Race One: The Macmillan Handicap - Class Three - Seven Furlongs - Runners: 13

The charity raceday would kick off with a very competitive looking handicap that took place over seven furlongs. With an increasingly growing use of the seven furlong course, the race attracted many horses that have raced at York plenty of times in the past. Last year, the race saw a remarkable feat where Brian Ellison's Tolstoy showed no ill effects of his win the day before to hold on for the win and complete a 24 hour double of wins, something which is rarely seen.

The Simon and Ed Crisford-trained Telemark would be assigned top weight for the opener and the four year old enjoyed a progressive season last year. He showed a liking for slower ground for his two wins and this year, he has finished closer on each start, including a fourth at Chester recently. The David O'Meara stable are often well represented in races at York and the first of their runners would be Blue For You. The seven year old is a regular at York and all three of his wins in the UK have come at this venue, but hasn't been at this best recently though, running over a range of trips and now reverts back to seven furlongs. Michael Dods is another trainer who often targets York and would saddle the smart Glenfinnan here. He would be last successful in August last year over this trip, but he has struggled for form so far this season. The in form mare Havana Pusey lined up in search of a hat trick of wins for the John Gallagher stable. She had raced over six furlongs for most of her career, but seemed to relish the step up to seven furlongs with a clearcut win at Goodwood last time out. Aalto would line up for the dual purpose yard of Ian Williams and finished fifth in this race last year prior to winning the Bunbury Cup at Newmarket. His form tailed off afterwards, but he would make his seasonal reappearance in this contest. Dashing Darcey was a decent handicapper last year before moving to the Geoff Harker stable. After finishing down the field in the Lincoln on comeback, he finished strongly into second over a mile last time out at Haydock. The Richard Fahey-trained Our Havana disappointed in this race last year but has bounced back and turned into a smart type this year. He would win for the third time this year at Musselburgh and didn't run a bad race at Thirsk on his latest start over a mile. Former course winner Yanifer returned to York for the Harriet Bethell team and finished second to Tolstoy over course and distance in July. He would increase his good record at Chester later that season and has been slightly unlucky in two starts there this year. The Ralph Beckett stable would be represented by Palmar Bay here and the four year old has run to a good standard for most of his career. He would finish strongly to win at Chelmsford at the start of the month, showing the benefit of a spring break. Another former course and distance winner in the lineup would be Mick and David Easterby's Diligent Resdev. After winning at the Dante Festival last year, he went on to win the Ayr Bronze Cup. This year, he has caught the eye at the finish to suggest he has another win in his locker soon. One of two three year olds in the lineup would be Andrew Balding's Humam. The gelding looked progressive with a pair of wins earlier in the year, but has since finished sixth in all three starts since, so would be looking to break that curse.The Brian Ellison-trained Tolstoy completed a famous double of wins at this two day meeting last year and connections will be hoping for a repeat of that feat. The seven year old has been out of form however, so a return to this track needs to bring him confidence. The Malton based yard of Adrian Keatley went send Green Pursuit across the short journey to the Knavesmire and the gelding made a winning stable debut at Catterick earlier in the season. He would run well in a handicap over course and distance at the Dante Festival when eighth in a big field. The Irish visitor Little Empire would get used to the sight of Tolstoy as they were declared in the same races yesterday and today. The mare has a good record in Britain and finished strongly to win at Ayr lately. The four year old Modern Times is still searching for his first career win, but has gone close on a few occasions, most recently on the all-weather in December. He has since joined the Tim Easterby yard in an interesting move for his first race since January this year.

Winner: HUMAM (#14) (Kodiac x Her Honour) - J. Watson - A. Balding

The field be reduced by two on the morning of the race as Aalto would find the ground too quick and Little Empire's journey to Britain was a wasted one as she was also withdrawn following a nasty incident in the stalls on the previous day.

It would leave a field of thirteen to open the afternoon's action and just like yesterday, Tolstoy was slow to go from the blocks, losing a couple of lengths to his rivals. The early pace would be an even one as Humam was sent straight into the lead by Jason Watson as fellow three year old Green Pursuit, Yanifer and Glenfinnan all raced behind the leader.  Next up came Diligent Resdev and Palmar Bay as the field had already reached the halfway stage of the race. As the pace began to heat up, the runners fanned out across the track to make their challenge. Humam still travelled very well in front and the handbrake was released inside the final furlong. The gelding responded instantly with a burst of pace to go clear from Yanifer. The race would be sealed as Humam kept up the gallop to win eased down by a length and a half as Yanifer held on for second place, posting another good effort at York. Diligent Resdev continued his good form by keeping on into third, a place ahead of Modern Times, who kept on into a close up fourth.

The meeting would get off to a good start for punters as the joint-favourite Humam regained the winning thread for the Andrew Balding stable. The son of Kodiac held the option of running in the big six furlong handicap later in the afternoon, but the colt appears to be much better suited by this seven furlong trip with a light weight against older horses. After showing plenty of promise in two novice events at the end of last year on soft ground, he finished second on the second of those at Doncaster to the smart So Darn Hot. Reappearing on the all-weather at the start of this year, he would quickly land two wins at Lingfield and Southwell to enter contention for the All-Weather Championship Finals. He would finish a respectable sixth at Newcastle on Finals day, but his year wasn't finished at that point. Reverting to the flat, he would return home in sixth on his next two starts at Haydock and Ascot and was beaten by similar distances in both races. On his latest start, he would find the mile trip a step too far, and the positive tactics over seven furlongs paid off handsomely. He is clearly a smart horse and heritage handicaps like the Bunbury Cup and International Handicap could be on the agenda later in the year.

Race Two: The Queen Mother's Cup Handicap - Class Three - One Mile, Four Furlongs - Runners: 12

Next up came one of the oldest and most sought after prize in the amateur riders' circuit, the Queen Mother's Cup Handicap. The contest, which takes place over a mile and four furlongs, sees the best female amateur jockeys in the sport line up on the Knavesmire with a bonus prize of taking home their racing weight's worth of champagne. In the past, some high profile women have landed the race, including Serena Brotherton, Jody Townend, Francesca Cumani and Jo Mason. Last year, Lord Melbourne would run out an easy winner for the Ralph Beckett stable under the guidance of the very experienced Serena Brotherton. Later in the season, the four year old gelding would go on to win another prestigious handicap; the November Handicap at Doncaster.

The weights for this unique event would be headed by the talented Chillingham. Ed Bethell's six year old has completed at class two level for most of his recent career, including in the Ebor Handicap, so would have a slight advantage in raw ability. Adrian Keatley is another recent winning trainer in this race and saddled the well bred Maghlaak here. The six year old has gradually improved since joining the yard and ran well over course and distance last time out when finishing a close second at the Dante Festival. Barenboim would make his first start in a flat turf race for the first time in over two years for the Tom Dascombe yard. The seven year old has placed over longer trips on the all-weather and even took in a brief spell over hurdles, without success. This would be his first start since early January this year. The Sir Mark Prescott stable is always feared in staying handicaps and would send up Born Ruler from his Newmarket base. The five year old has run well on the few times he has tried this distance and was a staying on fourth in the Zetland Gold Cup last time out over ten furlongs. The husband and wife duo of Archie Watson and Brodie Hampson would combine here with Ocean Of Dreams. The four year old was an exciting prospect at the start of his career, but posted his best effort since then when second over this trip at Ascot two starts ago.  The lightly raced four year old My Dream World would line up for the Ben Brookhouse stable with an upwardly mobile profile. He would finish well into third at Ascot last time out and was open to more improvement. Financer would be the sole representative for the Tim Easterby yard and he landed a valuable handicap at the Scottish Gold Cup meeting last September. He would struggle in a stronger race at this year's Dante Festival, but that effort came between two promising placings at Ripon. The James Owen stable is often a regular supporter of amateur races, giving opportunities to young riders and he would saddle Kinetic here. The Richard Fahey-trained Glistening Nights gained all four of his wins during the summer of 2024, but has been unable to add to them recently. The four year old has run with credit this year with some midfield placings to date. The improving Saligo Bay lined up for another local stable, that of Sam England. The seven year old has been revitalised by a switch back to the flat with a pair of comfortable wins recently. David O'Meara would be another leading yard involved in this race with Heathen, another who is more of an all-weather regular. The six year old has improved with a rise to staying trips and ran well in a pair of class two events earlier this year. Saratoga Gold suffered an unfortunate experience in this race two years ago when unseating his rider two years ago, but has since developed into a solid sort at this level. Kevin Frost's seven year old finished a good third over course and distance back in May.

Winner: MY DREAM WORLD (#4) (Postponed x Warling) - M. Jordan - B. Brookhouse

The historic contest would get underway under dazzling sunshine and from the outset, Heathen would be slow from his wide gate and lost a number of lengths at the start. Ocean Of Dreams successfully tracked across from his wide stall to take up the running under Brodie Hampson and began to dictate the pace. The gallop would be a very steady one however and the field was tightly bunched up. Despite his slow start, Heathen was able to make up the ground lost and was back on the tail of field after two furlongs. The field continued to amble around the Knavesmire with Ocean Of Dreams still in the driving seat alongside Saratoga Gold and Barenboim racing close to the leader. Further back in the order, My Dream World's jockey Megan Jordan appeared to lose balance for a few strides, causing a few moments of anxiety. Thankfully, she would regain her reigns and kept the partnership in tact. 
Ocean of Dreams would bring the pack down the centre of the course and the race began to heat up. Despite the earlier issues, My Dream World began to make headway to challenge at the two furlong pole and emerged in the lead. With the running rail to guide him, My Dream World kept straight and true to hold the outright lead. On the other side of the pack, Chillingham began to make his challenge and stayed on strongly in the final furlong. It looked as if his late burst would be a winning one, but My Dream World was able to stick his neck out and hold on on the far side. Chillingham got going a stride too late and was denied by a head and Heathen would be another to run well after a dramatic start by taking third under Serena Brotherton. Fourth would go to the resurgent Saligo Bay in a race that quickly changed complexion in the final stages.

The winner My Dream World was one of the least exposed runners in the field and plenty of credit will go to Megan Jordan, who escaped a nasty incident during the race. Running for the dual-purpose stable of Ben Brookhouse, the four year old would be winning for the second time and could be much better than this level. After a low key debut in 2023, he would emerge as a decent staying type last year by winning at Haydock over this trip before finishing third over a mile and six furlongs at Ascot. The gelding would return to the Berkshire venue last time out and caught the eye by staying on into fifth which set him up nicely for this race. With plenty of stamina in his pedigree, it wouldn't be a surprise to see the gelding compete over hurdles in time, but is an improving stayer for now. As for the winning rider Megan Jordan, she would win the race that all lady amateur riders want to win. She would take home the luxurious prize of six cases of champagne which will kick off the celebrations. 

Race Three: The Sky Bet Race To The Ebor Grand Cup - Listed Race - One Mile, Six Furlongs - Runners: 4

The first of two feature races would take place and this listed race would help to provide more clues for the Ebor Handicap later in the season. Running over the Ebor trip of a mile and six furlongs, this contest was first held in 2008 and has grown in stature over the last 16 years. In 2009, Nicky Henderson's Caracciola became the oldest horse to win a pattern race at the age of 12, while other high class names in the staying ranks have also won this race, including Cavalryman, Quickthorn, Without A Fight and Marmelo. Last year would see a small but select field as William Haggas's Klondike got the better of Salt Bay in a driving finish. 

There would be a small but highly talented field going to post and they would be headed by former Ebor winner and highly versatile gelding Absurde. Willie Mullins's eight year old won the County Hurdle last year at Cheltenham as well as fifth in the Melbourne Cup. His latest flat start saw him return third in a Group Three race at Chester last month. Another hardy stayer joined him in the lineup, Al Qareem. Karl Burke's six year old has been a stalwart to his connections and has won at a higher level in the past. He would finish a place ahead of Absurde at Chester recently. The grey Alsakib won a similar race over course and distance last July and is a useful stayer without being top class. Andrew Balding's five year old wasn't beaten far when fourth in the Yorkshire Cup last month. The Godolphin operation would saddle a talented stayer in this contest, Charlie Appleby's El Cordobes. The son of Frankel was very impressive when winning a handicap at the Guineas meeting in May but only managed third at Newbury a few weeks later. David Simcock would enter the lowly rated Raja Raja in this contest, but the four year old looked to have a mountain to climb here. The one time winner was outclassed in Group Three company earlier in the season at huge odds. 

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

Just like last year, the race would be reduced to four runners following the removal of the likely outsider Raja Raja, but a top class quartet would line up for the feature race. 

The quirky Absurde showed his usual reluctant tendencies before the race as he needed walking to the start by Dan Tudhope, but once he reached the starting stalls, he was happy to enter the stalls. The race would get underway and the grey Alsakib would make a slow start, trailing the field by a few lengths for the first half a furlong. Up front, Al Qareem would go dictate the pace under Clifford Lee, but the pace was very modest. Absurde bowled along in second, ahead of El Cordobes and Alsakib managed to quickly latch onto the back of the pack. The field of four would hack canter down the back straight and past the woods, but rounding the home bend, Clifford Lee began to nudge Al Qareem up a few gears. The injection of pace suited Absurde who travelled strongly behind the leader, but Al Qareem kept finding extra. Approaching the final furlong, Al Qareem was hard ridden, but he continued to open the gap in front as Absurde was brushed aside. The six year old would come home in splendid isolation and pick up an impressive victory. The runners would cross the line in Indian file as Absurde took home second, with another gap to El Cordobes in third and an even longer break to Alsakib, who was never involved.

With four runners in the race, it was always going to be tactical but this was a textbook ride by Clifford Lee. Sending his horse in the lead and dictating the pace, Lee was able to conserve energy before increasing Al Qareem's stride at the three furlong pole. This would be the gelding's tenth career win on his thirtieth start and the six year old has been a brilliant ambassador for his owners Nick Bradley Racing.  After progressing out of handicaps in 2022, he made the jump into pattern company by winning the Group Two Prix Chaudenay at the Arc meeting of that year. In the last three seasons, the gelding has been a tough and likeable stayer, winning two editions of the Group Three Cumberland Lodge Stakes and numerous listed races. He also has the distinction of defeating a future Arc winner in Bluestocking at Chester in 2023. This year, the son of Awtaad landed the Further Flight Stakes at Nottingham before finishing ahead of Absurde when second in the Huxley Stakes at Chester to Illinois. This race win confirms his place in the Ebor Handicap later in the year and although he will carry plenty of weight, his class will shine in that race and it could be an exciting prospect for his owners. 

Race Four: The Macmillan Sprint Handicap - Class Two - Six Furlongs - Runners: 18

The highlight of the card would take place with this highly competitive and valuable handicap for three-year-old sprinters over six furlongs. Sitting in an ideal spot in the calendar, this race is often used by trainers as a springboard to better things for their progressive sprinters. In the recent past, Twilight Son landed this race with ease in 2015 before winning twice at Group One level and in 2023, Stuart Williams's Quinault continued his winning streak by winning here and has gone on to score at listed level. Last season, the race lived up to its potential of producing Group class winners as the Clive Cox-trained James's Delight weaved his way through to win and has graduated to the big time by winning a Group Two in Ireland a few weeks ago.

With such a famed history, all eyes would be focused on this race with a view to the future. Top weight this year would be carried by a promising sort from the Michael Dods stable, Northern Tricker. The gelding won twice in the style of a good horse before emptying out close home in a listed race at Redcar last October. Wathnan Racing will be looking for a pre-Royal Ascot boost with Richard Fahey's Columnist. He was an easy winner on debut before finishing a desperately close third in the Coventry Stakes at last year's Royal meeting. Having undergone a gelding operation, he has been below his best in a pair of handicaps this season. Next up would be King's Call, who could be an exciting purchase for the locally based Seb Spencer yard. After winning on debut last season, he was highly tried before finishing second in a nursery over five furlongs at this venue in October. A brief stint in Dubai saw him finish fourth over this trip and he returns to Yorkshire with a lofty rating. Richard Fahey has won this race in the past and the first of his runners would be Loom, who has yet to prove his stamina over six furlongs, but has run well the last twice here. Finishing second over five furlongs and then fifth against older rivals. The Andrew Balding-trained Marchogion has produced two poor runs at Newcastle, but he has been generally progressive. The colt would make a winning return to turf at Newmarket by defeating a solid yardstick in a good contest. Last year's winning trainer Clive Cox would be well represented in this year's contest, firstly by The Dragon King. The gelding won a sales race at Newmarket in extraordinary style last autumn, but wasn't at his best in a good handicap at HQ in May. David O'Meara would be represented by Dark Cloud Rising, who won the race at Pontefract which was taken by last year's winner James's Delight en route to success at York. The gelding has since produced solid efforts in a pair of Newmarket handicaps. Double Rush has found his form with a vengeance this year as Charlie Hills's charge landed his first win earlier in the year and then backed it up with an authoriative win in a Newmarket handicap in April. Clive Cox would aim to win the race for the third time in four years with the exciting Fast Track Harry. After finding listed company too hot on his second start, he made a clocked a quick time when winning for the second time at Doncaster and comes from a brilliant family of sprinters. Brigid's Cloak has been a revelation this season in Ireland as the Johnny Murtagh-trained filly has risen over 20lbs in the ratings. Her two wins this year have been by wide margins and she was only caught close home over five furlongs recently. The promising Veblen Good lined up for the Karl Burke stable for his handicap debut. Hailing from a good family, he was last seen losing out in a photo finish at Pontefract to the reopposing Strong Warrior. William Haggas's Showering comes from a distant family of excellent sprinters and looks to be a good prospect himself. The colt has raced in novice company so far, but showed a good turn of pace to come through the field at Yarmouth and win narrowly. This would be a tough race to make his handicap debut in though. The Roger Teal stable know how to train a good sprinter and they could have another in the form of Hucklesbrook. The son of Aclaim was winning for the second time when making all at Leicester and would look to emulate his full brother by winning on this card a year later. A third runner for Clive Cox would be Diligently, who has course and distance form to his name. The gelding landed the lucrative sales race at the Ebor Festival last August, which was his first career win. His only run to date this year saw him left in the winner's dust at Chester so he could strip fitter now. Another strong contender would be the Tom Clover's Sixtygeesbaby, who won his novice at Newmarket by a wide margin last season and gained a narrow victory in a hot race at Doncaster on his comeback in April. He could only manage fourth at this level last time out back at Newmarket. American Style has won just twice for Kevin Ryan so far, but has hit the post on five occasions. After winning on his comeback at Ripon, he has since returned second twice in Newmarket handicaps against some reopposing rivals. Jack Channon's Crestofdistinction improved with each run before getting off the mark at the third attempt, doing so in impressive style. He would pay for racing too close to the pace at Leicester last time, but remained unexposed enough. The eye catching grey Maelstrom lined up in the Cheveley Park Stud silks for William Haggas yard and would be another improving contender here. After easily winning his novice race, he has landed two more handicaps by small margins at Haydock. Next up came a second runner for Kevin Ryan, Territorial Knight. He would be tried in warm company following his only win last year and has run ordinarily in a pair of lower grade handicaps so far this year. The Ollie Sangster-trained Tuco Salamanca has improved with each run this year, winning twice on the all-weather and finishing in the placings on his latest two starts on turf. He would stay on into third at Goodwood over seven furlongs last time out. Another locally based yard to be represented would be the John and Sean Quinn stable with the filly Easy Peeler. She would get off the mark at the second attempt last year and has yet to run a bad race, including a third behind Maelstrom at Haydock last time. Completing the lineup in this very competitive race would be James Owen's Far Above Dream. The gelding arrived from Ireland to make a winning stable debut last time out where he showed plenty of speed at Bath but this race would be a whole new level. 

Winner: HUCKLESBROOK (#12) (Aclaim x Tumblewind) - J. Mason - R. Teal

With the forecast rain showers failing to arrive over the course, there would be four non-runners in the big sprint; Sixtygeesbaby, Crestofdistinction, Dark Cloud Rising and Easy Peeler, who of course landed the big race twenty four hours previously.

There would be plenty of pace on display in this important contest and Kevin Ryan's American Style would show up at the front of the pack from the start. Hucklesbrook and King's Call would put pressure on the leader and helped to force the early pace. Veblen Good would also be in the firing line early on with the Irish raider Brigid's Cloak not far away. The well fancied pair of Fast Track Harry and Double Rush would race further back in the pack as the furlong markers would be ticked off at a rapid rate. Approaching the final stages, Hucklesbrook was still travelling smoothly under Jo Mason and nosed into a narrow lead as the race began to heat up. He responded well to pressure and quickly opened up a two length lead inside the final furlong. Fast Track Harry would finally emerge on the scene and chase the leader down but at the end, Hucklesbrook had done enough to hold his rivals at bay. The gelding would land this notable race by a comfortable length over Fast Track Harry who did best of those held up. Double Rush also made up a lot of late ground to take third as Veblen Good ran an excellent race to take fourth on handicap debut in this competitive race.

It would be a case of keeping it in the family for the winner Hucklesbrook as he emulated his full brother Holkham Bay by winning at York on this raceday. Roger Teal's gelding has been improving with each start so far and the stable could have another exciting sprinter on their hands. After finishing in the midfield placings in three maiden starts last year, his form began to pick up in handicaps. He would land his first win at Kempton in a class five handicap last October and was subsequently gelded. With another winter under his belt, the three year old has gone from strength to strength this year. Following a pipe opening fifth at Ascot in May, he showed off his natural speed by making all the running to win at Leicester at the end of May. That race was a class three, so this would be another step up in grade, but the son of Aclaim has shown he is very much on the rise. The Roger Teal stable have taken care of the likes of Portland Handicap winner Chipstead and dual Group One winner Oxted, so there is every chance Hucklesbrook can emulate those horses and bring the glory days back to his stable.

Race Five: The Reg Griffin Appreciation Maiden Stakes - Class Two - 2-Y-O Only - Six Furlongs - Runners: 8

The action would remain at six furlongs, but the focus switched to the future with this class two maiden race. Contests of this nature at York can often produce high class horses of the future given York's prestige and fair track which encourages leading stables to send their horses to this track for their first day at school. Last year saw a dominant display from Kevin Ryan's The Strikin Viking who made all to a clearcut victory. He would go on to finish second twice in Group company straight afterwards. 

Heading the list of runners and riders would be Egoli, from the Ralph Beckett stable. The colt comes from a talented family but would show signs of greenness before his debut. Despite this, he shaped well during the race to finish fifth. Liverpool Star lined up for the Mick and David Easterby but looks to be one for the longer term. The gelding was slowly away on debut at Pontefract and came home in his own time. Lyrical Song would represent the Tim Easterby stable and comes from a family which her trainer knows well. He made his debut in the same Pontefract race as some of his rivals and finished fifth, but was crowded out close home. First of the debutantes would line up for the Richard Fahey stable, Mr Moonshine. The grey colt is related to some smart winners and his trainer can often produce a winning newcomer at this venue. Kevin Ryan would also be represented by the newcomer RIkki Tiki Tavi, a gelding by Bungle Inthejungle. He wouldn't have the same appeal on pedigree as some of his rivals, but was still thought good enough to debut at this venue. Stellar Sunrise would be a topical runner for his owners, the Royal Ascot Racing Club. The Andrew Balding-trained son of Space Blues looked to have blown it on his debut at Goodwood after a slow start, but he made rapid headway into second, showing he has a fair amount of ability. A second newcomer for the Richard Fahey stable would be Tactical Formation, who carried the silks of the powerful Wathnan Racing. The colt is a half brother to a pattern class filly, so hopes will be high for a good run first time out. The field would be completed by Karl Burke's newcomer Yy Nation, a son of Sioux Nation. The stable has already introduced plenty of exciting juveniles, so it will be interesting to see where this colt fits in on the pecking order.

Winner: EGOLI (#1) (No Nay Never x Solar Gold) - S. De Sousa - R. Beckett

With little to go in on terms of previous form and plenty of horses making their debut, this looked an intriguing maiden.

All eight runners would behave themselves in the preliminaries as well as entering their gates nice and quietly. From the moment the stalls opened, the outsider Liverpool Knight went straight into the early lead under Billy Garritty but he was joined by Egoli, who raced closer to the stand's side. The two newcomers Rikki Tiki Tavi and Tactical Formation would look sharp enough to race in third and fourth as the favourite Stellar Sunrise got away to a slow start. Approaching the final two furlongs, the race would begin to take shape as Egoli took over the overall lead. Rikki Tiki Tavi travelled nicely on debut and looked a big danger under Tom Eaves, but the pair began to hang left instead of going forward. Egoli and Rikki Tiki Tavi would be joined together in combat and it would be Egoli who knuckled down well under Silvestre de Sousa and gained the upper hand, using his experience to pull clear at the line, winning by a length and a half over Rikki Tiki Tavi. Further back, Stellar Sunrise repeated his debut effort by making up a lot of ground close home to take third, with an even bigger gap back to Tactical Formation in fourth. 

It would be yet another winner for the Ralph Beckett stable on this course after he landed the Dante Stakes earlier in the season. There would be a fair bit of interest in Egoli in the pre race betting market as he was sent off at 17-2 and the colt looks to be a smart prospect in the future. The son of speedy sire No Nay Never is the third foal of a listed race placed mare but further back in the family, he is a distant relative to Havana Gold, winner of the Group One Prix Jean Prat. Egoli would show plenty of greenness on his debut at Leicester where he broke loose before the start, but kept on into a decent fifth. The winner of that race is declared in the Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot, so the maiden could be a warm race. With a mix of speed and stamina in the pedigree, Egoli wasn't winding down at the line, so it could be worth aiming at seven furlongs or further in the future. Wherever he goes next, the colt is a name to make a note of. 

Race Six: The Ice Co Supporting Macmillan Handicap - Class Four - One Mile, One Furlong - Runners: 11

Next up would come a tricky looking handicap that takes place over the rarely used distance of nine furlongs. The race would feature horses that see out a mile strongly and are due a step up in distance taking on others who possibly don't quite stay the trip over a mile and a quarter. Last year saw yet another York winner for the David O'Meara stable as the inconsistent Pisanello produced one of his better runs by finishing strongly and taking the win.

Crack Shot is capable of some very smart handicap form, as shown by his latest win at Newmarket in May last year but he can also frustrate. Now trained by the team of Dan and Claire Kubler, he finds himself carrying top weight at this lower than usual level. Last year's winning trainer David O'Meara would be well represented again this year, firstly with Capital Guarnatee. The five year old landed a hat trick after joining the yard in 2023, but last year saw him go winless. He has found form again though with a pair of wins in a lower grade, so his confidence would be high again. Julie Camacho and Nick Bradley Racing combined with the five year old Obelix in this contest. The gelding snapped a long losing run at Thirsk last summer and continues to run with credit, but this would be his first start over nine furlongs since the end of 2023. George Boughey's Classic Encounter comes from a high class family and belatedly gained her first win at the start of the year. Since then, the mare has run well and is bred to appreciate the extra distance based on her pedigree. The likeable Ey Up It's The Boss has been a good servant for the Tony Coyle and Kaine Wood stable and won for eighth time at Ripon recently. The majority of his best form has come over longer trips however. Another stalwart of his respective stable would be Tim Easterby's Garden Oasis. The ten year old has an affinity with Ripon and has shown no signs of slowing down with a pair of wins recently. Despite winning here in the past, his form at York is largely poor. Nigel Tinkler's Theme Park has less wins than his ability suggests, but he does have plenty of good performances at York in the past. He would finish towards the rear in a strong handicap over a mile here last month when last seen. A second runner for the Nigel Tinkler yard would be Whiskey Pete, who showed smart form last summer, but has been disappointing this year. A trip to Bahrain at the start of the year proved fruitless and his fortunes haven't changed since returning to Britain. Leadenhall would be another runner for Tim Easterby and the once quirky gelding has shown better form this year. He would see out the mile trip strongly at Pontefract when winning in April and wasn't disgraced at Redcar last time. He would step up a furlong in distance for the first time since last year. Last year's winner Pisanello arrived here with a similar profile to twelve months ago. David O'Meara's eight year old now operates at a much lower rating than his win last season.  David O'Meara would also be represented by the consistent Cosmos Raj. The seven year old has finished in the first three in each of his last six starts, including a win at Ripon last time out. The Richard Fahey-trained Up The Jazz has placed at this course in the past and has also won over a longer trip. The four year old would make his first start since March, where he failed to feature at Newcastle. The Karl Burke-trained Tele Red has raced between a mile and twelve furlongs for the majority of his career, including a win at York in the past, so it was a surprise to see him line up over seven furlongs for the first time on latest start. Despite this, he ran with credit when not beaten far in ninth. Rounding out the lineup would be the Scott Dixon-trained Golden Pharaoh, who produced his best run since joining the stable last time out with a second at Southwell. He would be another to attempt this distance for the first time.

Winner: CLASSIC ENCOUNTER (#5) (Shamardal x Zhukova) - W. Buick - G. Boughey

In keeping with the theme of quick ground conditions, there would be three withdrawals for this contest; Crack Shot, Whiskey Pete and Golden Pharaoh, who had been in action the day before.

The early pace would be set by the veteran Garden Oasis over this unique trip and he was joined by Tele Red in the opening stages. Ey Up It's The Boss and Up The Jazz would come next in a tightly bunched pack as the likes of Leadenhall, Classic Encounter and Obelix would look on from afar at the back of the group. The early pace wasn't an overly strong one and approaching the two furlong pole, Garden Oasis was still holding onto an uncontested lead. Up The Jazz made a short lived challenge before weakening and the leader's stablemate Leadenhall looked to be struggling and tailed off at the back of the field. Inside the final furlong, the race changed complexion dramatically. Tele Red had usurped Garden Oasis in the lead as Cosmos Raj made strong headway from midfield and gave chase to the leader. From an unlikely position, Leadenhall rallied and was suddenly back in contention, making it a three-way battle at the half furlong marker. The drama wasn't over yet as Classic Encounter needed the kitchen sink thrown at him but was another to join the fray at the last moment as he ate up the ground. As the trio of Cosmos Raj, Leadenhall and Tele Red all battled each other, Classic Encounter joined them on the line to make it a dramatic four way photo finish. A wait that felt like forever to punters soon took place as the judge attempted to determine the winner. After a brief pause, the winner was announced as Classic Encounter and William Buick had pulled victory away from the jaws of defeat. Cosmos Raj was desperately unlucky to lose out on the line as Leadenhall and Tele Red filled out the placings with half a length covering the first four.

It would be consecutive victories for the four year old Classic Encounter, who has been slow to come to hand but is now on a good spell. The gelding began his career for Godolphin and Charlie Appleby and is a half brother to the Dubai Group Two winner Imperial Emperor, but proved frustrating initially. After moving across Newmarket to the George Boughey stable in the middle of 2024, the first win would remain illusive but he finally broke through by winning a class three handicap at Redcar. He would still show signs of quirkiness, but was able to call himself a race winner. Next up, he lined up at Newmarket where he went clear in the closing stages but was caught by the winner. It would be a similar story on his latest run at HQ where he raced keenly and could only manage third. This race would be run over a furlong longer than he had previously attempted, but it was also a weaker race than previously. With a strong late burst under a brilliant William Buick ride, the four year old is likely to stay an extra furlong as connections continue to learn more about their horse with each run. 

Race Seven: The Bosun's Restaurant Handicap - Class Four - Six Furlongs - Runners: 22

The action would come to an end at York with another typically competitive handicap which looked impossible to find the winner. The six furlong 'dash for the cash' would attract plenty of usual suspects to the Knavesmire for another head to head between old rivals. Twelve months ago, in the driving rain, the up and coming four year old Holkham Bay was a stylish winner for the William Knight stable and he would go on to win twice at class two level to confirm his ability. 

Top weight would be carried in the finale by Harry Eustace's Sir Les Patterson, who made the journey from Newmarket. All three of his wins have come on the all-weather and he raced keenly on his latest start when finishing seventh back in April. Mark Walford's It Just Takes Time has won at most of the Yorkshire venues in the past, but his last win came over seven furlongs on softer ground. The seven year old found the competition too hot in a class two handicap over five furlongs at the previous meeting here and this would be more to his liking. The David Evans-trained Supreme King is another who has been seen on the all-weather more often than not, but he showed he is capable on turf with a very close second at Chester in May over seven furlongs. He has also won at this distance on grass in the past. The Iain Jardine-trained Jonny Concrete has been improving since the end of last year and won on his seasonal comeback over seven furlongs. The four year old coped with this distance by finishing second at Carlisle last time out. Richard Fahey's Musical Touch has started to live up to his potential and won on his seasonal reappearance at Thirsk before finishing just outside the frame over seven furlongs here. He ran very well in spite of a wide draw when second at Chelmsford so he arrived in good form. Northern Spirit enjoyed a productive summer last year which included a victory in a similar race over course and distance and then a very good fifth at a much higher level. Brian Ellison's five year old began this season with a victory and did best of those held up on his latest run at Southwell. Ingleby Archie had previously been known as a five furlong speedster, but he upped his profile last time out by making all the running and pulling clear over this course and distance a fortnight ago. Adrian Nicholls's runner would need to be at his best to repeat those tactics. The four year old Imperial Guard has just the one win to his name, but it comes alongside some good pieces of form. He would finish close up in the big sprint at this meeting last year and has since joined Michael Dods, so races should be found for him. The smart Roberto Caro won twice last season for the Adrian Keatley, but they came on ground which was on the slower side. In recent times, he was seen racing over close to a mile, but without success. Aberama Gold won a class two handicap over course and distance two years ago before winning the Stewards Cup on his next start. David O'Meara's hasn't been at his best recently, but a positive this year would come at Ripon when second in April. Tim Easterby's Mister Sox rattled in a quick hat trick at the start of the season in similar races and made the leap up to class two level last time out. He wouldn't be disgraced though when eighth over course and distance. Kat's Bob joined the Ruth Carr stable earlier this year and his new handler extracted plenty of improvement of him by winning four races in a row. His form has levelled out recently from a higher rating though. The formerly French trained La Rochette joined Tracey Waggott's stable at the start of the year and has taken time to acclimatise. She would produce her best finish last time out, but was still well beaten. Another from the Richard Fahey stable would be Ziggy's Condor, who has a good record over this course and distance with three placings earlier in his career. He wasn't at his best last time out over seven furlongs though. Another runner in the pale blue Middleham Park Racing silks would be Hugo Palmer's How Impressive. The six year old has a much better record on the all-weather with six wins on the surface and has raced over longer trips. He finished down the field on a rare start on turf last time. Call To Action looked a promising type at the start of last year, but his progress has fallen off since switching to handicaps. His latest start at Doncaster came after eleven months off the track. Yet another runner for the Tim Easterby stable would be Spirit Of Applause, who was last seen taking part in a class two handicap over five furlongs. The five year old would make his first start over this trip since October last year. Kevin Ryan's True Promise has taken all four of his wins on the all-weather and was last sighted finishing down the field in a similar contest to this one one two weeks ago. The three year old Tuco Salamanca would be doubly engaged as he held an entry in the big sprint race earlier in the afternoon. He would be a late withdrawal in that race and would run here instead. After winning three times on the all-weather in the winter, he has finished in the placings twice on turf. On the other end of the age scale, the eleven year old Equiano Springs is still just as quirky as he was as a younger horse, but made a low key reappearance over course and distance a fortnight ago. The Paul Midgley-trained Emperor Caradoc lined up here having won two starts ago at Nottingham. He was unable to repeat the feat last time at Ripon earlier in the month. Completing the lineup for this competitive handicap would be the Katie Scott runner Sacred Falls. The mare has been in good form this year, winning at Catterick before finding trouble in running when fourth at Ripon last time.

Winner: KATS BOB (#12) (Bobby's Kitten x Dreaming Of Stella) - W. Pyle - R. Carr

Three of the intended runners would give this race a miss, with Imperial Guard and True Promise on account of the fast ground and Tuco Salamanca, who took his place in the very competitive class two handicap earlier in the afternoon.

The betting would have a wide open look to it in this unpredictable contest, but a surge of support for Jonny Concrete saw the gelding sent off the 16-5 favourite. The dash for the cash in the finale would get underway and straight away, the field split into two large groups. On the far side, the blinkered Kats Bob led his group under Will Pyle as last time out's winner Ingleby Archie led the near side group under Harrison Shaw. There would be little between the two leaders despite being spread across the track, but they would tow their rivals through the race. The two Middleham Park runners How Impressive and Ziggy's Condor would pressure the leaders on either side as Supreme King and It Just Takes Time were also close to the pace. Approaching the final furlong, it was clear that the far side had the advantage as Ingleby Archie's petrol tank began to empty. Kats Bob continued to push on in front but was joined by the top weight Sir Les Patterson. On the near side, Roberto Caro had emerged with the lead and began to open up on the near side, but it still wasn't enough to catch the far side. Kats Bob needed to dig deep, but he did so as Jonny Concrete flashed home from the rear to be the last challenger. It would be an all the way winner at York once again however as Kats Bob provided the Ruth Carr stable with the last race winner for the second day running.

Just like Dawn of Liberation yesterday, Ruth Carr has squeezed out more improvement in a horse she hasn't been in care of for long. The seven year old son of Bobby's Kitten has a better record on the all-weather, where he is a regular at places like Newcastle and Southwell, but rarely transferred that ability to the turf for the Iain Jardine stable. Connections opted for a change of scenery and moved the gelding to Ruth Carr's North Yorkshire yard at the start of the year and the magic would be begin. He would make a flying start by winning his first three starts on the all-weather for Ruth Carr with plenty in hand. The winning streak continued as he made all to win for a fourth consecutive time at Thirsk in April. There would be a bump in the road on his recent starts, but those defeats would come valid excuses. His winning run in Feburary began from a rating of 63 and now the gelding is rated 80, such is the progression of the sprinter. At his best when holding an uncontested lead, this was a brave effort to hold off seventeen rivals and  well judged ride by Will Pyle, the second highly promising apprentice to win a race for the stable in two days.