Race One: The Eventmasters.co.uk Handicap - Class Four - Seven Furlongs - Runners: 22
The evening action would get underway with this ultra competitive and big field handicap over the intermediate distance of seven furlongs. The much needed downpour of rain over the previous weekend provided a much needed relief to trainers and horses alike as the rapid ground that has been a regular in recent weeks has been replaced by slightly easier underfoot conditions. Twelve months ago, the opener would go the way of Richard Fahey's Craven, a quirky sort who got his nose in front just on the line to improve his decent record at this venue.

Top weight would be carried by the Gemma Tutty-trained Ormolulu. The all-weather specialist produced a career best when third over six furlongs here two starts ago and was unlucky in running when back over seven furlongs here a fortnight ago. The mare Mereside Diva has some good efforts at York in the past including a third here earlier in the season. The seven furlong specialist isn't the most consistent of mares however. Tough Enough was once a promising sort as a younger horse, competing at a higher level before his form tailed off. He hasn't improved yet since joining the Antony Brittain stable, but it remains early days. Making the journey down from Scotland would be Yaaser, who was double booked at York this weekend. The gelding has been running well in a busy spell and after winning over seven furlongs two starts ago, stayed on into third at Ayr at the start of this week. Running for the trainer/ownership combination of Mick Appleby and the Horse Watchers would be Daring Legend. The four year old has hit the post on a number of occasions this summer, but ran below his best last time earlier in the month. Tim Easterby's Mister Sox rattled in a hat trick of wins at the start of the season, but has struggled in better quality races of late. He would move back up to seven furlongs for the first time this year in search of a return to winning ways. Feel The Need is another course regular at York and Michael Herrington's gelding has a record of two wins and a second on the Knavesmire. After winning here in June, he has been slightly below par in two runs since. Another runner for the Mick Appleby stable would be Way To Dubai. The ex German trained gelding has yet to win since moving to Britain and has appeared unable to stay the seven furlong trip in recent times. Ed Dunlop's runner Pressure's On lined up here after frustrating connections this year. He looked set for a good season this year following a good reappearance second, but has struggled for form since then. David O'Meara is a regular part of these races and would saddle Riot, who loves these sorts of races. The eight year old stayed on into second at Doncaster two starts ago, but would need plenty of luck in this contest. The grey Havana Prince has developed into a prolific winner over the course of the last twelve months or so for the Tony Coyle and Kaine Wood stable and even improved to win over a mile at Nottingham earlier in the year. He would produce a good effort when second last time out. Another grey in the lineup would be Ash Wednesday from the Heather Main stable. The four year old found a huge amount of improvement by winning six times on the all-weather at the start of the year and showed he is capable on the turf with an unlucky fourth at Goodwood when he was hampered. Another runner for Yorkshire would be Sir Garfield for the John and Sean Quinn stable. The four year old has raced mostly over six furlongs, but has won at this trip in the past, albeit at a lower grade. The Malton-based Thankuappreciate lined up for the Declan Carroll stable, but has been out of form this year. That being said, he has been a regular over sprint trips of late and this would be a rare start at this distance. The lightly raced Kisdon Force looked to be a useful sort last season when winning at the third attempt for the Grant Tuer stable last winter, but he was heavily beaten on his only run this year at the end of May. The veteran Quest For Fun is another regular at York and won the six furlong handicap on this card two years ago. He has finished just outside of the podium placings on two occasions at York this year. Kit Gabriel won for the first time for current trainer Seb Spencer at the end of December last year and went close to doubling the tally when a narrow second at Leicester two starts ago. He was then unable to back up that run when only ninth last time out. Another runner for Ed Dunlop would be Society Lion, an eight year old making his fiftieth career start. He would run well when third at Chepstow last time, but was still beaten a fair way. Another last time out winner would be Jess Macey's Commander of Life. The four year old had been running consistently well over this trip and gained his latest win at Doncaster last time out over the reopposing Riot. Lucky Man was a very smart three year old sprint handicapper a few seasons ago but lost his form since then. Now with the Jennie Candlish stable, he is sure to find a race eventually and is unexposed at this trip. Stockpyle hasn't inherited the talents of his more prestigious half brother Pyledriver, but the gelding has done well at this sort of level. He was slowly away from the stalls at Haydock on his latest start, losing all chance. Completing the lineup would be Phil Kirby's Misemerald. The filly looked to be going the right way as younger horse, but regressed with time. She has improved slightly, but only at a lower level.

Winners: QUEST FOR FUN (#16) (Lope de Vega x Craic Agus Spraoi) - D. Allan - T. Easterby
                 PRESSURE'S ON (#9) (Land Force x Olvia) - H. Crouch - E. Dunlop

A full field of twenty two runners would go to post as the grandstands and viewing areas would begin to fill around the racecourse, greeted by more pleasant and cooler weather conditions than earlier in the week. 

The opening race would get underway and it would see a relatively even break from the gates. Those who were slightly sluggish to start included Society Lion, Commander of Life and Quest For Fun, but the early lead would be taken up by Mister Sox. Tim Easterby's gelding would hold a narrow lead for a furlong until he was joined by Sir Garfield, who had sweated up in the preliminaries. John and Sean Quinn's runner would bring the field into the home straight after the dog leg bend and the field could soon see the grandstands ahead of them. The grey Havana Prince, Pressure's On, Mereside Diva and the keen going pair of Kit Gabriel Daring Legend would all sit in a prominent position, ready to strike but a number of rivals travelled well at the rear off a steady early pace. Course regular Feel The Need had more horses ahead of him that behind at the halfway stage and the red silks of Ormolulu travelled powerfully but needed the gaps to open up. The well fancied Yaaser also took up his customary position at the back of the pack and attempted to weave his way through. Approaching the final two furlongs, the race began to take shape as Havana Prince nosed into a narrow lead under David Nolan and threw done a big challenge. Pressure's On also made his move and joined the new leader inside the final furlong. On the near side of the group, the recognisable silks of Quest For Fun had found plenty of space to aim for and quickened up smartly to rally inside the final furlong. He would go head to head with Pressure's On in an exciting climax. The pair crossed the line as one and a photo finish was required. At first glance, it appeared that the momentum of Quest For Fun had carried him to a narrow win, but the longer the judge took to make the decision, the more agony it caused for the punters waiting. A dead-heat for first place was called between Quest For Fun and Pressure's On in a rare event at York and the honours were shared. Feel The Need would get going too late, but stayed on strongly into third while Havana Prince was relegated to fourth on the line.

It would be a first dead-heat result for first since August 2023 in the Constandine Handicap at that year's Ebor Festival and the winner's enclosure would be busier than normal with two sets of winning connections. It would be a sudden return to form for Pressure's On, who was winning for the first time since late last season. After winning at Newmarket on soft ground last November, he laid the foundations for a good season this year with a second at Wolverhampton on seasonal debut in March. A midfield finish in the Spring Mile was followed by two low key efforts back on the all-weather and he had questions to answer ahead of this race. Always well positioned, the four year old responded well to pressure and was unfortunate to be caught on the line. The gelding is a smart sort at this kind of level, but would need to back this effort up next time. On the other hand, it would be a second win in the race for Tim Easterby's Quest For Fun, who also won this back in 2023. The seven year old has a solid record on the Knavesmire over six and seven furlongs with plenty of placings in the past. This season, the gelding had been running well with his previous four races taking place over course and distance and a best finish of fourth which came in May during the Dante Festival. He would produce a solid effort last time out in an apprentice race in fifth and received an excellently judged ride by David Allan to join Pressure's On on the line. He would undoubtedly be spotted at York more times before the season is out. 

Race Two: The Elevator Company Handicap - Class Four - Two Miles - Runners:12
Next up would be the turn of the stayers with this two mile trip around the circumference of the Knavesmire. There would be plenty of in form horses and local interest in the race, which was won last year by David O'Meara's Churchella who found top gear late on and came over the top of two rivals to win the race by a narrow margin.

The small scale yard of Dianne Sayer enjoyed a notable success with their star stayer Savrola as he bravely made all the running to win the Northumberland Vase at Newcastle a month ago. It was his first try at this trip and seemed to improve for it. The dual purpose horse Its All About You was in good form when last running on the flat as he won his last two races at Ayr and Ffos Las. Since then, Jennie Candlish's gelding has won twice more over hurdles and this would be his first run since February. Another dual purpose yard involved in this race would be Ian Williams with Hydroplane. The nine year old has shown he is capable in both codes with nine wins in total. Ivan Furtado's Rock N Roll Pinkie has a good record at Nottingham, a track he won at most recently by a wide margin, but she posted a staying on third over course and distance in a similar race to this one two weeks ago. Hughie Morrison's Surrey Fire is bred to be suited by stamina, but remains lightly raced. He has yet to convince over this sort of trip, but has time on his side. The Tim Easterby-trained Zimmerman is a former course and distance winner in the past and returned to the Knavesmire on the back of some low key efforts this year. A visit back to York could inspire him here. The leading connections of William Haggas and Cieren Fallon would be represented by Molten Sea. The filly has taken her form to a new level since moving to this trip and has won twice over two miles already. She would go down fighting when last seen at Kempton. Popular trainer Fergal O'Brien was sure to have his supporters as he saddled Oslo in this contest. The eight year old had been running into form on the flat last month, but has produced two lesser runs over hurdles; including last weekend. The Middleham-based stable of Phil Makin would be represented by Fast Fred. The five year old has been a consistent performer of late and won on his latest start at Carlisle earlier in the month. This would be his start over two miles on the flat however. David O'Meara won this race last year and would look to do so once again this year with The Crafty Mole. The four year old is capable of winning at this level, but has been inconsistent; including a below par run over two miles here two weeks ago. Another from the Tim Easterby stable would be Marbuzet who has been admirably consistent with six wins and eleven second placings. He would line up at York once again after chasing home a runaway winning over course and distance earlier this month. Valley Of Flowers was agonisingly pipped on the line in this race last year and returned to go one place higher this year for the Sam and Jacqueline Coward stable. The mare ran well for the first time this year when second at Carlisle behind Fast Fred. 

Winner: ROCK N ROLL PINKIE (#4) (Sun Central x Maggie Pink) - M. Ghiani - I. Furtado

With the starting stalls located at the final furlong pole, the racegoers would be able to see a lot of the horses as they navigated a circuit of the Knavesmire. From the outset, the guaranteed stayer Savola would go into the early lead under Connor Beasley and dictated a steady pace. He would be joined by Zimmerman who took a keen hold under Sean Kirrane in the early stages as the field made their way away from the stands. The filly Molten Sea would sit handy in third, alongside the keen going Surrey Fire and Oisin Murphy on the North bend. Hydroplane would round out the front runners as the likes of Rock N Roll Pinkie and Marbuzet sat further back and bided their time. 

There would be little change in the order throughout most of the race as the field were happy to follow the leader Savrola behind a steady gallop. Connor Beasley would bring the pack down the middle of the home straight and the race began to heat up. Zimmerman's keen going nature earlier in the race proved costly as he began to weaken and Molten Sea would make her challenge against the leader Savrola. Valley Of Flowers and Fast Fred would also make brief challenges, but the eye was drawn to Rock N Roll Pinkie who was travelling smoothly on the near side of the group. As the challengers lined up one by one, Savrola gamely kept them at bay until the final furlong where Rock N Roll Pinkie pounced under Marco Ghiani. The in form mare pulled clear inside the final furlong to record a comfortable success over the game Savrola with Fast Fred keeping on into third, a place ahead of Valley Of Flowers, who also kept on at the same pace.

It would be a second win of the year for the five year old mare Rock N Roll Pinkie, who confirmed the form of her previous run over course and distance earlier in the month. She had built up a liking for Nottingham in the past as her last three wins have come at that venue, all in easy fashion. Her latest win came in June over a mile and three quarters, but she would pull eight lengths clear that day and lined up at York next time for just her fourth try over this trip. She would be noted for making late headway into third that day and similar tactics were deployed on this occasion, this time with success. It will be hard to deny this consistent mare another win in the coming weeks and months as she is enjoying a purple patch of form. It would also be a notable day for trainer Ivan Furtado, who was saddling his first winner at York and first big winner since moving to Eboracum Stables in Thirsk at the start of the season. This should be the inspiration to kick on for the rest of the season for the Brazilian. 

Race Three: The Irish Incentive EBF Novice Stakes - Class Three - 2-Y-O only - Seven Furlongs - Runners: 16

One of the most informative races of the whole card would come next with this juvenile novice contest over seven furlongs. In 2022, the unheralded Shaquille would make his racecourse debut for Julie Camacho and powered clear to win, but he would become a household name a year later by famously winning the Commonwealth Cup and July Cup, both at Group One level. In 2023, William Haggas's Loose Cannon also made a winning debut on the Knavesmire and would go on to finish third in the Group Three Acomb Stakes a month later. Twelve months ago, the locally based yard of Gemma Tutty would produce a smart first time out winner in the form of the filly Elsie's Ruan, who quickened up smartly to win going away.

The racecard would be headed by the first of the promising previous winners, Amakhala Warrior. Trained in Newmarket by William Knight, he would line up in a good quality contest at Haydock and suffered plenty of trouble in running. He would overcome that by pulling clear at the line in the style of a good horse. Kevin Ryan often runs some of his better juveniles at York and he would be represented by Circle Of Trust. The gelded son of Dark Angel showed signs of greenness at Thirsk on his debut, but finished nicely into fourth. Hugo Palmer would saddle Gold Dawn in this contest and he would go close on his debut, finishing second at Haydock where he looked a shade unlucky. He was unable to back up the promise on his next start however at the same venue. Malton based trainers Kaine Wood and Tony Coyle would be represented by Golden Haze, a chestnut gelding who was always outpaced over the speedy five furlongs of Beverley back in early May and he has been given time to develop since then. Another runner for Richard Fahey would be the debutante Hear The Drums. The colt is related to some useful handicap winners, but comes from a stable who can prepare horses to win first time out. A winner for the Mick and David Easterby stable is always well received and they would introduce the gelding Howsham for his debut here. He is another who is expected to come into his own over longer trips, so could be on to make note of for future reference. An interesting runner for David Menuisier would be the newcomer Lavender Gold. The colt has some European influences in his pedigree and it includes some high class horses in the family. Michael Dods is another stable who enjoys winners here and would rely on the gelded newcomer Our Randolph. Despite being gelded ahead of his debut, his family includes the Group One winner Integral, so he should have some ability. Tim Easterby won this race in 2017 with subsequent Group Three winner Wells Farhh Go and would look to do the same again with the newcomer Red Spells Danger. He would be another who has been gelded ahead of his first run, but has a mix of speed and stamina in his pedigree so this could be a fact finding mission. Another runner for the Kaine Wood and Tony Coyle stable would be Singarda. He would be sent off a big price on debut at Newcastle and was slow to start, but made nice late headway without looking like an immediate winner. The Ursa Major Racing syndicate have enjoyed a fantastic season this year and would be represented by Time Twister, trained by Mick and David Easterby. He was slow from the start on debut at Ayr and was never at the races so needed to improve plenty for that run. Middleham Park Racing would be another well known syndicate with an interest in the race with the once-raced Wicksey. Richard Hannon's colt produced a very disappointing effort on debut at Chester a fortnight ago. Jack Jones is an up and coming trainer in the Newmarket area and would send up Zooter for this race. The gelding would also make his debut in the listed Chesham Stakes at Royal Ascot, finishing ninth and last, but it looked a useful renewal this year. The first of a good number of fillies would be Karl Burke's Ellusive Butterfly who already holds a strong piece of form already following her third place in a listed race in France last time out. Another newcomer to make her debut in this contest would be Tim Easterby's Evergreen Emerald. The filly is a close relative to some multiple winners, so made some appeal here. The Ivan Furtado-trained Jennys Palace would make the short trip to the Knavesmire for her second start having faded away after showing good pace on debut at Newcastle in a similar race and could build on that effort. The cleverly named Sandy Craic lined up for the David O'Meara stable and has shown gradual improvement in her two starts. She looks to be the type to improve once she moves into handicaps after this third start. The Nigel Tinkler stable isn't well known for first time out winners, but saddled the newcomer Ubettabehave. The speedily bred filly would have a tough task in a race of this nature. 

Winner: AMAKHALA WARRIOR (#1) (Ten Sovereigns x Facade) - C. Shepherd - W. Knight

This usually informative novice contest would lose some its interest as leading contenders Ellusive Butterfly and Circle of Trust would be deemed non-runners on the morning of the race, but nonetheless the notepad would be open and ready to take notes.

A few of the runners would show signs of inexperience in the parade with Ubetterbehave hollering more than others on his first day at school. Once the runners made it the stalls, they would behave slightly better once the task at hand became clear, but Amakhala Warrior gave his supporters a few nervous moments by initially needing encouragement to go into his stall. Eventually he would comply and the race would get underway. Wicksey, Lavender Gold and Ubetterbehave would all miss the break in unison while at the front, Jennys Palace would make the best start and led despite running keenly. Racing behind the leader would be Amakhala Warrior, Sandy Craic, Zooter and Red Spells Danger, while Gold Dawn and Time Twister would come next. 
Approaching the halfway stage, the race looked to be wide open as Sandy Craic joined the leader Jennys Palace before taking over at the head of the order approaching the two furlong pole. Amakhala Warrior made his move on the far side of the pack and despite being pushed along from an early stage, he kept responding to the urgings of Callum Shepherd. The favourite would find top gear and pull clear of his rivals inside the final furlong. Sandy Craic attempted to chase in vain, but it would be Amakhala Warrior who had enough class to defy a weight penalty and remain unbeaten. Sandy Craic used her experience to post a career best finish of second, while Red Spells Danger shaped with promise by staying on into third. Zooter was another hard at work at an early stage but he kept on well into fourth, offering the potential to improve over even further distances.

This may not have been the strongest novice race to have been run at York in history, but the winner Amakhala Warrior did everything asked of him and showed a willing attitude to remain unbeaten. The William Knight-trained son of Ten Sovereigns made his debut at Haydock just over a month ago over the same distance of seven furlongs but raced further back in the order than he did on this occasion. Showing signs of inexperience on first outing, he would face trouble in running at a crucial stage and needed to be switched around horses for a clear opening. The colt would then finish strongly to steal the win on the line and mark himself down as a smart prospect. He needed to carry a 7lb penalty against his rivals for that win, but he was strong at the finish here and hit the line strongly, suggesting that a step up to a mile could be on the cards. A potentially above average colt for the Newmarket based yard of William Knight.

Race Four: The Tomahawk Restaurants Handicap - Class Four - Six Furlongs - Runners: 22
Yet another big field handicap would take place over the straight six furlongs and it would also prove to be a minefield of finding a winner. Last year, the in form Dicko The Legend benefited from a low weight and strong ride by Hollie Doyle to win comfortably in the twenty runner contest.

Heading the weights would be the recently improved Ingleby Archie for trainer Adrian Nicholls. The five year old was one renowned for being a five furlong specialist, but a win here back in May showed he can stay this extra distance. He would bounce back with a close second here two weeks ago. The veteran Juans Les Pins has been a smart type over the years and he finds himself at this level nowadays. Mick Appleby's gelding missed the break here last time out but flashed home to take third behind Ingleby Archie at the last meeting. Brian Ellison's Northern Spirit landed a similar contest over course and distance back in September and returned to winning ways at the start of this year on the all-weather. Since then, he has produced some solid efforts in defeat. Another Malton based yard would be the in form Julie Camacho with Raatea. The eight year old has some very classy form in the book, but hasn't been in the best form when last seen. He would make his first start of the season in this competitive contest. Sports Coach showed promise as a younger horse but never quite lived up to it. Moving from Karl Burke's yard to Anthony Brittain's, the four year old caught the eye over five furlongs when staying on into fifth here two weeks ago. The Geoff Oldroyd-trained Filly One hasn't had much racing but has a good record on the all-weather with three wins on the surface. She would make only modest late headway into the top ten placings over a furlong less at the last meeting. King's Merchant was a progressive sprinter last summer and finished the year off with a fifth in the Ayr Silver Cup. He hasn't been in the same form this season and has left the Ed Bethell stable to join Phil KIrby. The gelding finished tailed off again in a similar contest here earlier in the month. The Richard Fahey-trained Airman was a bright prospect when bursting onto the scene, but injuries have curtailed his promise. He finished tailed off here last time out in a fairly rare start on turf. A second runner for the Julie Camacho stable would be the in form Noble Consort for owners Ursa Major Racing. The four year old's form has taken off since fitted with a visor and he has finished first or second in all starts this year. He would also win on turf for the first time on his latest start at Doncaster. The quirky Mondammej has his own way of doing things, but was running at a much higher level not too long ago. Antony Brittain's eight year old perked his ideas up on the all-weather over the winter, but hasn't been at his best again recently. Another locally based runner would be Alfa Whiteburd for the Ivan Furtado stable. The four year old progressed nicely on the all-weather and ran an excellent race to finish second to Ingleby Archie here in May. He would run poorly when last seen at Doncaster however. Paul Midgely's horses are a regular sight in these races and he would saddle Emperor Caradoc on this occasion. The six year old has carried his form up  to six furlongs where he has won twice this year at Nottingham in game style. The oldest horse in the lineup would be the admirable eleven year old Hyperfocus for the Tim Easterby yard. The veteran has enjoyed a good career but hasn't been in the best of form of late. He would be joined in the race by stablemate Equity Law. The four year old was once a promising sprinter, but lost his way last year and this would be a rare start over six furlongs here. Grant Tuer's Showtime Mahomes won a big race over course and distance back in 2022 and even has a TV show about him, but on the track he is a solid type at this level. He would appreciate the softer ground by winning easily at Carlisle at the start of the month. Another golden oldie of the field would be Tom Tate's Equiano Springs. The eleven year old is still going strong in his ninth season, but has finished down the field in two starts here this year. A third runner for the in form Julie Camacho team would be Winged Messenger. The four year old has yet to prove himself over six furlongs, but battled back gamely to win by a nose at Doncaster last time over five and a half furlongs. Phillip Makin's Impressor has done all of his winning on slower ground, so the softer conditions would suit him. The eight year old struggled when finishing fifth at Haydock last time out. Another from the Tim Easterby stable would be Vince L'Amour, another former York winner. The four year old is another who likes softer ground and made his first start of the year over six furlongs having gone winless so far this year over the minimum trip. Another runner from the Yorkshire region would be Peter Niven's Sugar Baby. The seven year old missed the whole of 2024 but has made up for it with two wins this year. He then finished strongly to take fifth here over course and distance a fortnight ago. The first and third from last year's race would return once again this year. Tristan Davidson's Iris Dancer is a prolific winner at Hamilton and added two more victories at the venue to her CV this year. She would arrive in similar form as twelve months ago when third in this race. Last year's winner Dicko The Legend lined up here for the Liam Bailey stable in almost identical circumstances. The five year old has followed a similar path to last year and connections have worked his handicap rating down to 1lb lower than last year's win, which seems to have been the plan.

Winner: DICKO THE LEGEND (#22) (Ardad x Caledonia Princess) - B. Garritty - L. Bailey

Another full sized field would take the Knavesmire and a number of these fired up sprinters would leave the parade ring early including the quirky Mondammej and the fresh looking Raatea, who performed acrobatics for the crowd when leaving the ring. 

Once down at the start, the experienced sprinters would calmly walk into their allocated stall with little to no commotion. As often is the case, the field would be tightly bunched together across the width of the Knavesmire and pace angles on either side of the group. Over on the far side, Vince L'Amour would show bright early speed to appear in the lead while on the stands' side, the big noseband of Ingleby Archie took up his usual front running position. In the lead down the centre would be the likes of Filly One, Equity Law and the veteran Hyperfocus as the pace looked a decent one in the opening stages. Towards the rear, Sports Coach, Kings Merchant and the slow starting Raatea would have to sit and wait before making their challenge. 
The race would begin to heat up approaching the two furlong pole as push became shove for a lot of the contenders. It would appear that the far side was the place to be as Winged Messenger was always well positioned close to the pace and moved into the overall lead at the furlong pole. He would be joined by Showtime Mahomes, another who had travelled smoothly throughout. Winged Messenger began to assert in the lead, but from out of the pack the white and blue silks of Dicko The Legend emerged late in the day just as he did last year. The five year old reached Winged Messenger in the final half furlong as the pair pulled clear of the main group. Dicko The Legend had plenty in reserve to get the better of Winged Messenger and crossed the line a comfortably half length to the good in a driving finish. Winged Messenger ran a good race to take second while Northern Express was another to arrive late on the scene, flashing home to take third ahead of Showtime Mahomes. The first four finishers were all drawn on the far side, with Juan Les Pins taking fifth and doing the best of those drawn in high stall numbers.

It would be a case of mission accomplished for the Liam Bailey stable as their five year old gelding Dicko The Legend completed back to back wins in this contest. Twelve months ago, the son of Ardad had finished third on his previous two starts and beaten by narrow margins. Arriving at York on this day a year ago, he was partnered by Hollie Doyle and the pair overcame trouble in running to steal the win on the line. That win came off a rating of 67 and he would subsequently struggle at times from a higher rating. This year, Dicko The Legend managed to win at the start of April once his rating had dropped to 68, but he went back up a couple of pounds in the handicap. Recently he would finish fourth and fifth on two occasions, but weakened in the closing stages which led to a wind operation and a small break. Lining up to defend his crown in this race, Liam Bailey's gelding was back on a rating of 68 which proved to be just right with this display. This race will have undoubtedly been planned for a long time and a case of playing the handicapper at his own game and a strong ride proved to be the recipe for success once again. Connections will surely be looking ahead to this race once more in a year's time for the hat trick. 

Race Five: The British EBF Lyric Fillies' Stakes - Listed Race - One Mile, Two Furlongs - Runners: 12

The feature contest of the evening would take place and it promised to be a fascinating renewal this year. First run in 2008, the race has grown in stature and some classy names of the past have won this prize during their career. The likes of Sajjhaa, Tasaday, French Dressing, Fanny Logan and Franconia have all been victorious here before producing very classy offspring at stud. Despite the race being open to three year olds and over, the race has been won solely by three and four year olds since the first running in 2008. Last year, the Ralph Beckett-trained Verbier came with a late challenge and won nicely under Rossa Ryan. 

This year's lineup would be headed by James Owen's Ambiente Amigo, who landed the Nottinghamshire Oaks earlier in the season, but has faced some stiff tasks since then. She has yet to prove her worth at a higher level in recent starts. Her Newmarket neighbour Charlotte's Web would line up for the Simon and Ed Crisford stable. The four year old was a revelation on the all-weather, winning the Winter Oaks at Lingfield and finishing consistently in the placings. She would cope with turf just as well when fourth at Pontefract at the start of July over a mile. The well bred Imperial Quarter has been lightly raced for the Roger Varian stable and is expected to improve with age. She would produce her best run so far when third in a listed race at Pontefract and moved back up to ten furlongs. The Karl Burke-trained Molten Rock hasn't won since her debut in 2023, but ran well in defeat on a regular basis in 2024. Her reappearance run was slightly disappointing over a longer trip at Goodwood. The Royal silks would be on display with the John and Thady Gosden-trained Rainbows Edge. The King and Queen's filly has been going the right way in her career, but failed to justify favouritism at Royal Ascot last time. A second runner for the King and Queen would be Ralph Beckett's filly Treasure. The grey won on her debut back in 2023 and has gone close to winning again on two occasions in handicaps in recent starts. A runner for the Ed Walker stable would be Vicario, who is a half sister to a Group One winning sprinter, but has started to find improvement over this trip. She would finish a good third over a mile here in June, but plugged on into fifth in a listed race. This would be her first try over ten furlongs. The first of the three year olds in the contest would be Modern Utopia for the George Scott yard. She would show potential for middle distances with a pair of heavy ground wins last autumn and has looked better suited by this ten furlong trip. The stoutly bred Revoir was seen as a Classic hope for Ralph Beckett this season and lined up in the Epsom Oaks when last seen. She would finish sixth that day and made this marked drop in class. Another runner for the Gosden stable would be Sand Gazelle. The daughter of Frankel looked an exciting prospect after her winning debut before running well in listed races at the start of the year. She was last seen finishing towards the rear in the French Oaks in June. One of many potential improvers would be William Haggas's Supermodel. She made it two wins from three starts at the start of the season, but ran below par at this level last time out at Sandown. Rounding out the field would be Godolphin's Victory Queen, who was an expensive yearling purchase and made a bright start with a pair of novice race wins at the start of the season. Her bubble would burst in a listed race at the start of the month but had potential to bounce back.

Winner: SAND GAZELLE (#10) (Frankel x Desirous) - O. Murphy - J & T. Gosden

A full quota of the twelve fillies and mares declared would stand their ground and take their place at the starting point and it promised to be a fascinating contest.

The grey Treasure attempted to second guess the starter and anticipated the start, which led to her fluffing her getaway, but the rest of the field would make a clean and level break from the Juddmonte International starting point. Sand Gazelle was sent forward by Oisin Murphy and took up the early lead and was shadowed by the year older Molten Rock in second. Another Gosden runner, Rainbows Edge, would sit in a handy position along with Imperial Quarter and Victory Queen. The early pace would be a steady one as Oisin Murphy allowed his filly to hack along at her own pace. That would force a number of opponents to race keenly and use up valuable energy. The pack would amble their way around the Knavesmire and soon faced up to the home straight with the crowd looking back at them. Murphy began to gradually increase the pace along the home straight and it brought some new challengers into contention. The favourite Revoir was making steady headway while Modern Utopia travelled well, passing a few tiring rivals. Charlotte's Web would then join Rainbows Edge for a share of second, but Sand Gazelle quickened up nicely and suddenly opened up a two length lead approaching the final furlong. Her rivals gave chase in the closing stages and it would be Rainbows Edge who threw down her challenge, getting closer to Sand Gazelle with each stride. The leader bravely stretched her neck out and the line came in time for her to win this valuable race by a narrow margin. Rainbows Edge would complete a one-two for the Gosden stable in a race they seemingly like to win, while Charlotte's Web ran another good race to continue her consistent streak. Rounding out the top four would be Victory Queen, who did little wrong and finished ahead of some slight disappointments including Revoir.

It would be a superb, tactical ride from the current jockeys' champion Oisin Murphy, who dictated the race from an early stage and had enough in the tank to fend off his pursuers. The three year old filly Sand Gazelle has now increased her reputation as a potential broodmare with this listed race victory and her profile was already promising as a daughter of Frankel and a distant relative to last year's brilliant Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe winner Bluestocking. The chestnut filly made a highly encouraging start to her career by winning on debut at Kempton in December last year, overcoming greenness and pulling away in the closing stages. This year, she would tackle Oaks trial races including the listed Pretty Polly Stakes and Childwickbury Stud Stakes, but only managed minor frame placings. She was then pitched into higher company on her latest start in June in the Prix de Diane, the French Oaks, but she wouldn't really feature and could manage only thirteenth place. With her sights lowered once again for this contest, Sand Gazelle showed that she is a useful talent and could even win again before the season is over in low level Group races around this distance. 

Race Six: The Sky Bet Go Racing In Yorkshire Summer Festival Handicap - Class Four - Five Furlongs - Runners: 15

Punters would be aiming to end the evening on a high before the music takes over with this very competitive handicap over the rarely used trip of five and a half furlongs. Despite being a modest class four contest, the race has been won by some very good horses in recent years. The likes of Intense Romance, Dakota Gold and Que Amoro have all won this race before going on to make an impact at Pattern level. Last year, the improving Duran would get up close home to record the first of two wins at York during last summer, under rider Faye McManoman.

Heading the weights in the finale would be the Paul Midgely-trained Desert Champion, who is bred to be very talented, but things haven't worked out so far. His one win so far came on the all-weather and he has now joined the Malton stable. Scottish raider Luna A Inbhir Nis has been a revelation recently for trainer Katie Scott as she has won four of her last five starts. After a fifth place here in June, she bounced back in good style to win nicely at Haydock. The Stuart Williams-trained Diomed Duke made the journey from Newmarket and has some useful form to his name. He needed to speedy to make all the running at Lingfield last time and routed the field over five furlongs. Michael Herrington enjoys a winner at York and would saddle Lady Roxby in this contest. The filly has improved since joining the yard this year and was a wide margin winner at Beverley last time out. Grant Tuer's Al Hussar ended last season strongly with two wins, but this year has been a low key one so far. The highlight was a fourth at Redcar two starts ago, but he has generally struggled. Julie Camacho would be represented by Veydari, who produced his best run for the yard last time out when second at Chester over six furlongs and would line up over the shortest trip he's faced so far. Top Juggler would line up for the John and Sean Quinn stable and has improved with each run this year. Last time out, he would be caught in the closing stages over six furlongs so this step back in distance looked to be the right step. Tim Easterby's I'm Next has been generally progressive, but his only poor run came at York in May. After winning at Newcastle two starts ago, he would finish third at Haydock on his latest run. Tiva has run up a string of good efforts this year, finishing consistently in the placings. David O'Meara's filly was very unlucky at Thirsk last time where she was repeatedly denied a clear run but flew home for second. Yet another Malton-based runner would be Richard Fahey's Bonnie's Boy. The gelding remains a maiden, but has hit the post on a few occasions. He would be another to suffer bad luck in running on his latest start when fourth at Newcastle. Kevin Ryan would saddle the filly Thecla, who could improve for her recent seasonal comeback. She improved with each start last year, but showed some temperament at the stalls when last in action. Adrian Nicholls would saddle Tees Aggregates, who has a fair amount of experience compared to some others. Despite this, he won nicely at Catterick in May and placed once again on his latest start at Thirsk. A third runner for the Tim Easterby yard would be Angelic Bugler, who won on debut at Ripon back in April. but his form has gone backwards since then. Last year's winning stable of Nigel Tinkler would aim to land this race again with Jeany May. The one time winner has a likeable profile, but has finished just outside the top three on a regular basis. Completing the line up would be Big Apple Jack for the Mick and David Easterby stable. The gelding has found improvement in handicaps recently and finished third on his last two starts over five and six furlongs. This medium trip could be an ideal one. 

Winner: LUNA A INBHIR NIS (#2) (Rajasinghe x Abonos) - O. Murphy - K. Scott

The sole non runner in the contest would be Winchurch, who would have found the softer ground conditions against her liking. 

That would leave a field of fifteen varying profiles of three year olds and a competitive contest to match. Just like in the earlier sprint handicap, the early pace bias appeared to be with those drawn on the far side. The filly Luna A Inbhir Nis would show bright early speed under Oisin Murphy and was soon joined for the lead by Diomed Duke. Towards the centre of the course, I'm Next would also dispute the early lead for Tim Easterby as the field charged down the home straight, ticking off the furlong markers as they went along. A number of horses had made a slow start which put them on the back foot at the rear of the field, including Lady Roxby, Tiva, Tees Aggregates and Desert Champion. 

At the two furlong pole, Luna A Inbhir Nis had fended off the attention of Diomed Duke and would take up a clear overall lead. The race looked to be sealed at that point but as the leader began to idle in front, Lady Roxby had emerged from the pack to chase down Luna A Inbhir Nis inside the final furlong. With each stride, Lady Roxby would get closer and closer but the line came in time for favourite backers and it would be another win for the tough Luna A Inbhir Nis. The Richard Fahey-trained Bonnie's Boy would finish off well to take third and place once again while Veydari confirmed his recent improvement by taking fourth place and rounding out the frame.

It has been a season of rapid progress for Luna A Inbhir Nis, who has climbed the ranks and has now provided Scottish trainer Katie Scott with her first winner at York. The filly, whose name translates as Moon Over Inverness, made a modest start to her career with two finishes down the order on the turf back in September 2024. After an autumnal break, she would return to action at Newcastle in March, where she would come out on top in a match race and gain her first win. A low key effort next time suggested that win was a one off, but the filly dispelled that theory by going on a winning streak through the spring. Recording a hat trick of wins, one at Ayr and two at Musselburgh, she would experience York for the first time in June where she was disadvantaged by the draw but did well to finish fifth. A return to winning ways would come next time at Haydock where she did  the job in comfortable style to set the filly up for a tilt at this race. The booking of Oisin Murphy suggest the stable fancied their chances and they were proven right with a remarkable fifth win in seven starts. Her simple style of racing from the front makes her an uncomplicated sort and she could even win more races for her burgeoning stable. All it takes is for one progressive horse for a yard to make a name for themselves.