The Hills name has been a prominent fixture in racing for over fifty years and this success would be a fitting one. The four year old Trefor has always shown quality form in handicaps and was winning for the sixth time in his career. After a low key seasonal debut at Newmarket in April, he has gradually improved with each start in 2025. A victory at class four level in Doncaster was swiftly followed by a valuable handicap win at Ripon a few days later. After a third at the first try over five furlongs back at Doncaster, he went close once again at Windsor back over six furlongs. Rider Kieran Shoemark admitted he made his move too soon as the pair were caught on the line that day. This rare trip of five and a half furlongs proved ideal for the four year old and given his liking for winning, it wouldn't be a surprise to see connections look for Group races in the future.

Race Two: The Tattersalls Dubai Acomb Stakes - 2-y-o only - Group Three - Seven Furlongs - Runners: 7
The first Group race of the week would see some of the most promising juveniles in the country line up for this Group Three race which has developed a reputation in recent seasons. The seven furlong contest was usually won by a useful sort who wouldn't set the world alight in future ventures, but in recent years, subsequent 2000 Guineas winners have taken part in this race. In 2022, the Juddmonte-owned Chaldean made all the running to win this race before going on to score in the Dewhurst Stakes and 2000 Guineas in 2023. The feat would be repeated last year, in reverse style. The Aidan O'Brien-trained The Lion In Winter broke the course record in impressive style by winning here. Back in third would be the Godolphin-owned Ruling Court, who took the first Classic of the season at Newmarket.

This year's line up of exciting juveniles would be led by the Godolphin-owned Distant Storm. Charlie Appleby's colt is well regarded and beautifully bred and made a perfect start to his career by pulling clear with Aidan O'Brien's subsequent winner Constitutional River and winning narrowly at Newmarket in a race that is working out well. Andrew Balding has an excellent record at York in recent seasons and would send up the exciting colt Gewan. The grey would show greenness on his debut at Newbury, but overcame it to pull clear in the final stages and make a winning debut. Goodwood Galaxy is another who is well thought of by his trainer and David Menuisier's colt won nicely on debut at Salisbury before bettering that form with a fourth in the Vintage Stakes at Goodwood. The sole runner for last year's winning trainer Aidan O'Brien would be Italy. The son of Wootton Bassett got up in the closing stages to win at Leopardstown but could only manage second in the July Stakes. Despite this, he was unsuited by the way the race was run and steps up to seven furlongs for the first time. John and Thady Gosden are sending a strong team to York this week and would aim for a good start with May Angel. After racing too keenly and finishing fifth on debut, he looked much better when winning at Southwell next time and was an interesting runner moved up in grade. Brian Meehan won this race fifteen years ago and would be represented by Ocean's Four in this year's renewal. Horses from the Meehan yard improve from their debut and that would be the case for Ocean's Four as he stepped up on his second start to win at Ffos Las at the start of the month. The locally trained Rochfortbridge would line up for the Adrian Keatley in this valuable contest. He would cause an upset on debut at Ayr when defeating a Royal Ascot runner up and subsequent listed race winner, so that performance can be upgraded. Iain Jardine isn't a trainer best known for introducing debut winners, but that would be the case with Sovereign Ocean. The colt would over come some mid-race inexperience to finish strongly and win once the penny had dropped. He would be a rare runner at this level for the stable. 

Winner: GEWAN (Night of Thunder x Grey Mystere) (#2) - PJ McDonald - A. Balding

The fascinating contest would be reduced by one as Oceans Four would be a non-runner for the Brian Meehan stable, but this field of seven looked a strong one.

As the gates opened, May Angel was sent straight into the lead under Oisin Murphy, but favourite backers of Distant Storm would look in horror as Godolphin's chestnut colt raced very keenly in the opening stages. The leader would dictate just a steady gallop into the home straight and the majority of the runners were hoping to go faster. As the pack straightened up for home, May Angel would continue to lead as the light grey Gewan sat in the passenger seat, just ahead of Distant Storm, Goodwood Galaxy and Sovereign Ocean. The purple silks of Italy would sit perhaps further back than ideal, but travelled nicely under Ryan Moore as Rochfortbridge was also ridden quietly. The pace began to increase at the three furlong pole and Goodwood Galaxy was the first to crack, dropping away fairly rapidly. Gewan would move alongside the leader May Angel and Distant Storm would do his best to tag along. Ryan Moore nudged Italy forward and he would look threatening for the O'Brien stable, but Gewan would continue to dig deep. As May Angel was the next to fade away, the race would quickly come down to two contenders. Italy laid down his challenge, but Gewan would always have the answer. The pair would draw level at one point, but the grey Gewan would begin to pull clear and crossed the line a length to the good ahead of Italy. Distant Storm could only manage third on this occasion and Rochfortbridge ran a nice race from the back, taking fourth at the line.

It would be a second win in this contest this decade for the Andrew Balding stable as they landed the 2022 running with subsequent Dewhurst and 2000 Guineas winner Chaldean. The yard would produce another York winner with this likeable son of Night of Thunder, who extended his unbeaten record to two wins. The eyecatching grey made a winning debut at Newbury a month ago and on that occasion, showed a nice attitude to pull clear despite looking inexperienced. Clearly well regarded by his trainer, he made the quick leap into Group company and delivered with ease. A distant relative to Ginalyah, who placed in listed company over ten furlongs in France, Gewan's pedigree brings plenty of optimism that he will stay further. The likes of the Dewhirst and Royal Lodge Stakes will come into consideration for the end of this season, but his professional attitude can bring him into the reckoning for next year's 2000 Guineas, just like Chaldean. 

Race Three: The Sky Bet Great Voltigeur Stakes - Group Two - One Mile, Four Furlongs - Runners: 7
The pattern level racing would continue with the Great Voltigeur Stakes, an all-important trial for the St Leger, the final Classic of the year. The mile and a half Group Two has a rich history of producing subsequent St Leger winners, such as Milan, Rule Of Law, Lucarno, Logician and most recently in 2023 with Continuous. The race isn't all about Doncaster however and numerous top class colts have also won this race before going on to bigger things. Cracksman, Youmzain, Hard Top, Pyledriver and Postponed are just a few names who have won this race in the last twenty years alone. The Aidan O'Brien stable has an excellent record in this race and saddled a one-two last year, with the high class Los Angeles getting the better of subsequent St Leger runner up Illinois in a thrilling battle.

One of the stars of the season so far has been Lambourn, from the Aidan O'Brien stable. The son of Australia became the latest horse to win both the Epsom Derby and Irish Derby, doing so in tenacious style. He would have to carry a penalty for those wins in this contest, but has cemented his status as leading three year old in Britain and Ireland. He would face some high class young stayers in this contest, including Paddy Twomey's Carmers.  The colt only made his debut in May, but remains unbeaten and held off plenty of challengers to win the Queen's Vase over a mile and three quarters at Royal Ascot in June. Pride Of Arras burst onto the scene at this venue back in May by winning the Dante Stakes impressively. Since then, he has tarnished his reputation with two poor efforts in the English and Irish Derbies so would look to get his career back on track. William Haggas would skip this race with his star Merchant, but lined up instead with Arabian Force. After winning two novice races, he would struggle at Royal Ascot, but returned to form last time when pushing an unbeaten and promising horse all the way in a listed race. A wave of Aidan O'Brien runners would complete the lineup, starting off with Mount Kilimanjaro. The Group One runner up needed a brilliant ride to get up close home in the Dee Stakes at Chester, but he hasn't been seen since. Stay True would be another who is returning from a long break and entered the Derby picture back in May when he was narrowly denied in the Lingfield Trial. He would have the opportunity to remind racegoers of his ability. The final runner would be Thrice, who landed his second career win in the stewards' room after a messy finish at the Curragh. He would weaken out of contention on his latest start in the Irish Derby. 

Winner: PRIDE OF ARRAS (New Bay x Parnell's Dream) (#3) - R. Ryan - R. Beckett

Despite a field of seven which was dominated by the Aidan O'Brien stable, this year's renewal of the Great Voltigeur Stakes looked right up scratch. There would be an extra bonus as the Derby winner would run in this race for the first time since Reference Point in 1987. 

This high quality contest would get underway and the outsider of the O'Brien four, Thrice, was rousted into the early lead under Dylan Brown McMonagle. The dual Derby winner Lambourn was unable to get a free lead this time, but sat in second under Ryan Moore as the chasing pack remained tightly bunched. Carmers would dispute third with Pride Of Arras while Stay True, Arabian Force and the keen going Mount Kilimanjaro would bring up the rear. The pace set by Thrice would be a decent one, with the sectional times averaging at twelve seconds per furlong. There would be little change in the order as the pack rounded the home bend, but the challengers would begin to bunch up.
Lambourn would inch forward and join Thrice for a share of the lead and things were looking rosy for the Epsom and Curragh hero. Thrice would begin to retreat, but it was clear Lambourn wasn't travelling as well as hoped. Ryan Moore became more animated in the saddle and suddenly the race became more open. The returning Stay True have breezed into contention and the shock result was on. Lambourn was quickly surpassed in the lead as Stay True kicked for home. Carmers was all dressed up with nowhere to go as he was boxed in at a crucial point. From the rear, the pale silks of Pride Of Arras had arrived on the scene and the gelding kicked on under Rossa Ryan and took over in front. The finishing kick was enough to seal the deal and Pride of Arras returned to his absolute best, crossing the line a length and a quarter ahead. Carmers would escape his traffic issues and stayed on strong to join a three way duel for second. Arabian Force was also finishing fast, but he would return in third; demoting Stay True to fourth. 
The form book would claim this victory of Pride of Arras as a surprise, but the history book would argue otherwise. Back in May, the then once-raced son of New Bay produced a stunning success in the Dante Stakes over ten furlongs to firmly enter calculations for the Epsom Derby. He was viewed as Britain's biggest hope in the ultimate Classic, but softer than ideal ground and the challenging track would see Pride Of Arras trail home seventeenth of eighteen. It was a bitter disappointment, but connections would try again in the Irish Derby at the end of June. It would be a similar story there as well as he was held up at the rear and never featured, finishing last of ten. A short break and gelding operation have worked wonders for Ralph Beckett's three year old, who is on the path to redeeming himself. Although he won't line up in the St Leger, the newly gelded three year old should have a good career at this sort of level over staying trips. 

Race Four: The Juddmonte International Stakes - Group One - One Mile, Two Furlongs - Runners: 6
Horse racing fans from around the world would tune in to York racecourse to catch a glimpse of this globally recognised race for what promised to be a fantastic renewal. From those in Britain to others an hour ahead in Europe, all the way to the lunchtime hours of Japan at the other end of the globe, the Juddmonte International is a race that lives up to its title. Former winners in the 1980s and 1990's would provide the race with a history to be proud of, but since the year 2000, the role of honour for previous winners reads a who's who of the very best in the sport. From the iron horse Giant's Causeway to the sparkling Authorized, the sensational Sea The Stars and irreplaceable Frankel, the race has provided an endless list of memories. The winner of this race often ends up winning the Best Horse Of The Year award, as shown with City Of Troy who was very game and tough in winning this race last year for Ryan Moore and Aidan O'Brien.

The class of 2025 would see a super sextet in the lineup with four different countries represented and three of the highest rated horses in the world on display. Tactics in small field races are often crucial, so the Godolphin operation would add the gelding Birr Castle to serve as a pace setter. Andre Fabre's five year old has placed in a number of Group races, so is talented, but he had one role here. Japan have taken some of the world's biggest races in recent years, but have yet to crack Europe so far. The racing-mad country would tune in to see Danon Decile take his place in the race with a strong chance. Shogo Yasuda's four year old was last in action back at Meydan in March, but he was a very impressive winner of the Dubai Sheema Classic and accounted for some of Europe's best middle distance horses. Britain's main hope would be the John and Thady Gosden-trained Ombudsman. The four year old went unbeaten in his first season and was at his brilliant best with a runaway victory in the Prince of Wales's Stakes. He would look to follow the same path as Mostahdaf two years ago and only lost out narrowly in the Coral-Eclipse last time. The mare Sea The Fire is two wins from two starts at York which includes a stunning victory in the Middleton Stakes in May over the same distance. Andrew Balding's four year old has solid excuses for her last two defeats this summer. The total unknown would be the three year old Daryz, representing the Francois-Henri Graffard and Aga Khan combination, who finished second last year with Calandagan. The son of Sea The Stars made his debut in April, but has won all four starts to date, including a Group Two when last seen. This would be his toughest test to date. Completing the field would be the sole Aidan O'Brien runner Delacroix. The son of Dubawi won two Derby trials at the start of the season, but failed to stay in the biggest race of the year. After that, he would get up in the closing stages under a brilliant ride in the Coral-Eclipse last time and would face Ombudsman once again. 

Winner: OMBUDSMAN (Night of Thunder x Syndicate) (#3) - W. Buick - J & T. Gosden

Audiences from around the world would tune into the racing coverage at York, in preparation for something special to take place on the Knavesmire. The parade ring would be a sea of colour and an eager buzz would fill the atmosphere. One by one, the six runners would make their way to the starting point, but Daryz and Danon Decile would begin to slightly boil over with the occasion. The next ninety seconds of racing would determine the difference between champion and also ran as the stalls crashed open to make all the pre-race talk end. 

The intended pace setter Birr Castle was hesitant from his stall and was in danger of getting left behind until Rab Havlin pushed vigorously on the French colt to take the lead. As he rounded the dog leg bend to race along the trees, Birr Castle was already some eight lengths clear. The remaining quintet would sit closely bunched and at the head of the pack would be Danon Decile. The Japanese runner would be the de-facto leader ahead of Ombudsman, See The Fire, Daryz and Delacroix who was held up by Ryan Moore. Birr Castle had already reached the home bend and was racing away at eleven second furlong fractions. The gelding rounded the bend with a yawning lead of twenty-five lengths as he straightened up for home with his rivals still negotiating the bend. The onlooking crowd would briefly reminisce of Qirat's runaway victory at Goodwood recently and for a few moments, the fear would be that the leader wasn't coming back. Rab Havlin had angled Birr Castle down the centre of the course as the chasing peloton remained on the far side. Birr Castle's stride began to progressively and he would start to tread on water. Danon Decile would give chase at the clear leader, but his chances were also weakening by the second. The all blue silks of Ombudsman travelled powerfully under Will Buick and it would appear a matter of when not if for the four year old. With the gap at five lengths to the leader, Ombudsman would open the taps and extend his stride in fantastic style. Eating up the ground, he would pull clear of the group and overhaul Birr Castle inside the final furlong and rocketed away to cross the line over three lengths to the good. The best of the rest would go to Delacroix, who was no match for Ombudsman this time and third would be well deserved for the sacrificial Birr Castle. See The Fire was never really sighted but took home fourth as the international challengers Daryz and Danon Decile would trail home in the final two positions.

In a race which was voted the world's best, a horse who is recognised as one of the world's best would be a fitting winner. The four year colt Ombudsman would stamp his authority on the middle distance division and cement his position in the World Horse Rankings. John and Thady Gosden's son of Night Of Thunder was brought along quietly in 2024, A pair of novice race wins at Newmarket and Leicester were followed by successful trips to France as he picked up a listed race and the Group Three Prix Prince d'Orange at Longchamp on Arc trials day. Always expected to make a better four year old, Ombudsman returned to action this year at Sandown in the Gordon Richards Stakes in May, but looked rusty and plugged on into second behind the talented Almaqam. Despite his first defeat, he would line up at Royal Ascot for a first tilt at Group One company in the Prince of Wales Stakes. The very fast pace set in the early stages of that contest suited Ombudsman perfectly and he bounded clear to announce himself on the world stage. A clash of the generations would take place in the Coral-Eclipse at Sandown against Delacroix would see an epic final furlong as Delacroix was produced at the latest possible moment to take victory away from Ombudsman. Fearing a slow gallop in the Juddmonte, Godolphin supplemented Birr Castle into the race to ensure a strong pace for Ombudsman and the plan was followed to perfection. A brilliant show of timing and speed from Ombudsman would make him the unanimous best in Europe. 

Race Five: The Sky Bet Stayers' Heritage Handicap - Class Two - Two Miles - Runners: 13

After the drama and excitement of the Juddmonte International had settled down, the action continued with the first of some very competitive handicaps. The first of them would take place over two miles and a complete circuit of the Knavesmire with a field filled of battle hardened old favourites. Last year, the race would see an emotional outcome as Extensio powered clear to win for the Patrick O'Donnell stable in what would be a proud moment for the family. 

Carrying top weight here would be the Adam Nichol-trained Wise Eagle. The dual purpose eight year old placed in Group company and took part in last year's Ebor Handicap but has also developed into a smart hurdler over the winter. Back on the flat, he was last seen finishing well into fourth in a valuable handicap at Musselburgh in April. The first of two smart stayers in the race for owner Jeff Smith would be Artistic Star. Ralph Beckett's four year old lined up in the Great Voltigeur in 2023, but finds himself at this lower level this year. He would go close over this trip at Newbury two starts ago. The four year old filly Santorini Star has been brought along steadily by William Haggas, but is showing smart form over staying trips. She has recently finished fourth in a pair of pattern contests at Pontefract and Fairyhouse in her last two starts. The Charlie Johnston stable is often associated with stayers and would be represented by Align The Stars. Last year, the son of Sea The Stars had won four times and looked a potential star, but recently he hasn't been in the same form over marathon distances. Another dual purpose runner would be the James Owen-trained Charging Thunder. The seven year old has always been capable over middle distances, but has improved further since joining the Newmarket stable, winning for the fifth time since September last year on his latest run at Wolverhampton. Another in the purple and blue silks of Jeff Smith would be Andrew Balding's Spirit Mixer, who caused a surprise by winning the Northumberland Plate at Newcastle at the end of June but could only plug on into fifth at Ascot recently. Another former York winner in the lineup would be the Ian Williams-trained Dancing In Paris. The five year old has produced some excellent runs in defeat this year, including when a close second in the Northumberland Plate and then again at the Glorious Goodwood festival. The very shrewd Tony Martin has won almost every major staying handicap during his training career and would saddle Alphonse Le Grande here. The six year old was a narrow winner of the Cesarewitch Handicap last autumn and has made good late ground in two races this year. Newmarket trainer Dylan Cunha emerged on the scene with a first big win at the Ebor Festival two years ago and would rely this year on Fireblade. The full brother to Cracksman is finally delivering on his promise with some consistent placings and won last time at the Shergar Cup meeting eleven days ago. The six year old Almuhit has been around a few different trainers through his career, but is helping to put Faye Bramley on the map. He would be very game by winning two staying handicaps at Newbury before another solid run at Ascot in the Shergar Cup last time out. Adrian Keatley would saddle Maghlaak in this contest and the six year old has shown better form over hurdles than on the flat of late. The well bred gelding was narrowly denied here in May, but has since gone close once again over hurdles at Market Rasen two starts ago. Another runner from the Charlie Johnston stable would be Artisan Dancer. The gelding has done most of his winning on the all-weather, but has developed a hit and miss profile of late. Despite this, he would stay on into third behind Fireblade at Ascot and would need to back that effort up. Completing the line up would another Yorkshire runner, Terrorise from the Brian Ellison stable. After winning over hurdles at the start of the year, the four year old produced an impressive win over course and distance a month ago, albeit at a lower level. 

Winner: SANTORINI STAR (Golden Horn x Livia's Dream) (#3) - T. Marquand - W. Haggas

After the drama of the Juddmonte, the field of smart stayers would get their time to shine.
The race would get away to a level break and from the outset, Adrian Keatley's Maghlaak would lead the field past the grandstands for the first time. Almuhit would sit in a close second with Charging Thunder, Spirit Mixer and Align The Stars all in prominent positions heading into the countryside. Almuhit would then take over the lead on the bend away from from the stands, demoting Maghlaak to second and Wayne Lordan would be the one to dictate the pace down the back straight. The pair would go clear, perhaps inspired by Birr Castle's antics in the previous race, opening up a clear lead from Maghlaak and the remainder sitting quietly in behind.
There would be little change at the front of the field, but the jockeys on those further back in the field would begin to get twitchy fingers. Wayne Lordan and Almuhit remained a willing partnership in the lead as Maghlaak briefly chased them in the final two furlongs. Those who had been held up early on began to emerge on the scene as Artisan Dancer was the first of the new contenders under Andrew Mullen. The well backed favourite Santorini Star had also made her challenge in the widely recognised blue and white silks of Tony Bloom and the filly began to bridge the gap. Artisan Dancer and Santorini Star would brush the brave Almuhit to the side and fought out the finish between them. Santorini Star would find a little extra more in the final half furlong and pulled clear under Tom Marquand and hit the line strongly, a length and a half ahead of Artisan Dancer. Almuhit was rewarded with third at the finish, holding off the staying on Dancing In Paris.

The entry of a lightly raced, unexposed stayer from a leading stable was always going to catch the eye and this looks to be a well laid plan for the William Haggas stable. The daughter of Golden Horn only made her debut in October last year, but quickly landed two wins before 2024 was over. She would begin her year early when fifth in January, but hasn't looked back since. Following a short break, Santorini Star would add two more wins over a mile and a quarter and a mile and a half at Brighton and Goodwood respectively before dipping her toe into pattern company. Weakening away into fourth at Pontefract in June, she would run much better in another listed race at Fairyhouse, this time over a mile and three quarters. She would finish strongly into fourth that day which opened the possibility of this two mile trip. The decent pace set by the leaders in the contest helped to drag Santorini Star into contention and her class would see her through. The half sister to Group One winner Dreamloper retains plenty of scope for a return to listed races over two miles and this also helps to boost her profile as a broodmare in the future. 

Race Six: The Ire Incentive, It Pays To Buy Irish Fillies' Handicap - Class Two - Five Furlongs - Runners: 20

The focus would switch from stamina to speed as the first of two sprint handicaps would take place, this time over the minimal trip of five furlongs. Restricted to fillies and mares aged three years old and older, this contest can often be the stepping stone to better things and as always, there would be plenty of quality on display. John Butler's filly Designer had won back to back runnings in 2022 and 2023, but last year it would be a win for Yorkshire as David O'Meara's grey Star Of Lady M bolted up in brilliant style and then added a listed race to her CV a month later.

The three year old Star Of Mehmas would carry top weight in this ultra-competitive heat. Richard Hughes's runner won a listed race at Ayr last summer and started the season off with promise after three listed race placings. She would prove disappointing over this course and distance in July and dropped down to handicap company. Jessica Harrington is a highly talented trainer of all kinds of horses and would send over her three year old Saratoga Special. After breaking her maiden tag in April, she would go on to cause a shock by winning a listed race at Ayr two starts ago and was last seen in a Group Three at Sandown. The dual license holders Dr Richard Newland and Jamie Insole are establishing themselves on the flat and would saddle Ruby's Profit here. The three year old won twice at the start of the season before placing in the Epsom 3-Y-O Dash. She would also run well at the Royal Ascot and Glorious Goodwood festivals this summer. Ed Bethell's Fluorescence arrived at York on the rise, having made it three wins from five starts at Redcar recently. Another from the Middleham region would be the Karl Burke-trained Over The Blues. The four year old is still relatively lightly raced and finished third at Ascot back in May. She has since flirted with listed contests without success this year. Another consistent filly in the lineup would be Mick Appleby's Nad Alshiba Green. After winning at Nottingham earlier in the year, she would run a good race in defeat at this level at Sandown, but found the heavy ground at Goodwood last time too much. Queen's Guard made a promising stable debut for the Iain Jardine yard by finishing fourth in a class two handicap here over six furlongs in June, but took a step backwards on the all-weather and dropped down to five furlongs. A second runner from Ireland would be Denis Hogan's Sarahmae. The three year old has been progressive this year with three wins, including last time in comfortable style at the Curragh recently. Tom Clover's mare Jumbeau ran a pleasing race here last year by taking third in this race, but would go until the start of this month before gaining her latest win. She would drop in grade and did the job the well at Lingfield to boost her confidence. Woolhampton has been well handled by Rod Millman to win six times, but was well beaten in this race two years ago. She has finished no better than midfield in her recent starts this year. Daniel Murphy would send over Eclairage from his Irish base for this contest and after completing a hat trick at Dundalk last winter, she has won since on the turf before getting caught in the closing stages on her latest start. One of the biggest improvers of the whole season has been Katie Scott's Luna A Inbhir Nis. The three year old has won five of her last seven starts since February and didn't appear to be slowing down when winning over an extended five furlongs at this venue a few weeks ago. Amo Racing's newly appointed private trainer Kevin Philippart de Foy would be looking for a strong start to this festival with Mademoiselle. The three year old won her final two starts of last year and began this season with a promising second at Goodwood, but finished down the order in the Three Year Old Dash at Epsom when last seen in June. Another rapidly improving sort would be Novamay from the Michael Dods yard. The three year old took nine attempts to win her first race, but after winning a pair of low quality handicaps by wide margins, she would confirm her ability by winning a class three race at Windsor last time out. Michael Herrington's Lady Roxby has also looked a good prospect this year having won at Beverley at the start of July before chasing home Luna A Inbhir Nis over course and distance last time out. Ralph Beckett has enjoyed plenty of success at York in recent years and would be represented by Galaxy Zoo in this contest. She has improved since joining current connections and landed a third win of the season in narrow style at Ascot last month. David O'Meara loves having winners at York and would look to defend his crown in this race with Tiva. She has frustrated connections with plenty of placings earlier in the season, but belatedly got her nose in front at Ripon earlier in the month in good style. Simon Pearce would bring his filly Forager back to York having already won a similar contest over course and distance in June. The prominent racer has her fair share of early pace and wasn't disgraced when sixth against older horses last time out. The totally unexposed Fantasy Obsessor lined up for the Mick Appleby stable from a low weight. The three year old won her first two starts earlier this year, albeit over longer trips and she would finish sixth on first attempt at five furlongs, but she should have acclimatised to the speed test now. Jim Goldie would be represented by Eternal Sunshine, the five year old mare. A regular at a lower level, she has paid her way with five career wins and although this would be a tougher test, her trainer isn't afraid of a challenge. A second runner from the Goldie stable would complete the lineup, the four year old Woohoo. She would clean up at class six and class five level with four wins earlier in the season, but her progress has stalled since after a quiet run at class four level recently and this would be even harder.

Winner: STAR OF MEHMAS (Mehmas x Caelica) (#1) - R. Moore - R. Hughes

The field was originally reduced by one as David O'Meara's runner Tiva was deemed a non-runner, but the Amo Racing-owned Mademoiselle arrived at the start with a slight knock and was withdrawn on advice from the vet. That would leave a field of twenty, but it was no less obvious about finding the winner.

Just like in the opening contest of the afternoon, the field would split into two distinguishing groups. Over on the far side, Forager would show plenty of speed to dispute the lead as Novamay was also right up with the pace down the centre of the track and Irish runner Eclairage was also in front rank. The Scottish pair of Luna A Inbhir Nis and Eternal Sunshine would show up prominently as well as another Irish runner Sarahmae in a battle of the four nations. Eclairage had bowled along at a strong pace up the stands side which aided those in that group. The final furlong marker would loom large and Jason Hart kicked for home on Luna A Inbhir Nis. The filly would respond by taking up the overall lead on a big day for her trainer. The flying filly seemed to have her side of the track covered, but over the stands' side, Star Of Mehmas had weaved through her rivals and emerged on the scene under Ryan Moore. The action would take place on either side of the track as Star Of Mehmas, Luna A Inbhir Nis and the rallying Eternal Sunshine would cross the line together across the width of the track. A long and nerve wracking wait would follow for the official result, but it was announced that Star of Mehmas's big white face had narrowly crossed the line in front. Luna A Inbhir Nis would take an excellent second, beaten a short head, and the same margin would go back to Eternal Sunshine who did well to take third after getting outpaced at one stage. Fourth place would go to the Irish based runner Saratoga Special.

It would be an overdue first victory of the year for the three year old Star Of Mehmas, who had made her name at listed level in the past. The daughter of Mehmas progressed rapidly as a two year old last year, winning three races in a row which culminated in a listed race at Ayr in September. With a black type win already under her belt, Star of Mehmas would remain at listed race throughout this season. An unlucky third at Chelmsford would begin her season before producing a fast finishing second in a listed race over course and distance in May. A third consecutive placing in listed company would follow at Sandown and it was another narrow defeat. Richard Hughes's filly would line up against older horses last time in the City Walls Stakes here in July, but a slow start saw her unable to be get competitive.The July Cup-winning stable had pencilled Star of Mehmas in for the Nunthorpe Stakes, a Group One later in the week, but opted for this competitive contest to carry top weight in. Despite this, she would need an excellent ride from Ryan Moore, who managed to snatch victory on the line in last gasp style. A return to listed level looks to be the natural step for Star Of Mehmas, with a return to the Ayr meeting she won at last year on the agenda; ironically the same race which Star Of Lady M landed after winning this contest. 

Race Seven: The Sky Bet Nursery Handicap - 2-Y-O Only - Class Two - Six Furlongs - Runners: 19

The final race of the curtain raising day of the Ebor Festival would offer a glimpse to the future with this high quality nursery handicap for juveniles. With the season just creeping past the halfway stage, races of this nature often attract horses who haven't quite cut it in Group company and have now dropped in grade. Others have also competed at other festivals such as Royal Ascot and Glorious Goodwood. Last year, it would be another Yorkshire victory as Richard Fahey's Yes I'm Mali was always well positioned to strike and took the win.

This year's renewal would be headed by Richard Hannon's First Legion. The son of Mehmas impressed a few onlookers with his debut win here back in May and since then, he has finished close up in a pair of listed races to show his quality. The first of Yorkshire's challengers would be the David O'Meara-trained Rogue Supremacy. After an impressive debut success, the colt has shown a lot of natural speed and wasn't disgraced when fifth in the Molecomb Stakes at Goodwood a few weeks ago. George Boughey would send up Amorim for this contest and the Sheikh Mohammed Obaid-owned colt won for the first time on his second start by a wide margin. He would confirm his ability by finishing third in a listed race last time out. Andrew Balding is a trainer always worth following at this meeting and he would be represented by Old Is Gold in this handicap. The son of Mehmas landed a conditions race at Beverley before Royal Ascot and has since gone on to finish placed in an identical race to this one at the Glorious Goodwood festival recently. Richard Fahey has a good record in this race with four wins since the year 2000 and would saddle Utmost Respect. The colt looked very green on his debut when second to First Legion in May before running a cracker in the Windsor Castle Stakes. He would then make a maiden race a formality to get off the mark and sat on a handy rating to be competitive. Shaman Champion held an early entry in the Group Two Gimcrack Stakes at this meeting, bu trainer Richard Hughes would opt for the easier route in this handicap. After a wide margin debut success, he has continued to run well, including when second in a nursery handicap at the Glorious Goodwood festival recently. Ed Walker has enjoyed another good season to this point and would saddle River Spey here for his handicap debut. The son of Sergei Prokofiev benefited from a gelding operation to run his best race at Goodwood, staying on strongly into third. The Nick Bradley Racing syndicate would be looking for festival victory here with the Jack Morland-trained Saucy Jane. A precocious type earlier in the season, the filly finished fourth in a listed race here in May and has recently made a decent return to racing after a short break. It wouldn't be a York nursery handicap without a Kevin Ryan runner and the Thirsk based yard would be represented by Mo Of Cairo. The grey finished in the placings behind two smart juveniles on his first two starts before getting off the mark himself over five furlongs at Beverley last time out.  The pairing of Dr Richard Newland and Jamie Insole have made a big impact on the flat sphere this year and would aim for a first York winner with Blue Orbit. The son of Starman was impressive when winning at Goodwood on his second start before finishing sixth in a listed race next time and again in handicap company back at Goodwood last time out. A second runner for Adrian Keatley would be Chairmanfourtimes. He would be another to show good placed form earlier in his career and did the job impressively by winning at Pontefract over five furlongs, pulling clear at the finish and now he would step back up in distance. The black and white silks of Nick Bradley Racing would also be carried by Temple Of Athena, trained by Brian Ellison. The filly made a smart looking debut win at Beverley before improving to take third in a conditions race at Goodwood which is looking to be strong form. John Ryan is a trainer who doesn't back down from a challenge and would saddle the maiden Ecclefechan here. The colt has improved with experience and posted his best effort recently when second in a good novice race at Musselburgh last time out. The recent winner Go Vince Go made a quick reappearance for the Tim Easterby stable having won just a week earlier at Hamilton. He would appear to know the job at hand and won nicely in the end. First season trainer Charlie Clover would have his first York runner with the useful A'Ali G. After an inconspicuous start to his career, the gelding went on to win a valuable seller at Goodwood before quickening up smartly to win on his latest start at Ripon. Hugo Palmer does well in these sorts of races and would be represented by the filly Ruby's Angel. After making her debut back in April, the filly has run well in defeat in all four starts and would return in fourth behind Azleet at Newmarket on her latest run. Another runner from the Kevin Ryan stable would be the last time out winner Dacres Cross. He would produce a better run after a gelding operation over course and distance in July before gaining a first career win in nice style at Carlisle just over a week ago. Gemma Tutty's Awraad made a perfect start to her career by winning on debut at Pontefract before getting pitched straight into listed company here in May. She would return in midfield that day and made her comeback from a summer break. Phillip Makin's horses tend to improve after moving into handicap company and connections will be hoping for the same with Veiled Truth. The colt has run out of steam in three starts over five furlongs to date and would move up in trip for this contest. The improving Dublin Bay lined up for the Ollie Sangster stable in pursuit of a hat trick of wins. The gelding has looked a totally different character with two very easy wins at a lower level on his last two starts. Another locally trained runner would be the Nigel Tinkler-trained Believeinmenow. He would show promise at Hamilton when second on debut, but he has since gone backwards in two starts since, but made his handicap debut on first try over six furlongs. Completing the lineup would be Rebecca Menzies's Goldie Bear. The filly had quite a few goes in novice company, placing third on two occasions. One of those third placings came over course and distance which was a good effort, but she failed to back it up last weekend.

Winner: RUBY'S ANGEL (Starman x Angel Meadow) (#16) - S. Osborne - H. Palmer

The biggest field of the day would be reduced to nineteen as George Boughey's Amorim, Jack Jones's Saucy Jane and Rebecca Menzies's Goldie Bear would remain at home for this contest.

As the gates opened for the finale, Old Is Gold would veer to his right and hampered those drawn closest to him, Rogue Supremacy, Ecclefachan and Dublin Bay. At the front of the field, the sole grey in the field Mo Of Cairo was easy to spot as he led the field along the first few furlongs and was joined by Temple Of Athena. The two Yorkshire runners would trade turns as the leader through the first half of the race as the field remained in one large group. The likes of Chairmanfourtimes, Ruby's Angel, Utmost Respect and Dublin Bay were all towards the front of the queue as First Legion and the slow starting Believeinmenow were amongst those towards the rear.
The pace was just an ordinary one for such a competitive contest and Mo Of Cairo was still right there in the centre of the group, travelling well and holding the narrow lead under Sam James. It looked as if he had burned off the attentions of all challengers inside the final furlong as he began to edge further clear, but on the stands' side Ruby's Angel was also making her move. The filly challenged Mo Of Cairo and the pair went head to head inside the final furlong. Chairmanfourtimes was also in there pitching and it would soon turn into a three way battle for the win. A bunch of heads would cross the line in unison, providing a challenge for the judge. After a long pause and much deliberation, the verdict was given to Ruby's Angel. The grey Mo Of Cairo had led every yard until the one that mattered the most, while Chairmanfourtimes produced another solid race to take third, just ahead of the fast finishing River Spey.

It would be a long awaited first success for the filly Ruby's Angel, whose stable often do well in big nursery handicaps at festivals. The daughter of first season sire Starman made her debut way back in mid-April at Newmarket's Craven meeting, where she showed speed over five furlongs with a hint of inexperience. She would take second behind the ill-fated Harry's Girl that day, but offered plenty of promise. Another second place at Ascot would be followed by a short break for Hugo Palmer's filly, but she returned with creditable performances over six furlongs. On the first occasion she would take third at Haydock before a fourth at Newmarket in a small field contest at the start of the month. A strongly run six furlongs proved to be the missing ingredient and Ruby's Angel was able to break her duck. A half sister to some tough sprinters including Glorious Angel, sprint handicaps look to be on the agenda for the future and Ruby's Angel should continue to pay her way.