Race One: The John Smith's Racing Handicap - Class Two - One Mile - Runners: 9

The first race on the card to open up a high quality two hours would be this class two handicap over a mile. Races of these type often attract regular visitors to York and it was no surprise to a number of old favourites back once again. Twelve months ago, the David O'Meara-trained gelding Blue For You would successfully defend his title having also won the race back in 2023. He did well to avoid the attention of a loose horse that day and cemented his affinity with the Knavesmire.

Top weight in this year's renewal would be a formerly high class horse in the lineup, Flight Plan for trainer Karl Burke. The five year old entire won a Group Two as recently as September 2023 but lost his form since then. He would win the Thirsk Hunt Cup back in May, but went off too quickly at Epsom last time out. There would be an international addition to the race as Aafoor would represent Qatari trainer Mohammed al Attiyah. The four year old is one of the best horses in his home country and this is his second visit to Britain, although he has been outclassed on both starts this season. The Wathnan silks would be present with Hamad al Jehani's Native American. The four year old won on debut here three years ago and has been highly tried ever since. This would be his first start since March in the Middle East. David O'Meara would look to continue his hold on the race with plenty of chances. The first runner would be the evergreen Bopedro, who has been a regular in a lot of high profile handicaps and ran a excellent race once again when third in the Royal Hunt Cup at Royal Ascot. La Trinidad won this race way back in 2021 for the Roger Fell stable and would return to York once again. Now an eight year old, he ran well on his first two starts of the season including over course and distance, but finished midfield in the Royal Hunt Cup. The Ed Bethell stable would be represented by Old Cock, who looks to be a progressive type. The four year old bounced back from a poor run in the Lincoln by landing a similar race over course and distance at the Dante Festival in May. Blue For You would aim for an unprecedented hat trick of wins in this year and his campaign has possibly been aimed around this race. He would stay on into fifth over seven furlongs last time and his rating is back to the same as the one he won off last season. Kevin Ryan's Sisyphean won a lower grade race at last year's meeting very easily and has shown smart form since. An unlucky second here in May was followed by a respectable ninth in the Royal Hunt Cup. The totally unexposed Remooz would be a fascinating runner for Owen Burrows. After winning a pair of Doncaster novice races very impressively, he was pitched into Group company at Ascot where he arguably should have finished closer than fourth. This would be his handicap debut. 

Winner: REMMOOZ (#9) (Blue Point x Lady Ramon) - K. Stott - O. Burrows 

The flurry of high quality action would get underway on the Knavesmire to similar conditions as the day before, brilliant sunshine throughout and not a cloud in the sky. Temperatures would be slightly cooler though as a breeze would be appreciated by all on the racecourse.

The first race would get underway to an even break and from the outset, Blue For You had the best reactions but was held back by Dan Tudhope to settle into a rearward position. Once the group got into a rhythm, Sisyphean would take up the lead under Shane Gray, but they would be joined up front by Flight Plan. They would take each other on without setting an overly fast gallop in the early stages as Remmooz and La Trinidad raced just behind the leading pair. Native American would come next, with fellow Middle Eastern representative Aafoor running in midfield. Old Cock, Blue For You and Bopedro would complete the lineup as the race began to heat up approaching the two furlong pole. Sisyphean and Flight Plan would still hold the advantage, but it would be the second named runner who began to feel the pressure. As he began to weaken away, it would leave Sisyphean with the lead but Remmooz was travelling nicely. The three year old was receiving weight from his elders and moved up to eyeball Sisyphean. As the final furlong approached, Remmooz would kick clear and the race would be settled rather quickly. The colt galloped on strongly to cross the line a length and a half to the good and regain the winning touch. Sisyphean would confirm his liking for York with another good run in second while Bopedro made his customary late headway from the rear into third. Old Cock would be slightly hampered at a valuable time, but his challenge was only a brief one and he returned home in fourth.

It would be a return to form for the exciting prospect Remmooz, trained in Lambourn by Owen Burrows. The son of Blue Point only made his debut in April this year where he quickened up well to win at Doncaster at the first attempt. He would return to South Yorkshire for his second start, again in a novice event, and looked even more impressive by careering away to victory. It was clear that the colt had plenty of ability and he was thrown into Group company at Royal Ascot in the seven furlong Jersey Stakes. Held up throughout the race, Remmooz came home strongly into fourth and arguably should have finished closer that day. This race would be drop in class for the three year old, but a first try over a mile, which he saw out strongly. With a record of three wins from four starts, it is likely that he will return to Group company and could have a big race in him in the near future. 

Race Two: The John Smith's City Walls Stakes - Listed Race - Five Furlongs - Runners: 8

Next up would be the first of two pattern races, the listed City Walls Stakes over five furlongs. Since the race was moved from Chester in 2011, the dash for the cash has since emerged as a key trial for the Group One Nunthorpe Stakes as it replicates the conditions of August's feature sprint contest. Over the years, Ya Malak, Borderlescott, Jwala, Marsha and Winter Power have all completed the double which enhances the race's reputation. Last year, the Ralph Beckett-trained Starlust landed his second win at York before going on to finish third in the Nunthorpe and then win the Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint later that year.

The class of 2025 would be headed by Apollo One, trained by Peter Charalambous and James Clutterbuck. The seven year old was a high class handicapper who often hit the post, but he gained a deserved win in the Bengough Stakes at Ascot last October. This season, his latest effort would be a good seventh in the hotly contested Wokingham Handicap and this represented a drop in distance. The formerly French trained Grand Grey lined up for Kevin Ryan and he almost made a dream debut when finishing second in the Abernant Stakes at Newmarket in April. Since then, he has struggled at a higher level so this would be easier. A York regular and very smart sprinter JM Jungle would line up for the John and Sean Quinn stable. The five year old has been exceptionally consistent in handicaps and is ready for a tilt at pattern company after another good second here last time out. Representing last year's winning connections of Fitri Hay and Robert Cowell would be former Group race winner Seven Questions. The four year old ran one of his better races when staying on into fourth in a handicap here two weeks ago. Washington Heights would also start here for Kevin Ryan. The six year old has a good record at York without winning, but has acclimatised well to running over five furlongs. The Jack Channon-trained Miss Attitude is another high quality handicapper in the lineup and the gap between the listed company and high end handicaps is very small. The filly would finish a good second at Windsor two starts ago but could only finish sixth at Ayr last time. George Boughey's Rosy Affair has been very consistent throughout her career and has yet to finish lower than fourth in ten starts. She would get going all too late at Ayr in a similar race, but ran with plenty of credit. Star Of Mehmas would take her place in the field for the Richard Hughes yard and the former listed race winner has gone very close to winning more black type with a string of near misses this year. 

Winner: WASHINGTON HEIGHTS (# ) (Washington DC x Epping Rose) - S. Gray - K. Ryan

The first of two pattern races would get underway and Kevin Ryan's Grand Grey showed his not-so-handy trait of rearing as the stalls opened. He would lose ground on his rivals by a stride or two, but was already playing catch up after a furlong. With plenty of natural front runners in the field, there would be no hiding place from a strong gallop. Apollo One charged out of the gates and into the early lead under Paul Mulrennan but Washington Heights and Seven Questions were able to race with him up front. Miss Attitude and JM Jungle were also right there in the passenger seat as Rosy Affair tagged onto the tail of the leaders. Star Of Mehmas had sweated up before the start and it was clear that today wasn't her day as she trailed in last. 
Washington Heights had won the argument to lead after a furlong and brought the field down the centre of the course. Approaching the final furlong pole, Washington Heights continued to move strongly and looked to have most of his challengers under pressure. The mare Miss Attitude would latch onto the hind quarters of the leader and was the last to produce a challenge, but Washington Heights continued to pour it on in the lead and began to pull clear, showing his true ability. The five year old would hold off Miss Attitude and return to winning ways for the first time since April 2024. Course specialist JM Jungle plugged on into third with another very solid effort as he finished ahead of Rosy Affair, who produced a career best finish in fourth.

On a big day for the Kevin Ryan stable with runners at other big meetings around the country, this would be a perfect way to start the afternoon as the talented but frustrating Washington Heights returned to the winners' enclosure. The five year old had previously been viewed as a six furlong horse and even won the Abernant Stakes at Newmarket in April last year. Since then, he has been redesigned as a five furlong sprinter and the results are starting to pay off. After finishing third in the Temple Stakes at Haydock in May, the son of Washington DC then ran a good race in defeat at Royal Ascot where he stayed on into seventh overall, but raced in the less favoured central group. A win here should confirm his place in the Nunthorpe Stakes in August, given the reputation of this race as a trial. He would finish sixth in the Ebor Festival highlight last year, but has every chance of improving on that position this year.

Race Three: The John Smith's Cup Heritage Handicap - Class Two - One Mile, Two Furlongs - Runners: 18

One of York's flagship events of the entire year would take place with the eagerly anticipated John Smith's Cup Handicap over ten furlongs. The historic contest would mark the 66th running and it has always been a very tough betting heat. With so many factors to consider, including the draw, positioning and ground, the winner of race will need plenty of luck to emerge on top. Since 2010, the quality of the winner has improved each year with the likes of Wigmore Hall, Ballet Concerto, Euchen Glen and most significantly Anmaat all winning this famous race before following up in Group company. Last year's running would see a second win in three years for the Shadwell Stud operation as Roger Varian's Enfjaar finished strongly to win with ease before placing at listed race level.

This year's line up would see a lower than capacity field of eighteen, but a hotly contested line-up. Top weight would go to Karl Burke's Thunder Run, who enjoyed an excellent first season before returning this year and adding a second York success back in May over this distance. With his stamina confirmed, he has been kept away with this race in mind. The excellently bred Naqeeb was a high class arrival to the Julie Camacho stable last year and the five year old has run well in a few staying handicaps recently, including the Duke Of Edinburgh Handicap at Royal Ascot over a mile and a half. The Charlie Hills-trained Ancient Rome finished third in a Grade One last year and could be well handicapped now on that form. He caught the eye with a strong finish into third at Sandown last week. Hand Of God was an exciting Group race prospect last season after winning a pair of big three year old handicaps in the summer. Since then, the Harry Charlton-trained gelding has been below his best in handicap company and his reputation has been dented slightly. The four year old Soldier's Empire joined the Marco Botti stable last winter and was sent over the Bahrain for the first few months of the year. He would win a valuable handicap there, but finished down the field on his British return in the Royal Hunt Cup. Erzindjan would make his debut for the Terry Kent stable having run to a good standard during his time in Ireland. After finishing in the frame in Group One company in the past, he would be an interesting arrival for the Newmarket trainer. Tom Dascombe's Auld Toon Loon has improved since moving to his current stable and finished third in listed company over the winter. He was last seen finishing midfield at Royal Ascot last time out. The talented Fox Legacy made an impressive winning debut for the Andrew Balding stable and represented the same connections as 2021's winner Johnny Drama. After his Newmarket win, he would go on to "win" his race at Royal Ascot when sixth. The highly versatile Faylaq has won over ten furlongs up to two miles during his time with Jim Goldie and the nine year old did his best work at the finish in the trial race in June, finishing fifth. Alan King has won high level races over the jumps, but had a good contender in this famous race with Brioni. The four year old was sharpened up by cheekpieces when winning at Sandown last time out. The likeable See That Storm has been progressing quickly over the past year and was narrowly denied in the Zetland Gold Cup two starts ago and finished second once again in the trial here last time out. Richard Fahey's Have Secret won for the first time since his juvenile days at Ripon earlier this season, but he has experience of these big handicap fields. After finishing third behind Thunder Run, he was slow to start at Epsom and was never involved. Adrian Keatley's Romieu arrived from France at the start of the year and impressed when winning at Redcar. Since then, he has finished fifth here in May and the booking of in form apprentice Elizabeth Gale would be a good move. The Kevin Ryan-trained Dark Moon Rising has won at York in the past over a longer trip, but his better form has come on the all-weather. He would produce a low key run over course and distance back in June. The three year old Mirabeau relished the soft conditions to win a valuable sales race here in October and the Dominic Ffrench Davis-trained colt has been running well in listed company this year. Tim Easterby's Austrian Theory finished second on two occasions at Chester earlier this season, but has since finished down the order over course and distance in his last two starts. The very unexposed Archivist gained his first win at the sixth attempt, but made it two in a row in comfortable style over a mile at this venue two weeks ago. The William Haggas-trained colt is bred to be very talented. Charlie Johnston would be represented by the six year old Qitaal, who has been kept busy of late but often holds his form well. The six year old was last successful in September last year, but his winning has come at a lower level.

Winner: FOX LEGACY (#8)  (Sea The Stars x  ) - PJ McDonald - A. Balding

The 66th running of this historic handicap brought about plenty of interest on track with spectators and punters alike. The experienced handicappers refused to get worked up in the high temperatures and entered their gate calmly. As the stalls opened with a cheer from the crowd, the race was underway. 

The favourite Archivist would get away to a good start but Austrian Theory made the best start of all and led the field towards the first bend. Archivist took over as the leader and settled into a steady rhythm under Adam Farragher with his seventeen challengers all jockeying for position. The grey Mirabeau would race keenly, as did See That Storm, but they would race just behind the leaders in a handy sit. Further out wide, Fox Legacy was stuck on the outside due to his wide draw but remained in touching distance of the leader. Towards the rear of the group, disaster would strike for Jo Mason as her saddle slipped on Qitaal which left her powerless to controlling her horse, eventually easing him right out of contention. Halfway down the home straight, the excitement in the crowd grew higher. Archivist was still holding onto a narrow lead but his challengers were on his heels. Despite racing keenly early on, See That Storm moved up to dispute the lead and nosed ahead briefly. The consistent Yorkshire runner looked set to deny Newmarket another win in this race, but closer to the stands' side rail, Fox Legacy had built up momentum and challenged last of all. Under a strong PJ McDonald drive, Fox Legacy would run down Archivist and See That Storm to win by a length and full of running. See That Storm would finish in the top two once again while Archivist ran an excellent race given his lack of experience. Back in fourth, Terry Kent would be delighted with Erzindjan on stable debut as he stayed on powerfully into fourth, opening up new options for the six year old.

The Andrew Balding stable have gone about their business to make York a happy hunting ground and the Knavesmire's winning most trainer of last year was at it again with a second John Smith's Cup victory. After winning the race back in 2021, also for the King Power Racing Company, he would do so four years later with the progressive Fox Legacy. The four year old was quietly progressive last season for the now retired Sir Michael Stoute stable and his last run for the legendary Newmarket trainer came over a mile and a half. Switching to the Andrew Balding yard, Fox Legacy made a perfect start at HQ by winning a handicap at the Guineas festival over nine furlongs. After that, he lined up in the ultra-competitive Royal Hunt Cup at Royal Ascot. He would show his wellbeing by finishing sixth overall, but first in his group of runners and beaten just under three lengths by an impressive winner. Now with a second big handicap under his belt, Fox Legacy is likely to step into Group company, with contests such as the Strensall Stakes at the Ebor Festival a likely next step for the gelding.

Race Four: The John Smith's Silver Cup Stakes - Group Three - One Mile, Six Furlongs - Runners: 6

The fourth and final high profile race would be this Group Three contest for stayers over the Ebor distance of fourteen furlongs. Last year, in a small field, the grey Alsakib produced the strongest finish from the rear to win comfortably and record another win for Andrew Balding at the meeting.

There would be another small field once again for this year's contest, but it would be led by the Karl Burke-trained Al Qareem. The very tough six year old dictated the race when last seen at York in June and pulled clear of his rivals over course and distance. The talented dual purpose horse Maghlaak stepped into Group company for the first time for trainer Adrian Keatley. The six year old won over hurdles earlier in the season, so should have the requisite stamina needed here. Brian Ellison's Onesmoothoperator landed the Northumberland Plate last season before jetting off to Australia and winning the Geelong Cup down under to set up a tilt at the Melbourne Cup. He has also finished third out in Dubai at the start of the season, but was unable to make an impression back on home soil in a repeat bid of the Northumberland Plate. A leading Irish trainer would be represented with Gordon Elliott's Samui. The six year old ran two excellent races at Royal Ascot, finishing third on the first day and then second in the Queen Alexandra Stakes on the final day. Last year's winning combination of PJ McDonald and Andrew Balding would return once again, this time with Subsequent. The four year old improved nicely through the handicap system last year before winning a listed race at Ascot when last seen in action. The final runner would be Tom Clover's Tabletalk, whose best moment to date came when winning the Melrose Handicap easily at the Ebor Festival. The colt has finished second twice already this season and would be looking to improve back up to this distance. 

Winner: AL QAREEM (#1) (Awtaad x Moqla) - C. Lee - K. Burke

Races of this nature can often turn tactical, but that wouldn't be the case here with the presence of Al Qareem. The six year old has one way of running and that is at the front, so he was sent straight there by Clifford Lee. Racing in second would be the black and pink silks of Maghlaak, who raced alongside last year's Ebor Festival winner Tabletalk. Subsequent would be slowly away on his return to action, but followed Samui and Onesmoothoperator, who were both held up for a later challenge. 
Al Qareem would have a length's advantage in front over Tabletalk, but his rivals seemed to think he was catchable. As the two furlong pole began to loom large, Clifford Lee turned the screw on Al Qareem. The Irish challenger Samui was able to time his challenge well under Hollie Doyle and looked to be a major threat by moving into second. Tabletalk had also travelled well into contention, but once the final furlong was upon them, the stamina bar on Tabletalk suddenly disappeared and he went backwards. Spurned on by the sound of charging hooves, Al Qareem kept finding more under pressure and began to extend his advantage. One by one, his rivals would drop away and it was left for Al Qareem to pick up another York win in game style. Samui could only manage second, while Tabletalk held on for third as Onesmoothoperator also cried enough close home in their battle for the final podium spot.

The highly likeable Al Qareem has become a firm favourite for the Nick Bradley Racing syndicate with his eleven wins over the years and rise through the ranks. The former Group Two winner in France suffered a near career ending injury, but has returned even better than ever in recent seasons. A listed race win at Nottingham in April would be followed by a second in the Huxley Stakes at Chester, where he finished behind Aidan O'Brien's Illinois. After that, he lined up at York to take in another listed race. Again, he would dominate proceedings and pulled well clear of some talented rivals. The bold front runner doesn't seem to know when to stop and he may not be done progressing just yet. A place in the Ebor Handicap is already guaranteed, but as he is likely to carry a big weight, other options are open. Contests such as the Group Two Lonsdale Cup and Group One Irish St Leger all seem highly exciting targets for all of the owners involved.

Race Five: The John Smith's Nursery Handicap - 2-Y-O Only - Class Four - Six Furlongs - Runners: 7

After the feature races were over and done with, the racecard would settle down with some of the more lesser known names of the sport. First up would be this nursery handicap over the straight six furlongs which includes horses that may have found races at Royal Ascot just a step too far at this point in their careers. Other contestants would include in form horses and handicap newcomers, who should be suited better by the nature of this race. Last year, the race would go the way of East Tyrone for Kevin Ryan. The gelding led on the line to take a first career win. 

This year's running would be headed by the top weight Going Commando for the Adrian Keatley stable. He would shape well in a good novice here in May before chasing home an unbeaten rival at Chester. Since then, he has been gelded ahead of his handicap debut. Jamie Osborne's Amazing Journey was very inexperienced on debut but still ran an excellent race to finish fourth. After that, the colt looked much sharper by winning on his latest start and could be a nice type. The Hugo Palmer-trained Miss Piggle won an early season novice at Southwell before being highly tried, even in a listed race at Newmarket last time. This would be a slightly easier test for the filly. Another newly gelded runner would be the Johnathan Portman-trained Son Of Sarabi, who looked a winner in waiting after his debut second, but has struggled in two starts since. Newmarket based trainer Charlie Clover is starting to make a name for himself and would be represented by the filly No Spritz No Party. After showing a small amount of promise on debut, she would come with a good late run to win at Pontefract on her second start. Nigel Tinkler's string are in decent form at the moment and he would saddle Believeinmenow in the contest. The colt was second on debut before taking a step backwards in form on his next two starts. He is well bred though and make his handicap debut. A runner for the Nick Bradley Racing syndicate would be Tim Easterby's U Turn. The colt went very close to winning for the first time in a seller here last month, but wasn't as good in a handicap at Haydock last time out. Last year's winning stable of Kevin Ryan would be represented by Dacres Cross, who is another to be recently gelded. The youngster had shown a few quirks in his races prior, so this could help to settle him down for the future. Completing the lineup would be the Richard Fahey-trained Supreme Dancer, who has seemingly been thought of highly, but has yet to produce it on track. The colt produced a better effort

Winner: AMAZING JOURNEY (#2) (Starspangledbanner x Kiss Me Daily) - S. Kelly - J. Osborne

The race would contain drama even before the start as the twice raced No Spritz No Party would rear up leaving the parade ring and unseat his rider Conor Planas before galloping at full tilt towards the starting stalls. Thankfully, the dead end nature of the six furlong start point meant that the horse was able to be caught, but it was a scary incident and Planas would be stood down for the rest of the afternoon.

With now a reduced field of seven, the action would get underway to a decent break. There would be a race for the early lead here as Kevin Ryan's Dacres Cross took up the running but had Supreme Dancer breathing down his neck. Just in behind the pair would be Miss Piggle, who raced keenly in the opening stages as the pace was only an average one. U Turn and Son Of Sarabi would race in fourth and fifth while the rear was brought up by Going Commando and the favourite Amazing Journey. There would be little change in the order for most of the event, but approaching the final furlong, things began to heat up. Dacres Cross would start to hang to his right and in turn, Miss Piggle hung to her left. The pair would meet in the middle and hamper each other's progress and it was left to Son Of Sarabi to take over in the lead. Amazing Journey was also moving through the race with purpose and would be the last to challenge under Shane Kelly. He would quicken up smartly and get the better of Son Of Sarabi inside the final stages, inching further ahead to win by a comfortable half length. Dacres Cross would run well despite his waywardness to take third and U Turn could only plug on into fourth.

It would be a smart performance from what seems to be a progressive juvenile, Amazing Journey. The son of Starspangledbanner made his debut on the all-weather back in June where he showed inexperience in the early stages but when the penny dropped, he quickened nicely to take fourth. On his next start at Chepstow, he took advantage of that debut experience and did his best work at the finish to break his maiden tag. Based on his pedigree, the colt is bred to be even better over longer trips as a distant relative to the likes of smart staying chaser Hoo La Baloo and Australian Group One winner He's Your Man. Trainer Jamie Osborne is a shrewd handler when it comes to handicaps, so he will be able to plot the upcoming route for this colt, but he could rank even higher given his progression. It would be a dream thirty minutes for owner Paul Gallagher as he landed this nursery handicap just minutes before his star filly No Half Measures caused an almighty shock to win the July Cup at Newmarket.

Race Six: The John Smith's Stayers' Handicap - Class Four - Two Miles - Runners: 10
Next up, it would be the turn of the stayers with this two mile handicap that saw a mixed bag of talent on display. Twelve months ago, the race would go the way of Zimmerman for the Tim Easterby stable. He would battle bravely to get the better of two other rivals in a driving three way finish. 

Topping the weights would be the former course winner Gibside, representing last year's winning trainer. The six year old won over course and distance in horrible conditions last October and has since gone on to win the Chester Plate in May. The mare Rock N Roll Pinkie has an excellent record at Nottingham but has done all of her winning over a slightly shorter trip. She was a very easy winner at her favourite venue last time out. Churchella won a similar race to this one almost a whole year ago over course and distance and would return to this venue. After a promising seasonal comeback, the mare was last seen finishing out the back in the Northumberland Vase. Charlie Johnston would saddle Curran in this contest. The four year old won twice over a slightly shorter trip recently but improved when third behind Tailorman at Chester last time out. The smaller scale yard of Mike Sowerby would be represented by Weddell Sea, who began the year strongly with a pair of wins at Newcastle and has since run well in defeat at that venue this year. David O'Meara's The Crafty Mole was a prolific winner last season with five victories as he moved up the grades. His form has been inconsistent of late but he went very close two starts ago at Haydock when second. Jim Goldie plotted Letsbefrank's season excellently last year as he won three times at a valuable level. He was also a very close third in this race last year, so connections will be hoping for a slight improvement. Jonathan Portman's mare Russian Rumour recently landed her eighth win last time out and is versatile with ground conditions. She would be another in form runner in this contest. The locally trained Terrorise lined up for Brian Ellison here. The four year old was highly tried over hurdles this spring but has reverted to the flat, where he kept on well at the finish over a shorter trip. Representing the Ian Williams stable would be Simiyann, who has formlines that clash with some of his reopposing rivals, including when defeating The Crafty Mole and finishing behind Tailorman last time out. Tim Easterby's Marbuzet has run well at York in the past without winning. The six year old is a strong stayer and has been a shade unlucky to not win on his last two starts at Chester.

Winner: TERRORISE (#9) (Territories x Wisely Words) - B. Robinson - B. Ellison

The field would be reduced by one as Ian Williams's Simiyann was deemed a non runner due to the quick ground, but the ten remaining runners were set to produce a good race.

Charlie Johnston's Curran would be sent straight into an early lead, as so often is the case for horses from the Kingsley Park stable, and he led the field past the finish line for the first time. As the race settled down into an even flow, the keen going Churchella would pull himself into a share of the lead with Curran. The mare Russian Rumour came next, followed by Gibside who also raced keenly and Terrorise, who settled nicely in a prominent position. Making their way around the Knavesmire, the order would remain fairly stagnant, but once they levelled up to face the grandstands at the end of the home straight, some of the jockeys began to make their move. Gibside would be first to take on Curran halfway down the straight, but his keen going nature early on led to him stopping quickly. The favourite Letsbefrank would also move forward, but the eye was drawn to the orange silks of Terrorise, who responded to the pressure without making a fuss. The four year old kicked on for home at the three furlong pole and began to stretch clear under Ben Robinson. He would gallop on strongly and was soon in splendid isolation inside the final furlong, coming home to win by four lengths over the staying on pair of Marbuzet and Rock N Roll Pinkie, who did their best work at the finish. Letsbefrank would round out the top four and was unable to build on his effort from last year.

It would be a resounding victory for the four year old Terrorise, who has started to live up to his potential for the Brian Ellison yard. The son of Territories was tried in some competitive races last year after winning a class six at Doncaster last summer and he understandably struggled. He was then tried over hurdles and was thrown into the deep end by making his first hurdles start in a Grade One novice at Aintree in which he was unsurprisingly pulled up. Since then, he has gotten the hang of hurdles and won on his third start at Catterick at the end of May. Reverting to the flat last month, he needed to readjust his mind to the job but still ran well to take fifth over a mile and a half, but this would be his first try over two miles on the flat. With an easy success, the gelding is unexposed over marathon trips and could have found his niche now. There could be more wins for Terrorise later in the year.

Race Seven: The John Smith's Sprint Handicap - Class Four - Six Furlongs - Runners: 18

The finale would be a very tricky contest to solve for punters with plenty of Knavesmire regulars returning to York, posting their bid for more success at the course. The six furlong contest was won last year by Ray Vonn for the Ben Brookhouse stable as he overcame a slow start to get up close home. 

Top weight in this year's running would belong to the Tim Easterby-trained Manila Scouse has been running at a higher level for most of the last few seasons, but he appreciated a drop in class by winning at Thirsk last time out, his first win of the year. Ruth Carr is an excellent handler for improving horses and has done so again with Fiscal Policy as the gelding has won five times since moving to Yorkshire. The six year old went close to winning again when taking second on his latest start. The four year old Kings Merchant was a progressive sprinter last year and finished just out of the frame in a much better race last summer. This year, he hasn't been at his best and has since joined the Phil Kirby stable. Geoff Oldroyd's Filly One would carry the silks of owners Bond Thoroughbred Limited, who love having winners at York. The four year old won for the first time since her juvenile days in easy style at Southwell back in May. Mick Appleby's Juan Les Pins was a very talented sort a couple of years ago, but his age has start to catch up with him. Despite this, he is still capable and was unlucky in running at Haydock last time out. Another high class handicapper a few years ago is David O'Meara's Aberama Gold, a former Steward's Cup winner. The eight year old is approaching his 100th start and ran well to take third at Ayr on his latest start. Julie Camacho's Raatea would make his seasonal debut in this competitive contest and is a talented sort on his day. The eight year old hasn't won for two years, but has recently had wind surgery. Another locally trained runner would be Adrian Nicholls's Ingleby Archie, who dispelled stamina doubts to make all the running and win over course and distance back in May. Since then, he has finished third at this level at Doncaster. Another for the Tim Easterby stable would be Mister Sox, who rattled in a four timer of wins earlier in the season before struggling in a higher grade. This would be a much suitable level for the five year old. The Richard Fahey-trained Emperor's Son looked a smart prospect when winning on debut two years ago, but has been disappointing since then. He would show a glimmer of promise last time out when fifth at Newcastle in January. Michael Herrington's Good Earth has been a prolific winner over the years, including at York and the eight year is still capable of good form even now. Paul Midgley is a trainer often well represented in races like this and he would saddle Frank The Spark here. The five year old has done all of his winning over five furlongs so this would be a test of stamina. Another from the Richard Fahey stable would Rock Opera, who has a decent record at this venue which includes a third in late May. Declan Carroll's Thankuappreciate is another with plenty of experience at York in the past, but hasn't been in decent form of late. He was last seen finishing tailed off over course and distance but he has since had a small break. Ivan Furtado's Alfa Whiteburd was heading the right way at the end of last season and produced an excellent second here in May. He would run poorly on his next start, but remains lightly raced. Johnathan Portman's grey Strike has strung together some good efforts this year with a handful of seconds over six furlongs, but he weakened away over seven furlongs when last seen. Yet another Tim Easterby runner would be Spirit of Applause, who has been kept on the go recently. The five year old has taken part in a few stronger races recently and has finished in the placings over five furlongs of late. Tristan Davidson's Iris Dancer has posted a good effort in defeat at York in the past and arrived back on the Knavesmire in good form. The mare won very impressive at Hamilton two starts ago and weakened into fourth over a furlong longer last time out. Sugar Baby remains in good heart for the Peter Niven stable despite turning seven years of age. The gelding has been a regular at a lower level, but he is worth a go at this more competitive grade. Roger Fell has plenty of this sort of sprinter and would rely on Glory Hyde here. The filly was successful two starts ago at Ripon, but was unable to repeat that run at Pontefract last time. 

Winner: ABERAMA GOLD (#6) (Heeraat x Nigella) - D. Tudhope - D. O'Meara

The final race of the day would start without the two non-runners Raatea and Alfa Whiteburd as their connections felt the ground would be too quick for the horses.

It would leave a field of eighteen to go to post, but it would be a wide open contest. From the stalls, Ingleby Archie burst out of the gates to display his trademark early speed through the first couple of furlongs. Juan Les Pins would rear up once his stall opened and lost crucial ground on his rivals as the remainder settled into their flow. A larger group would remain towards the far side, but Iris Dancer raced solo down the centre of the track approaching the halfway stage. The keen going Emperor's Son would challenge Ingleby Archie for the lead and help to force the early pace as the likes of Aberama Gold, Filly One and Manila Scouse would be just a few to race just behind the leaders. The action would begin to heat up entering the final furlong as Ingleby Archie continued to make all the running. On the far side rail, Fiscal Policy was pushed into the narrow lead and looked set to continue his good run of form, but Ingleby Archie refused to give up. Sugar Baby was another make strong late headway, but was briefly blocked in his run which proved costly for his chances. Aberama Gold had been towed into the race and picked up under pressure to nose in front inside the final furlong. From the rear, Juan Les Pins had picked his way through tiring rivals and emerged on the scene to flash home and Ingleby Archie bravely fought back, but the old boy Aberama Gold did just enough to hold on and win once again on the Knavesmire. Ingleby Archie ran another excellent race at York to finish second while Juan Les Pins did very well to finish third in the circumstances. Rounding out the top four would be Fiscal Policy as just a length would cover the top four finishers. 

It would be a popular return to winning ways for the veteran handicapper Aberama Gold, who rolled back the years to win at York once again. The eight year old has always been a very classy type since emerging on the scene in 2019 where he won the listed Rockingham Stakes over course and distance in October of that year. Making his ninety-second career start, this would be his thirteenth victory. The son of Heeraat has also won six times at class two level, including a back to back weekend double of the Sky Bet Dash at York and the historic Stewards' Cup Handicap in July and August. Time has slowly caught up with the gelding in recent times though and after finishing a close second to fellow Yorkshire legend Dakota Gold at Ripon in April, his one positive piece of form came at Ayr just five days earlier. He would return home in third that day and lined up at York off a rating of 79, some 24lbs below his career highest mark. Appreciation goes to the connections for keeping their old warriors fit and active at their elder age, and they continue to run well as others may decline. A lovely way to end the two day meeting.