Race One: The William Hill Autumn Mile Handicap - Class Two - One Mile - Runners: 17

The autumn race meeting would kick off with a competitive looking contest over a mile. The handicap would be open to all ages and would be reminiscent of the one during the Ebor Festival and a number of entrants also took part in that race in August. This race was won last year by John and Sean Quinn's six year old Empirestateofmind, who relished the return to heavy ground for a narrow victory. 

Heading the weights would be Ice Max, representing the Cambridgeshire Handicap winning team of Karl Burke and Clifford Lee. The grey four year old made the breakthrough into Group company last year and landed the Group Two Celebration Mile at Goodwood. He has continued to run well in pattern company this summer and made the drop back into handicaps. A fascinating runner for the Stella Barclay stable would be Platoon. The lightly raced four year old won on debut for Aidan O'Brien last year, but has been beaten a long way in two starts for the yard. An old favourite for the David O'Meara yard would be Rhoscolyn, who loves soft ground. After winning the Golden Mile at Glorious Goodwood, he has run moderately on latest starts since. The star of Tony Coyle and Kaine Wood's yard Thunder Roar was a close second in this race last year but is talented on slow ground. The former course winner has returned to form recently, winning at Ascot but ran below par last weekend. Another York regular would be the Michael Dods-trained Northern Express. The seven year old has been placed six times on the Knavesmire, including when second in this race in 2023 and is a veteran of big field handicaps. The four year old Whip Cracker promised plenty this year for the Richard Hughes stable, but hasn't been able to live up to potential. Despite this, he has returned in second on three occasions between some poor runs. Nostrum would also represent the O'Meara yard, but has fallen a long from his early promise. After failing to make an impact in Group company earlier this season and dropping to handicaps has yet to inspire a change in form. Jamie Osborne's runners are a regular feature in races of this nature and he would be represented by Dosman. The four year old began his season with promise at Newcastle in June, but after joining the Osborne stable subsequently, he has been tailed off in similar races. The nine year old Bopedro has placed in many high profile handicaps throughout his lengthy career and David O'Meara's stalwart finished third here earlier in the season and most recently fourth at Doncaster's St Leger meeting. Another old favourite for York would be Roger Fell's La Trinidad, who has won twice here in the past. The eight year old has held his form well this year, including a placing here earlier in the season. The grey Billyjoh will be easily spotted in the race and Mick Appleby's tough five year old has been a mainstay in heritage handicaps.  One of his best runs this year came over this trip in the Bunbury Cup in July. A second runner for the Nawton stable of Roger Fell would be Eldrickjones. The six year old has remained a tough sort over the past few years and has gone close to winning on the turf during this season. He went close over course and distance in May, albeit at a lower level. Silver Sword provided his trainer Dylan Cunha with a big moment at this course back in 2023, but his progress has been limited since then. The grey won well in Dubai, but could only manage a midfield finish in the Cambridgeshire last time. Another four year old would be Fifty Nifty, who has recently joined the Mick Appleby stable. The gelding enjoyed a good first season last year and began this one with promise, but his form has gone backwards ever since. David O'Meara's army of horses would be joined by Leadman, who is another to have joined the stable mid season. He would go close at Newbury in August, but has struggled in similar company since then. Jim Goldie's brilliant season has featured the improvement of Jannas Journey. The four year old filly has amazing won seven of her last nine starts and it wouldn't be a surprise to see her continue her rise. Another Malton based runner would be Nigel Tinkler's Isla Kai, who was a smart performer a few years ago until an injury layoff. The gelding has been gradually finding race fitness in three low key starts in recent months.

Winner: ICE MAX (#1) (Dark Angel x Cool Kitten) - S. Gray - K. Burke

After a dry week in the days leading up to the meeting, the ground conditions would firm up and the going underneath would be described as a good all over. Punters would be welcomed onto the Knavesmire with grey and overcast skies, but thankfully there was little chance of rain. 
The opening contest would see drama before the race even began as Leadman proved tricky in the preliminaries, rearing up at the parade ring exit and unseating Warren Fentiman. Despite causing a traffic jam, horse and rider were both unharmed and reunitied on their way to the stalls. As the gates opened for the start of the race, Dosman proved to be awkward as he veered right handed out of his gate and lost a couple of lengths to his rivals. Whip Cracker was another to start slowly and race further back than his ideal, but after a few hundred metres, a loose horse appeared at the back of the field. As the starting stalls crashed open, Leadman would rear up and unseat Warren Fentiman for a second time and run loose at the back of the pack.
After all that drama, things remained relatively quiet at the front of the pack. Fifty Nifty was sent into the lead under Silvestre de Sousa and was soon joined by Northern Express and Paul Mulrennan. La Trinidad, Silver Sword and Isla Kai would all sit in handy spots, but the leaders began to take each other on around the home bend; raising the pace up front. Entering the home straight, Northern Express and Fifty Nifty had opened up a gap on the remainder, but the other jockeys sat quietly. The two leaders approached the final two furlongs and looked to have slipped the field but Fifty Nifty's stamina began to run out over this longer than usual trip. As he backpedalled, it left Northern Express in front. He too would come under pressure as the chasing pack loomed large in his mirrors. The grey Ice Max had sat in midfield until this point, but angled out down the stands side and came with a good looking challenge. Thunder Roar shadowed the grey with a similar move and they would both grab Northern Express at the final furlong pole. In a race where many few got involved, it would be Ice Max who quickened up smartly to get the better of Thunder Roar and cross the line a length and a half to the good. Thunder Roar took second in this race once again as the pace forcing Northern Express took an admirable third. The veteran Bopedro made up most ground of all and finished strongly to take fourth in a bunched finish for the placings.

The nature of handicaps means it is often a struggle for horses to carry the most weight and win, but Karl Burke's grey Ice Max did so with plenty in hand. The five year old was making his first start at this level since he won at Musselburgh in April 2024. Since then, the son of Dark Angel has been a highly useful sort in Group company. He would appreciate the unseasonal soft ground at Goodwood in August 2024 to win the Group Two Celebration Mile and even competed in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes on Champions Day at Ascot this time last year. 2025 had seen a winless year so far, but he continued to run with credit. A strong finishing second in the Diomed Stakes at Epsom on Derby day was his season's best and he used all that class to win here in easier company. His trainer Karl Burke won the prestigious Cambridgeshire Handicap with top weights for the last two years running, so he was unafraid of this challenge for the horse. A return to stakes company awaits Ice Max now, who showed he is very talented on this sort of ground. 

Race Two: The British EBF £100,000 Final - Class Two - 2-Y-O Only - Seven Furlongs - Runners: 14

One of the newest races on York's calendar is also one of the richest. First run in 2022, this seven furlong contest is open to horses who finished in the first six of a recognised EBF Maiden race during the season, which meant a diverse line up would go to post. Some very classy horses have won this race in its short history, including Shouldvebeenaring in 2023 and Streets Of Gold in the inaugural running. Last year, the grey Mirabeau would finish best of all on the heavy ground and land the race for Dominic Ffrench Davis.

The class of 2025 would be headed by Big Song, trained in Newmarket by Harry Charlton. The colt has already won twice from four starts, including in excellent style in a nursery at the Cambridgeshire meeting recently. Another improving type would be Jamie Osborne's Malachy's Wish. After a promising debut effort, the colt has won his last two starts; looking a smart prospect in the process. The Northallerton-based yard of Grant Tuer would saddle Advertised here, another who has improved since trying the all-weather recently. Two wins at Newcastle in recent months have sandwiched a lesser effort in an Irish sales race earlier in the season. Tim Easterby isn't afraid of aiming at these lucrative races and would be represented by Daydreama. The colt looked to be progressing nicely with two wins, but has since struggled in a couple of strong handicaps this summer. The flashy colt Ghost Mode has improved with each start for the Andrew Balding yard and was always well positioned to win easily at Chester last time out. Richard Fahey is another high profile Northern trainer with a runner in the race as he saddled Advance Twentyfive. The colt remains a maiden after six starts, but he ran an excellent ran in a nursery handicap at the Ebor Festival and he wasn't disgraced in a similar contest at the Curragh last time out. Astrazar is another with good previous form at York having taken fourth in the equivalent race to this one at the Ebor Festival. Since then, Ed Walker's colt broke his maiden and arrived here with some confidence. Charlie Johnston's Born A Star didn't start his career with promise, but has slowly improved with each run. The son of Starspangledbanner did the job nicely when winning for the first time at Musselburgh last time out. William Haggas often does well at this meeting and he would search for more success with Magic Stone. The bay colt had gone close on a few occasions before getting off the mark by a narrow margin. He ran well in a handicap at Doncaster on his most recent start. A late arrival to the party would be Karl Burke's Real American, who introduced himself recently. The nicely bred colt made his debut just a week ago, but won nicely at Catterick. Another long standing maiden in the field would be Aidan Keatley's Going Commando. He would show race winning potential earlier in the season, but his progress has stalled since a gelding operation. David Menuisier also produces some smart types on soft ground and would be represented by the colt Sagremor. The colt made his debut in France, but improved to take third on his latest start when weakening on deep ground at Ffos Las. Another Newmarket based runner would be Deluded, trained by Charlie Fellowes. The son of Shaman finished in the midfield in the sales race at the Ebor Festival, but his other two runs have seen contrasting fortunes in photo finishes. After a close second on debut at Chelmsford, he would win narrowly at Wolverhampton when last seen. Hugo Palmer landed the Redcar Two Year Old Trophy last weekend and would look for another big juvenile prize with Gold Dawn. The gelding has been unlucky this year with four second placings, so this would be a good prize to break his maiden in. A second runner for Tim Easterby would be Red Spells Danger, who had shown a lot of promise in two runs at York earlier in the year. After a third on debut in July, he would finish in that spot once again at Ayr last month on his third start.

Winner: ASTRAZAR (#7) (Starman x Zara Mac) - P. Mulrennan - E. Walker

The ultra competitive contest would be reduced by one as William Haggas's Magic Stone was found to be lame overnight, so was ruled out of the race. It would leave a field of fourteen runners who were all looking to give their connections a lucrative pay day.

The favourite Ghost Mode would made a handy start and went into the lead in the early stages. He wouldn't have things easy though as the free-sweating Born A Star would pull hard under Connor Beasley and compromise his chances. Daydreama would make a tardy start and had to sit at the rear of the field along with Advertise, Red Spells Danger and Gold Dawn. The pace would be a sensible one as the field navigated the dog leg turn into the home straight and came down the centre of the track.  Born A Star's keen going ways proved costly as the gelding weakened very quickly at the two furlong pole and tumbled down the order. It would leave Ghost Mode in front with a comfortable lead under PJ McDonald and the pair looked to be going better than everyone else. Real American looked a brief threat emerging from the pack, but inexperience would take its toll and his challenge quickly faded out. Advertised made eye catching headway down the outside along with Advance Twentyfive, who briefly suffered interference. Daydreama had been outpaced once the pace lifted, but he began to rally and lay down a big challenge down the outside. In a messy final furlong, Astrazar was right in the thick of the action and needed to be patient for the gaps to open up. Once they did, Paul Mulrennan threw everything at the horse and his mount responded excellently, lengthening his stride towards the line and forcing a photo finish with Ghost Mode in a thrilling finish. After a brief pause, the judge declared Astrazar to be the winner and reward a well timed challenge. Ghost Mode was very unlucky to lose out on the line as Daydreama and Advertised would return third and fourth respectively, beaten less than a length by the winner. 

It would be a superb finish to such a sought after prize, but also the continuation of progress for Astrazar. Ed Walker's colt has been largely consistent in his first season and this success would be a deserved one. The son of Starman made his debut back in May at Ascot, where he was unable to handle the minimum trip and returned last of seven starters. Stepping up to six furlongs next time, he ran much better when second at Salisbury and he continued to improve without winning throughout his next starts. A fourth at Newbury and second at Windsor would lead into an excellent race at the Ebor Festival in August where he stayed on strongly into fourth place in the Goffs UK Sales race. After a number of good displays in defeat, Astrazar gained his first success last time out at Ffos Las, where he used his experience to good effect and win on heavy ground comfortably. Winning for the second time in a row here, he is clearly getting better with each run and should progress into a smart handicapper over a range of trips next year.

Race Three: The William Hill Each Way Extra Handicap - Class Two - One Mile, Two Furlongs - Runners: 8

The classy action would continue at the start of the afternoon as the three year olds took to the stage for this middle distance contest. This race would have a new look this year as it was previously ran over the staying trip of fourteen furlongs. Due to remedial work at the top of the course, the race distance was chopped in half and instead would be raced over a mile and two furlongs, offering less of a stamina test than expected.

This year's renewal would be well contested and George Boughey's Dante's Lad, who has already run well at this venue this year. After winning over ten furlongs back in May, he would run well again in a similar contest over the same trip but he is bred to appreciate a much longer trip. Castle Stuart would win a valuable contest with ease at Musselburgh earlier this year before joining the Richard Fahey stable and taking an excellent third in August. He then struggled in a similar event when seventh at Doncaster in September. Michael Bell can also produce useful types and would be represented by Parole d'Oro. He would show useful form over a mile earlier in the year and has plugged over ten furlongs in recent starts. This would be his first outing since being gelded. A more locally based runner would be David O'Meara's Hornsea Bay. The son of New Bay hasn't won since his debut last year, but has often run well in similar races this summer. He arrived here on the back of a decent third at Ayr over this trip. The chestnut colt Jupiter Ammon lined up for the Andrew Balding stable, but has been unlucky not to win so far. Since moving up to ten furlongs, he has finished second on four occasions; including his last two starts on heavy ground. Scott Dixon is a trainer who isn't afraid to experiment with distances for his horses and he would move Canvas back up in trip. The gelding has raced mainly over a mile, but took second at this trip earlier in the year and returned to winning ways at York over a mile last month. The only runner for the Shadwell Racing team would be William Haggas's Mukhtalif. The well bred gelding kept finding one or two horses too strong in novice company before finally getting off the mark last time at Newcastle. He would bravely hold on that day and is expected to do better now in handicaps. Completing the lineup would be Tiger for the Ian Williams stable. The gelding began his career in France, winning on his second start, but returned in the midfield on his recent UK debut. 

Winner: MUKHTALIF (#7) (Sea The Stars x Maqsad) - C. Fallon - W. Haggas

The field would remain unaltered here and it provided a wide open contest with plenty of positives about each of the runners. 

As the race got under way, Parole d'Oro was the one to start slowly and would sit back and watch as Castle Stuart grabbed the early lead. The pace was a modest one to start with and a number of horses would race keenly, but tightly bunched. Mukhtalif, Tiger, Canvas, Jupiter Ammon and Dante's Lad would all sit handily in the opening stages as Hornsea Bay preceded the trailing Parole d'Oro down the straight next to the woods. The order would remain largely unchanged as the furlong markers were ticked off one by one at the top of the home straight. Castle Stuart's time in the lead would come to an end two furlongs out as he was surpassed by the smooth travelling Mukhtalif. Hornsea Bay and Jupiter Ammon were also on the move, but none of them could lay a glove on Mukhtalif. As Cieren Fallon pressed the accelerator, his mount responded immediately and pulled clear of Hornsea Bay and his rivals, quickly putting the race to bed. As Mukhtalif breezed to an impressive victory, Parole d'Oro was doing his best work at the finish, staying on strongly and taking second away from Hornsea Bay close home. Castle Stuart would tire in the final furlong, but still held onto fourth at the line.

It would be the continuation of a good week for super sire Sea The Stars, who sired last weekend's Arc winner Daryz and has a nice stayer for next year in the form of Mukhtalif. The gelding's pedigree screams quality and stamina as his dam Maqsad won a listed race over this ten furlong trip, so Mukhtalif should be heading in the same direction. He wouldn't make his debut until June this year, where he looked inexperienced at Nottingham but still rallied into third. He would finish in the frame on his next two starts when second at Windsor and Haydock, but he didn't necessarily improve either. Connections opted to geld him between his third and fourth runs and it would prove an inspired choice. Lining up at Newcastle on his previous start, he made all the running in a small field, but still showed determination to land a first career win. With that new found confidence, he looked a totally different horse today which suggests the penny has finally dropped. An impressive win which should set up a good season in 2026 for a stable which does very well in middle distance and staying handicaps. 

Race Four: The William Hill Best Odds Guaranteed EBF Novice Stakes - Class Three - 2-Y-O Only - Six Furlongs - Runners: 8

More future stars would be on display on the Knavesmire as this juvenile contest over six furlongs would be next up. This race has seen some burgeoning talent win here before going onto bigger things; none more so than Shaquille who won two Group One contests the during 2023. Last year, an unusually small field went to post for this contest but it saw a smart performance by Fondo Blanco, who has since developed into a useful handicapper this year.

The line up would be headed by Richard Fahey's Boy Star. The newcomer can include some smart sprinters in his pedigree and the leading northern stable tend to run their better prospects at York on debut. Next up would be the chestnut colt Ephron, trained by Gemma Tutty. He was considered good enough to compete in the Convivial Maiden here on debut in August, but struggled that day. He failed to show much improvement on his latest start at Newcastle a few weeks ago, but he would drop down to this six furlong distance for the first time. Ed Walker is another trainer who is capable of saddling winners on debut and he would be represented by Hallo Spaceboy, a son of leading first season sire Starman. The colt is nicely bred for the task at hand and would be interesting in this contest. A second runner for Richard Fahey would be Invincible Boy, in the same ownership as Boy Star. The Invincible Army colt is the first foal of a listed race placed racemare, so should have ability. Another Yorkshire based runner would be Adrian Keatley's Viking Glory. The colt has a mix of speed and stamina in his pedigree and this contest looked an open one on paper. A small handful of fillies would also take part in this contest Karl Burke's conveyor belt of juvenile talent would continue to produce good prospects and the latest to come off the production line would be La Belle Forest. The newcomer is bred to be speedy, so was seen as a strong contender here. The Newmarket based Yorkshireman William Haggas would send up Thaluna, who went close to winning on debut recently. The nicely bred filly stayed on well at the death at Ascot and looks a winner in waiting. 

Winner: THALUNA (#8) (Zoustar x Peach Melba) - C. Fallon - W. Haggas

All eight runners would behave excellently in the parade ring considering the lack of experience on show and they would canter to the start with no issues.

Top Lad would react quickest of all to the gates opening and took up a prominent position once the runners settled into a rhythm. The newcomer La Belle Forest would race keenly on debut however and pull her way to the front under Pierre-Louis Jamin. The pairing of Ephron and Boy Star would make tardy starts as they brought up the rear of a well bunched field. As the race developed, there would be front runners on the inside and outside of the pack which had converged on the stands's side rail. La Belle Forest continued to lead, but Top Lad would dispute it along with Hallo Spaceboy who caught the eye with how well he travelled through the race. Thaluna and Invincible Boy came next as the final furlong loomed large. Once the pressure was raised on the leader, La Belle Forest jinxed to her left which opened the door for her rivals. Hallo Spaceboy took closer order on the near side as Thaluna also quickened up well on the far side of the pack. The strongly fancied filly Thaluna kicked into top gear and began to open up a clear lead in the final furlong, but the race wasn't sealed just yet. Invincible Boy had been caught flat footed as the pace increased and lost places, but he would find a second wind and charge towards the leader in the final half furlong. It would be too late however as Thaluna stayed straight and true and gave the William Haggas and Cieren Fallon combination a quickfire double of wins. Invincible Boy showed plenty of promise on debut to take second, along with Hallo Spaceboy in third and Viking Glory, who quietly showed a decent amount of ability to take fourth place.

The winner Thaluna had been heavily supported in the betting market and would justify the faith placed in her by the punters. The filly was a relatively valuable purchase as a yearling and comes from a talented family. Most notably, she is a full sister to Zoology, who won on debut back in 2022 before finishing second in the Jersey Stakes at Royal Ascot a year later. Thaluna would make her debut at the famous Berkshire track just over a month ago where she took on colts once again. It may not have been the strongest maiden to be run at Ascot, but she defied greenness to stay on into second behind a horse who would start his next race in Group Two company. This was a relative penalty kick for Thaluna, but she still looked professional here and should make a nice prospect next year. With plenty of horses catching the eye in the minor placings, this race should work out nicely with future form.

Race Five: The Parsonage Hotel & Cloisters Spa Nursery Handicap - Class Three - 2-y-o Only - Five Furlongs - Runners: 11

The theme of juvenile contests would continue with this nursery handicap over the flying five furlongs. This race is often a mad dash for the cash, but would need a hint of quality and toughness. Last year, the Kevin Ryan-trained End Of Story made all the running before winning quite comfortably on the day.

Top weight would be carried by Clear Force, from the Karl Burke stable The colt was highly tried during the summer but after a break, he has been held in a couple of small field nurseries at Haydock. Andrew Balding has enjoyed another brilliant season at York this year and would look to end the season with more winners. He would saddle Sands Of Spain, who looked a smart type earlier in the season before getting found out in Group company. This race would be easier than some of his previous tasks. The small scale stable of Paul Attwater would take on some big stables here with his colt Lil Brother. The juvenile would win a nursery at Windsor in good style two starts ago before running only moderately in a similar event at Haydock last time. Richard Fahey held his gelding Utmost Respect in high regards at the start of the season, but things haven't gone to plan since his very promising debut. After breaking his maiden tag at the third attempt, he ran poorly here in August before returning to form with a fourth at Ayr last time out. The Brian Ellison team would be represented by Temple Of Athena, who has done well in her first season. After an impressive debut win, she has gone on to run with credit in better races than this one. Tim Easterby is a regular visitor to the winner's enclosure here and he would saddle Bye Law in this contest. The colt had been progressing nicely with two novice wins, but blew his chance at Ayr last time after a slow start. A second runner for the Easterby yard would be Hanney Girl, who has also been busy this year. After winning twice during the summer, she was only overhauled close home in a listed race at Ayr last time out. A trio of runners for Tim Easterby would be completed Go Vince Go, who made his eighth start of the year. The gelding has developed a liking for Hamilton as he won twice there, including a class two handicap two starts ago. The Michael Dods-trained Mighty Magnus has enjoyed a decent first season so far with a handful of placings to go with a single win. He shaped well on softer ground last time out where he was caught close home at Ayr. Eve Johnson Houghton has enjoyed a superb year with her juveniles and would be represented in this contest by the filly Reimagined. She benefited from her debut outing to win on second start at Windsor, but then struggled in a Group Three race at Salisbury last time out. Tom Clover's Quantum Power has improved with each run and gained his first win on his third and most recent start. The gelding looked to appreciate similar condition to these at Beverley last month and remained open to progress. The famous silks of Highclere Racing would be on display, carried by the William Haggas-trained Concert. The filly looked promising at the start of her career, but her progress has since stalled. 

Winner: GO VINCE GO (#8) (Invincible Army x Oddysey) - S. Kirrane - T. Easterby

The sole non-runner in the field would come from the William Haggas stable again as Concert was withdrawn on the morning of the race, leaving a field of eleven to go to post. 

With a number of front runners in the lineup, the pace was always set to be a quick one. Tim Easterby's Hanney Girl would make a lightning start and find herself in front after a furlong, but would have Clear Force for close company. The pair would take each other on up front and it helped to drag the keen going Quantum Power and Temple Of Athena through the first few furlongs. Lil Brother had started slowly as the gates opened and found himself at the tail of the pack along with Go Vince Go, who was taken off his feet slightly. The race had already gone well past the halfway point in a matter of moments as the two leaders began to tread on water. Sands of Spain and Temple Of Athena would both edge into a share of the lead as Utmost Respect travelled with purpose approaching the final furlong. These three looked to have the race between them, but Go Vince Go arrived on the scene with a strong late burst to grab the leaders and begin to pull away. The gelding crossed the line for a narrow but comfortable victory, ahead of Sands Of Spain in second and Temple Of Athena in third; Utmost Respect was relegated out of the podium positions into fourth this time.

It was a win that had looked unlucky at halfway for Go Vince Go, but the guaranteed stamina came into play which changed the course of the race close home. This would be first time over five furlongs for the gelded son of Invincible Army, but he was able to capitalise on the collapse of the leaders and record his third win of the season. After finishing in the lower reaches of his first three races, Go Vince Go would get off the mark at Hamilton on his handicap debut over six furlongs in August. He would line up at York for the first time at the Ebor Festival, but he struggled in a competitive nursery handicap. A return to Hamilton would prompt a return to winning ways as he made most of the running over six furlongs to win a valuable contest at the Glasgow venue. Another trip to Scotland followed for his previous start, where he finished a decent sixth in nursery company in which the form began to work out nicely. Connections would opt for a drop back in distance with the promise of a strong pace and it would prove an inspired choice with success. A likeable sprint handicapper, he is the type his trainer does very well with on the northern circuit, so there will numerous options for the gelding over the winter and into next year.

Race Six: The Copper Knight Winning-Most Horse Handicap - class Three - Five Furlongs - Runners: 18

The action would remain over the minimum trip as this time, the more experienced sprinters took to the stage. This class three handicap would bear the name of the much loved sprinter Copper Knight, who holds the record of most wins by a single horse at York. Tim Easterby's speedster has a big fanbase and this would be a fitting venue for the eleven year old to win at once again. In 2024, the Easterby stable would win the race, but with Vince l'Amour who appreciated the return to soft ground and bookend his season with successes.

Top weight would be carried this year by the mare Azure Angel. Ed Bethell's five year old has form at a higher level in the past and has flirted with listed races as well, but dropped down to this level to win at Redcar earlier in the season. After taking third here at class two level, she was successful once again at Southwell, causing a bit of a surprise. Another smart filly would be the Iain Jardine-trained Queen's Guard. After taking fourth here on stable debut in June, she has since gone close at a higher level when second at Southwell two starts ago. Rhythm N Hooves is a former Royal Ascot winner of the past and the five year old still pops up every now and again for the Robert Cowell stable. After a string of good runs earlier in the year, he landed a similar race at Newbury before struggling in the Portland Handicap last time out. The Adrian Keatley-trained Francisco's Piece showed plenty of smart form as a juvenile last year, but this year has been a struggle. With little to write home about from his stiff rating, he would drop further down the grades for this contest. Nigel Tinkler's useful type Squealer is a regular in York sprints and won a class two back in June. He would then struggle on his first attempt on the all-weather last time out. Jim Goldie's knack of improving sprinters continued with their filly Eternal Sunshine. After going close here at the Ebor Festival, she would go on to win the prestigious Portland Handicap at Doncaster in September and has run well since then. Another three year old in the line up would be Jedd O'Keeffe's Dan Tucker, who went very close to winning over course and distance in June. He would put in a below par effort last time over a slightly longer trip. Loom would be another three year old taking on older rivals and Richard Fahey's gelding has often run better over this five furlong trip. He would finish strongly into second at Southwell last time out and arrived in good spirit. Mick Appleby's Harvanna won here as a juvenile two years ago and was on the verge of pattern company earlier in her career. Since then, she hasn't been quite at her best and failed to stay six furlongs at Newmarket last time out. Lightly raced and improving sorts from the William Haggas yard are always highly respected and the filly Kinswoman would fit the mould. The three year old took a while to win, but has now won her last two starts in the style of a horse better than this grade. Jess Macey's stable star Jenever took her form to a new level by winning a competitive class two event at Nottingham a week ago and she would drop back in trip for this race. The Kevin Ryan-trained Vantheman looked set for a good year at the start of the season, but his form has dropped off in recent months. On the other end of the experience scale, the three year old Blinky lined up for local trainer Antony Brittain. The gelding has produced some useful efforts in defeat this season, but ran poorly on his last visit to York. Another from the Tim Easterby yard would be Equity Law, who suddenly found form during the summer with a pair of wins at a lower level. He would produce a quieter run on his latest start at Southwell however. Grant Tuer's Al Hussar finished fifth in the nursery on this card last year and has since enjoyed a pretty busy season in 2025. He would return to winning ways at Chester two starts ago, albeit on heavy ground. The Iain Jardine stable were enjoying a brief hot spell for winners a few weeks ago and they would be represented by Moonstone Boy, who looked out of form during the summer but has finished a little closer recently. The four year old has started to run better on softer ground of late and was fifth at Hamilton last time. The grey Roach Power arrived here in excellent form as his trainer Michael Wigham has returned him to his best. The six year old has won four times this year alone, including his latest start at Ascot last weekend. The much loved Copper Knight would line up once again in the race that bears his name. Tim Easterby's old warrior has defied his age this year with three wins in 2025, including last week at Redcar where he raced solo and still found extra to win. He would look to extend his impressive record here. Another runner from the Iain Jardine yard would be Parisiac, who else spend a brief time out of form but has found his feet again. The six year old was successful on his latest start at Musselburgh, confirming his liking for soft ground. A third Tim Easterby runner completed the field, Albegone. The seven year old is useful at this sort of level and his best form came with ease in the ground, but his last two starts have been affected by slow starts from the gates. 

Winner: DAN TUCKER (#7) (Dandy Man x Time For A Toot) - J. Garritty - J O'Keeffe

The field of twenty would be reduced by two as the top weight Azure Angel and fellow filly Harvanna were deemed non runners by connections, but all the other intended runners including Copper Knight stood their ground.

As the gates opened to signify the start of the race, there would still be some doubt on the best strip of ground to be on for this sprint handicap. Three distinctive groups would form after a furlong which provided indecision and intrigue for how the race would pan out. Down the centre, Scottish raider Eternal Sunshine blazed a trail under her rider Lauren Young and she was joined in that small group by race favourite Kinswoman and Equity Law. Over on the far side, Parisiac would sit in a handy position with Dan Tucker and Roach Power as the far side looked to have most numbers with the likes of Copper Knight, Vantheman and Rhythm N Hooves all helping to force the pace. Approaching the final furlong, the three groups would blend into one as the pressure rose higher. The red silks of Dan Tucker on the far side began to edge into a narrow overall lead as Eternal Sunshine continued to battle gamely down the middle of the track. Kinswoman also made a bold challenge under Cieren Fallon and these three would fight it out inside the final furlong. It would be a case of heads up, heads down as the three in form sprinters hit the line together in an exciting finish. The judge was called upon once again, but he determined that Dan Tucker had done just enough to land the spoils. Kinswoman's good run of form continued with a close second while Eternal Sunshine ran yet another very good race in a busy spell to take third. Parisiac kept on at the same pace behind Dan Tucker to take fourth overall as the local favourite Copper Knight weakened out of the picture and returned home twelfth in his own race.

It would be an emphatic return to form for Jed O'Keeffe's three year old Dan Tucker, who had gone well at this venue in the past. The gelding was deemed good enough to contest in the listed Two Year Old Trophy at Redcar twelve months ago as a twice-raced gelding, which hinted at the regard he was held in, but he wouldn't gain his first win until this season. Picking up a relatively weak maiden at Ayr over six furlongs, he would drop back to the minimal trip here in June. Always well positioned that day, he was denied by the smallest of margins before going on to win at the testing Pontefract circuit. He showed his liking for the West Yorkshire venue with another second placing there, but he lined up at York last time out over half a furlong further in September; weakening in the closing stages. A return to this venue and a more natural distance saw a bounce back to the gelding's best and there should be plenty of opportunities for more wins at this sort of level in the future.

Race Seven: The PJ Staffing Group Apprentice Handicap - Class Four - Seven Furlongs - Runners: 22

The closing contest of the afternoon would see a look at the stars of the future in the saddle. The apprentice championship has been hotly contested this season with the likes of Warren Fentiman, Joe Leavy and Jack Doughty all fighting hard for the prestigious title. With a week left to go, every ride matters for these young jockeys as they look to reduce the deficit of Joe Leavy's win total. The race was won last year by On The River, ridden by Aidan Brookes, who was much the best horse on the day with a clear cut success. 

A full field of twenty-two runners would go to post for the closing contest of the day. The weights would be headed by Daring Legend for the Mick Appleby stable. The four year snapped a spell of placings during the summer by winning at Newmarket last month, but was unable to see his race out at Newcastle last time. The predominantly jumps based yard of Donald McCain would have a rare runner at York with Paws For Thought. The smart seven year old has won at a higher level in the past, but is also a specialist of Chester; where he scooted around to win once again recently. This would be a different type of track. Richard Fahey's Silent Move was fairly promising earlier in his career, but hasn't been able to kick on of late. There would be slim hope when second in the summer, but has finished in the midfield since then. Native Instinct has been lightly raced so far by trainer Ed Bethell, so could be open to progress. He has run with credit on occasions this year and looked a good prospect when breaking his maiden last season. Another Middleham based yard with a runner here would be Karl Burke with Nordic Norm. The four year old won on debut, but has struggled to find form on turf. He was thankfully unscathed after a scary fall at Ascot on his latest start. The star of Simon West's stable Vixey has been highly consistent this year with three wins and three placings this summer. The mare has turned into another Chester lover with her latest wins coming at that venue. Maxi Boy hasn't seen too many miles for his age and Fionn McSharry's gelding finished second here last year over six furlongs. He wasn't seen until last month for his return where he shaped with promise in third. Tim Easterby's Quest For Fun knows his way around here very well as he has won twice here in the past and is usually on the scene. The seven year old would finish second in consecutive handicaps at Ayr. His stable Candonomore has some good efforts at York in the past and would snap a losing streak in emphatic style at Newcastle recently, so arrived here high on confidence. Highfield Viking looked set to progress through the ranks after two easy wins earlier in the year, but his progress has stalled in his last two starts. John and Sean Quinn's five year old possibly found soft ground against him last time. The Jim Goldie-trained Yaaser is a real seven furlong specialist, but also a hostage to fortune. The strong traveller finished fourth here in July, but has suffered heavy defeats in his last two starts. Another Investment is also a former York winner from the past, but Nigel Tinkler's gelding has become unpredictable of late. His latest win came over six furlongs at Doncaster and he has yet to match that form since. Another course regular at York is Michael Herrington's Feel The Need. The five year old landed a similar race to this one in July and finished nicely from the rear to take fourth at Newcastle last time out. Clive Cox would saddle the three year old Sky Advocate against some older rivals and the gelding remains a maiden. Despite this, the grey has placed over longer trips, so will need a strong pace to aim at. The formerly Irish trained Nyman looked to be an interesting runner here. The four year old has been in good form this year in handicaps in Ireland, but has made the switch to Yorkshire with the Roger Fell stable who can eke improvement out of new arrivals. Another grey in the field would be Enola Grey for the Gemma Tutty yard. The mare has been seen more regularly on the all-weather in recent years and showed she prefers that surface with a modest run on turf last time out. Another three year old in the line up would be U Sure Do, yet another runner for Tim Easterby. The gelding ran good races in novice company before getting off the mark two starts ago. He wasn't disgraced last time when second to an in form runner at Ayr last time. A challenger from Ireland would be Little Empire, from the Anthony McCann stable. She was successful on her latest run back in May, but an attempted race here backfired as she got upset in the stalls in July. Connections were seemingly keen to try again with this venue. The relatively unexposed Pal Joey lined up for the Middleham-based Ben Haslam stable. The gelding's last race over seven furlongs produced a good result, but he has been campaigned over six furlongs since then. The Tony Coyle and Kaine Wood stable won this race in 2022 with Thunder Roar and would be represented this year by Havana Prince. The four year old has been a fairly regular winner for connections and posted an excellent effort when fourth here in July. Since then, his most recent starts haven't been as good. Another Malton runner would be Roaring Twenties for the Craig Lidster stable. The three year old remains totally unexposed after just three starts so far and has run slightly better on the all-weather ahead of his handicap debut. Completing the field would be ZIggy's Condor, who posted good efforts at York in his young days. His best efforts this year have come over Southwell's six furlong trip, which would be a concern for this contest. 

Winner: SKY ADVOCATE (#14) (Inns of Court x Coolnagree) - J. Callan - C. Cox

There would be a theme of deja vu for Warren Fentiman ahead of the closing contest as Silent Move dropped him to the turf once again, but thankfully the pair were remounted and unscathed. Heading to the starting point, Little Empire would take control of her rider and divert away from the intended route, galloping around the course which resulted in her getting withdrawn at the start of a race at York for the second successive time.

After the brief wait to start, the action got underway for the finale and Ziggy's Condor would take the overall lead under Ethan Tindall, but he was pressed by Paws For Thought and Charlie Maggs. Sitting behind the leaders would come Daring Legend, Enola Grey and Nyman as the pace looked a decent one for the level. Further back came the grey Sky Advocate, Highfield Viking and the keen going mare Vixey as the race began to develop down the centre of the course. The field began to bunch up and space suddenly began hard to find in the pack. Approaching the final furlong, Nyman would be blocked and hampered badly; but thankfully he remained on his feet despite losing all chance of a good finish. Quest For Fun was another to make stealthy headway with Yaaser, but Ziggy's Condor remained the leader as Paws For Thought emptied rapidly down the straight. As Ziggy's Condor went clear, he had a big target on his back and the grey Sky Advocate emerged from the pack with a good looking move under Jack Callan. On the near side of the group, Candonomore made headway, but the leaders had gained first run on him. Sky Advocate grabbed the leader Ziggy's Condor inside the final fifty yards and began to power clear, hitting the line strongly for a first career victory. Candonomore did just that as his late challenge saw him take no better than second, finishing a place ahead of Vixey, who ran another good race this summer in third. Long time leader Ziggy's Condor would return to form with a creditable fourth place.

It would be a first win of his career for the three year old Sky Advocate. Despite going winless in eleven previous starts, the son of Dark Angel had gone close on a number of occasions last season and this year. He would finish an excellent fourth in the lucrative Super Sales Race at the Curragh on just his second start last year, but was unable to get his nose in front back in novice company at the end of 2024. The gelding had been campaigned over longer trips this year, mainly over a mile, but he also chased home the useful Noble Horizon when second at Leicester over ten furlongs. His most recent start at Newbury would catch the eye as he was unable to get a clear run for most of the race and closed up well into fourth, but still went without the elusive win. A strong pace here was the key to unlocking a win and he did the job in the fashion of a horse who can win more races now. It would also be a notable first win at York for Jack Callan, the son of stalwart jockey Neil. The youngster has started to impress many with his growing experience in the saddle and he remained cool under pressure to deliver a winning run.