Race One; The Coral Rockingham Stakes - Listed Race - 2-Y-O Only - Six Furlongs - Runners: 13
The final Saturday meeting of the year at York would start strongly with this listed race for two-year-olds. Despite being run usually on soft ground, this contest has a rich history of producing high class sprints for years to come. Between 2014 and 2016, future Group race winners Mattmu, Donjuan Triumphant and Sir Dancealot would all take this prize on their way to becoming household names. Last year, Karl Burke would win this contest for the first time as Jungle Drums ploughed through the ground to win comfortably. 

This year's line up would be headed by Ed Walker's colt Black Star Boy. The son of Starman comes from a decent family and showed a small amount of promise on debut before looking a nice prospect when winning at Newbury last time out. This would be a sizeable jump up in class already. Richard Fahey would saddle Boston Dan, who was a maiden going into a sales race at the Ebor Festival, but ran an excellent race to take second that day. After breaking his maiden tag, he struggled in a similar race at Ayr, but returned to six furlongs here. Andrew Balding won this race two years ago with Purosangue and he would return this year with Comical Point. He looked smart when winning on debut in May, but has lacked a little in Group company since then; including a fourth in the Gimcrack Stakes when last in action. Bryan Smart is adept with training sprinters and he would move Dandy Style up in grade here. The colt has won over this trip, but has found further improvement over five furlongs recently; taking a Hamilton nursery handicap on his latest start. William Haggas is another trainer who has won this race in the recent past and he would saddle the exciting Division this year. The son of Kingman is bred to be very talented and has gone the right way recently, winning a pair of novice events at Yarmouth and Haydock with ease. Another Newmarket raider would be the Simon and Ed Crisford-trained Flying Comet. The colt already has some good form lines this year and caught the eye by staying on into third in the Mill Reef Stakes at Newbury last time out. The roan-grey colt Ryedale Frosty catches the eye with his appearance and David Simcock's colt has run some decent races at this sort of level. After winning for the first time, he would finish in the frame in Group contests at Goodwood and Newbury. The Adrian Keatley stable won a listed race here back in May and would look to do so again with Star Material. The colt had progressed nicely through the season and his close second at Ayr last time out was given a nice form boost last weekend. A number of fillies would also take part, the first of them would represent last year's winning trainer Karl Burke, the returning Ali Shuffle. She was a typical early type as she won her first three starts including the Lily Agnes Stakes at Chester in May. Her rivals would soon catch up however and she finished down the field in the Super Sprint when last seen in action back in July. Another in the Nick Bradley Racing silks would be Tim Easterby's Anaisa. The filly has held her form nicely during a long year and won at this level in Ripon's Two Year Old Trophy in August. She was outclassed in Group company last time however. The Stuart Williams-trained Azleet looked to be progressing nicely with a pair of seconds and a pair of wins to her name, but was undone by a track bias at Salisbury in a Group Three last time out. First season trainer Charlie Clover went close to big race success at Royal Ascot when Flowerhead finished second in the Queen Mary Stakes and his filly needed to bounce back to that level after some low key runs recently. Indy B is another filly who has improved with each start and after taking a share of first at Salisbury in July, Archie Watson's runner has finished in the placings on her next two starts and stepped up in grade for this race. Rod Millman continues to wind down his legendary training career and would be represented by Killavia, a grey filly who has enjoyed a creditable first season. She would struggle in the Flying Childers Stakes at Doncaster last time, but had won the time before and returned to six furlongs for the first time since her debut. There would be Royal interest in the race as Ed Walker's Lightning Polka took her place in the field. The daughter of Night Of Thunder looked very smart when winning on debut at Haydock, but could only finish midfield at Ayr on soft ground recently.

Winner: DIVISION (#5) (Kingman x Pepita) - T. Marquand - W. Haggas

The final Saturday race day at York for the year would see a booming crowd blessed by bright sunlight and warm temperatures. The opening contest would be reduced by two runners as Dandy Spirit and the filly Anaisa would stay in their stables. 

A wide open and competitive line up would go to post for this informative juvenile prize and from the outset, Boston Dan would break into an early lead under Oisin Orr. The lead would be a narrow one however as he was flanked by race favourite Division, Azleet and the royal runner Lightning Polka. Next up came Comical Point, Flowerhead and Killavia as the pace looked an average one through the first half of the race. As the field approached the packed grandstands and the final furlong, Boston Dan was still clinging on to his lead. Division had moved stylishly through the contest and picked up the lead under Tom Marquand before reaching top gear. There was a brief resistance from Boston Dan, but the quality began to show as Division pulled clear approaching the line and he took the opener in good style. A gap of just under two lengths would be the difference to the rest as Boston Dan returned in an excellent second as Comical Point stayed on at the same pace into third. The filly Azleet had raced keenly early on, so did well to hold on to fourth at the finish.

Punters would get off to a flying start as the well backed favourite Division proved a cut above his rivals. Despite higher quality racing at Newmarket taking place on the same afternoon, the presence of Tom Marquand at York showed the intent of trainer William Haggas in his bid to win the leading trainer's title for the season at York. The pair got off to the perfect start and look to have an exciting sprinter in the form of Division for next year. The colt was slightly unlucky on debut at Windsor where he was bumped around at times, but still stayed on into second that day. Since then, he hasn't looked back. A pair of victories in novice company at Haydock and Yarmouth both came in wide margin style and this win confirmed his progress. A full brother to Celandine, who won last year's Lowther Stakes over the same course and distance, Division looks set to follow his older sibling's path into Group company and is a very exciting prospect for 2025.

Race Two: The Coral "Pipped At The Post" Handicap - Class Two - One Mile, Two Furlongs - Runners: 14
Next up would be a typically strong looking handicap over ten furlongs which was open to horses aged three and older. This mix of youth and experience can provide a tricky betting contest, but it can also unearth a horse or two to follow in 2026. Leading stables tend to run some of their more unexposed horses with the hope of running at a higher level next year. Back in 2021, Sir Michael Stoute's Bay Bridge eased to victory in this race before taking the Champion Stakes at Ascot a year later. Twelve months ago, the race would go to the colt Bolster from the Karl Burke yard. The four year old would go on to win at listed level, showing the importance of this race.

This year's renewal would be headed by Hugo Palmer's Grey Cuban, who has developed a liking for the local Chester during his career with three wins there, the latest of them coming in July. He has also finished in the frame in listed company and a couple of previous runs at York weren't bad performances. A stalwart of the Adrian Keatley stable, Kihavah, has taken everything thrown at him in the last few years and dropped back in distance for this contest. The dual purpose seven year old won over much further in April and was last seen finishing eighth in the Ebor Handicap here in August. Andrew Balding is set to be crowned leading trainer at York once again and would saddle Teumessias Fox here. The six year old goes much better on the all-weather and even placed in a listed race at Kempton in April, but has never fired properly on turf. Dual purpose trainer Alan King has seen his horses run well of late and he would send Insanity back to York. The five year old has been in good heart this year with a handful of placings, the latest coming in a similar race over two furlongs longer and narrowly denied. Terry Kent's Erzindjan was a Group race performer a few years ago and has made some eye-catching performances in big handicaps this year. He was drawn on the wrong side in the Cambridgeshire Handicap last time out, but romped clear of his ground in taking style. Tony Montana would carry the Amo Racing silks for trainer Michael Bell and he has gone well over course and distance in the past. After a narrow defeat here in May, he would finish second for the third time this season at the Curragh last time out. The grey Champagne Prince has yet to win on turf so far, but has been unfortunate not to do so. He emptied quickly over a longer trip here when travelling well in August and he reverted back in distance with the hope of running better. The veteran Andaleep is another former course and distance winner in the line up and the Dan and Claire Kubler-trained gelding remains competitive at this level, winning at Yarmouth in July. The lightly raced mare Albany took her place in the field for Ralph Beckett and she was caught close home by the winner over a mile and a half here in July. The inconsistent five year old ran poorly again at Haydock on latest start. Another well travelled sort would be Mustajeed for the Harry Eustace yard. The seven year old tends to improve once tackling softer ground conditions and returned to winning ways at Newbury three weeks ago. Another grey would be Take Heart, who showed some smart form when trained in Ireland which included a win at Goodwood last year. Since moving to the David Menuisier stable in the summer, he has run disappointingly and had plenty to prove now. Per Contra was a bright prospect as a juvenile, but lost his way throughout 2024. Since switching to the Tim Easterby stable, the four year old has returned to his best with a string of placed efforts and then a smooth victory at Newcastle a fortnight ago. Richard Fahey's Have Secret has some good form over this trip and finished fifth in this race last year. The five year old hasn't been at his best in recent starts, but finished third over course and distance back in May. Two Brothers landed the final race on this card last year to boost his good record at York. Mick and David Easterby's seven year old has been spotted just once this season, where he had excuses for a poor run at Chester. Completing the field would be another Yorkshire trained runner, Ey Up Its The Boss, a regular at this level for the Tony Coyle and Kaine Wood stable. The six year old is at his best when able to dominate and he did so to win once again at Ripon back in July. 

Winner: GREY CUBAN (#1) (Havana Grey x Serena Grae) - J. Hart - H. Palmer

The race would go without the mare Albany, who was deemed a non runner by connections on the morning of the contest. 

Despite a wide open feel to the race, punters were only seemingly interested in one horse in the race; Erzindjan. The gelding was the subject of plenty of support and went off at relatively short odds for this handicap. As the gates opened, Mustajeed was caught sleeping and lost a lot of ground on his rivals, eventually starting some eight lengths from the second last runner Two Brothers. At the front, Grey Cuban took up his customary front running spot under Jason Hart and dictated a steady gallop. He would briefly swap positions with Kihavah down the short straight, but regained the lead on the approach to the home bend. In a nicely packed field, Champagne Prince, Insanity, Andaleep and Have Secret would all sit on the leaders' tail as Ey Up Its The Boss raced slightly wider than ideal. The pack would manoeuvre their way to the near side rails, but a smaller group stayed closer to the middle of the track. The smaller group was led by Kihavah as Insanity, Teumessias Fox and Have Secret all kept away from the main body of the field. Grey Cuban continued to bravely hold onto the lead and responded to a lot of pressure from closing rivals. Champagne Prince loomed large on the nearside in a battle of the greys as Erzindjan struggled to escape from the pack. Andaleep was another to challenge, but as the contenders continued to stack up, Grey Cuban continued to see them off. As the line approached, Insanity finished off well, but his bid was too late. Grey Cuban hit the line in front, half a length clear of Insanity with the same distance back to Champagne Prince in third. Fourth would go to Andaleep, who produced another good effort at the course. Erzindjan had been boxed in throughout the race, but was unable to capitalise once out in the open and could only manage fifth.

It would be yet another big Saturday race win in October for trainer Hugo Palmer as Grey Cuban was all heart to win here. The four year old landed a rare win away from Chester, the tight and twisty course which he has made a home from home in his career. The grey has won three times there, with the latest of his wins coming in emphatic style in July. He has also shown that he isn't a one trick pony by winning at this level in the past, namely at the St Leger Festival last year at Doncaster. 2025 had been a story of ups and down throughout the season, but the son of Havana Grey won twice at his beloved Chester with three more placings. The latest of those came in the listed Stand Cup over a mile and a half, where he weakened into third before the top class stayer Hamish. A drop back to a more suitable trip and grade along with a well judged front running ride all proved the catalyst to return to winning ways. Grey Cuban is turning into a very likeable handicapper for his connections and will more than likely be seen at Chester next May for their big spring festival. 

Race Three; The Coral "Daily Reward Shaker" For Free Nursery Handicap - Class Two - 2-Y-O Only - One Mile - Runners: 5
The focus would return to the juveniles as this competitive handicap for youngsters would take place over a mile. Races of this nature usually feature horses who are late developers and others who would deserve to win a nice prize after a long season. Last year, Fearless Freddy would come with a late surge to get up and win close home for the Chris Grassick and William Muir stable, under an excellent ride by Lewis Edmunds.

Heading the weights would be James Tate's colt He's Waliim. He looked an excellent prospect by winning at Beverley on debut and competed in a Group Three at Sandown. He was then narrowly denied at Kempton back in novice company and made his handicap debut here today. The Karl Burke-trained Boiling Over took a few attempts to get off the mark and did so by a small margin at Leicester. He would improve on his latest start, taking fourth at the St Leger meeting. The lightly raced Laazm would lined up for the Andrew Balding stable and was another to win on debut earlier in the season. He would get left behind by a promising winner at Chester on his second start and made a first start away from the Cheshire track. The Richard Hannon-trained Night Patrol achieved very little in his first two starts, but found a jolt of improvement to win at massive odds on soft ground at Newbury in September. This would prove whether or not that run was a fluke. A second runner for the Karl Burke stable completed the line up; Real Man, a half brother to very smart sprinter Star Of Lady M. The gelding has been one the yard's lesser lights in the juvenile division, but has finished third on his last three starts so is gradually improving.

Winner: LAAZM (#3) (Mehmas x Anything Goes) - PJ McDonald - A. Balding

All five runners would stand their ground, but the race looked a closely contested affair on paper.

The action would get away to a level break, but after a few strides, Real Man began to race keenly and took off under Andrew Elliott. The gelding started to create a yawning gap as he set five furlong-esque sectional times through the first few furlongs. The remaining quartet opted to leave the tearaway leader alone and settled in a smaller group. Night Patrol would sit at the head of the group next to He's Waliim as Laazm accompanied the keen going Boiling Over at the rear of the pack. By the time the group had exited the home bend, Real Man was already approaching the three furlong pole in scenes that looked reminiscent of the Juddmonte International running in August. The gap between leader and chasing pack began to close gradually over the course of the home straight. Real Man began to tire in front and drifted off a true line. His time in front came to an end as the pack had finally reached him. He's Waliim was checked in his run by duelling rivals and his chances would also end abruptly, but Laazm and Boiling Point found themselves in front. The pair began to pull clear from Night Patrol inside the final furlong and went head to head approaching the finish line. Laazm bravely stuck his neck out under a determined PJ McDonald ride and landed the contest by a neck. Boiling Point did his chance some harm in the early stages, but still ran well to take second, well clear of Night Patrol and Real Man in third and fourth.

The trainers' championship race would heat up as Andrew Balding drew level with William Haggas once again with this success. Laazm is building up a nice profile so far and would pick up his second win in three starts. The son of Mehmas had previously only raced at the tight and twisty Chester, but made a winning debut over seven furlongs back in early August, defying inexperience. He would return to the Cheshire venue in another novice, but he was pushed aside by Lion Of Alba by five lengths. The winner of that race could turn out to be an above average type, so Laazm wasn't disgraced. A half brother to Native Tribe, a winner over ten furlongs as well as being related to a winning hurdler, the future should be a bright one for Laazm. He is the type his trainer does well with in middle distance handicaps next year.

Race Four: The Coral Sprint Trophy Handicap - Class Two - Six Furlongs - Runners: 19

The feature contest would also be the final big race on the Knavesmire before the season fades out. This prestigious and highly competitive handicap over six furlongs is one of the last opportunities for classy turf lovers to race in before the season ends next month. The heritage handicap has also been landed by some old favourites, including Strike Red who landed the 2022 and 2024 renewals for the Richard Fahey yard. In 2023, Montassib would land this contest before William Haggas's chestnut went on to win the following season's Group One Sprint Cup at Haydock on his beloved soft ground.

Heading the weights in this year's running would be the speedy Hammer The Hammer for trainer Kevin Ryan. The three year old progressed rapidly in the first half of the year over five furlongs and finished fourth in the Ayr Gold Cup recently over this trip. Another three year old would be Northern Ticker, who has been held in high regard by trainer Michael Dods and won a similar race over course and distance in August. He would run another very good race in the Ayr Gold Cup when sixth overall. The very smart Sir Yoshi placed in a listed race here last season as part of a number of classy displays for his former trainer. He has since moved from Ireland to the Geoff Harker stable and made a rare start over six furlongs. The star of Gemma Tutty's yard Blue Storm won at Epsom and went very close at Royal Ascot last season, but has endured a lighter campaign this year. After a promising fourth at Haydock last time out, this would be his first try at six furlongs.  An Irish runner here would be Stephen Thorne's Gleneagle Bay. The five year old has yet to run over a distance this short so far, but has shown excellent form in competitive handicaps in England and Ireland. David O'Meara does well with French recruits once they settle into life in Yorkshire and he would run Toyotomi here. After winning a listed race at Deauville earlier in the season, he has been given some tough tests so far in Britain. Another runner for Michael Dods would be the high class handicapper Commanche Falls. The eight year old has been an excellent servant to connections over the year and was only narrowly denied by Northern Ticker here in August. A return to this course should see him run better. A regular visitor to York is the Karl Burke-trained Korker, who has won over five and six furlongs. The tough handicapper has been unlucky at times this year, but took third over course and distance back in May. Jim Goldie has enjoyed a brilliant season with his sprinters and would look for more big race success with Jordan Electrics. The multiple winner hasn't been at his best this season, but his rating is sliding down to a potential winning one. Richard Fahey's Strike Red would look for an unprecedented hat trick of wins in this race as he put his crown on the line. The seven year old goes well on softer ground conditions and his best effort came at Goodwood when second in the Stewards' Cup. Another three year old in the field would be Dark Cloud Rising for the David O'Meara yard. He looked one to follow after winning on seasonal reappearance, but has won just once since then and wasn't at his best last time out. Katie Scott's flag bearer Gweedore has been an excellent handicapper in recent seasons and the eight year old has run well in defeat on a couple of occasions this year. He ran another likeable race in the Ayr Silver Cup last time out. The old favourite Bergerac returned to York once again for the Kevin Ryan stable and is a winner at this level in the past. After finishing fourth here over slightly shorter two starts ago, he ran a quiet race in the Ayr Gold Cup recently. Another Malton based runner would be Eye Of Dubai from the John and Sean Quinn stable. The five year old finished third in this contest last year and has shown a liking for soft conditions. He would follow a similar path by winning at Ripon last time out. Richard Fahey would have more interest in this race, courtesy of the three year old Uncle Don. He doesn't have too many miles on the clock and was good enough to finish second in a listed race last year. Sergeant Wilko was another highly progressive three year old in 2024, winning three times and running well to finish fifth in this race. This year, Kevin Ryan's gelding has shown mixed form so far with a couple of good efforts on the all-weather being the highlight. The formerly very classy King's Lynn remains on the go for the Andrew Balding stable and has been in solid form. He landed a class two event at Haydock in July before placing on two more occasions at seven furlongs. He would be another to drop back in trip. An improving three year old in the field for William Haggas would be Binhareer, who has developed into a solid handicapper this summer. The grey would defy inexperience to finish sixth in the Silver Cup at Ayr last month. Jim Goldie's knack for improving horses continued with the mare Eternal Sunshine, who rocketed through the grades and won the Portland Handicap three starts ago. She has been unlucky in recent races when third, but remains in form. She had been in action at York just twenty-four hours earlier. Rousing Encore has been nurtured back to his best by current trainer Ruth Carr and the five year old won a handicap at the Dante meeting in May. He goes well at this course, but was successful last time out at Ayr. Ian Williams can produce winners from all kinds of horse and would be represented by Purest Time. The five year old produced some good form in France previously, but has taken a while to settle into Britain. He would finished second twice at Goodwood in August, but struggled last time out at Doncaster. Completing the field would be another runner for Richard Fahey, Loom. The three year old was also doing double time as he lined up on the previous day, but most of his better form came over the minimum five furlong trip.

Winner: BINHAREER (#18) (Dark Angel x Silk Bow) - T. Marquand - W. Haggas

Three non runners would reduce the field to nineteen, but some well known favourites took their place in the final big race at York of the year.

As expected, the speedy Hammer The Hammer blazed a trail down the centre of the track as the field remained in one large group. Yesterday's third placed Eternal Sunshine was another to show bright early speed on the stands' side of the group and over on the far side, Purest Time was also in a prominent position. Korker would make his customary sluggish start and trailed the field in the early stages, joining Rousing Encore and King's Lynn. The pace would be a very quick one with a number of front runners and Gweedore would also contribute to the early fractions. As the field came into view of the crowd at the furlong pole, Northern Ticker eased into the overall lead; hoping for another big York victory. Hammer The Hammer's early pace came to an end as he weakened gradually, but heading in the other direction would be Binhareer. The grey had cruised through the order and hit the front in the final furlong. Once the three year old saw daylight, he romped clear in the final stages and suddenly this high class handicap was turned into a one horse race. Binhareer cantered to a three length victory over the staying on Purest Time in second with Korker weaving his way through beaten horses into third, a place ahead of Northern Ticker.

Races of this quality are rarely won in this manner, so the ease of which Binhareer won this handicap suggests his is potentially a league above his rivals. The grey three year old has been progressive all season and would also emulate his half brother Trefor in winning a big handicap at York this year. After a low key reappearance on the all-weather, the son of Dark Angel would win in equally impressive style at Ayr in July before posting a good effort when second in the "grey horse handicap" at Newmarket a month later. He would run well once again at the Shergar Cup meeting at Ascot when third for Team UK and confirmed his well being with a sixth back at Ayr last month in the Silver Cup; finishing third in his group and plenty of horses behind him that day. His trainer William Haggas won this race with a subsequent Group One winner a few years ago and this grey has the potential to follow that path in the coming years. Clearly a high class sort when the conditions are right, next year will be an exciting one for this sprinter.

Race Five: The Coral "We're Here For It" Maiden Stakes - Class Two - 2-Y-O Only - One Mile - Runners: 8

There would be a glimpse to the future in this contest as some stoutly bred colts would line up for leading stables. This class two maiden was moved up to a mile in distance in 2023 which allows trainers to introduce their potential Classic hopes before the season ends. Last year, in testing conditions, Andrew Balding's grey Almeric finished strongly to get off the mark and he has gone on to much bigger things in 2025; winning listed races at Newmarket and Ayr and he is being targeted at the Champion Stakes at Ascot in the near future.

The class of 2025 would be headed by the beautifully bred Arabian Desert for the Richard Fahey stable. The son of Frankel probably ran below expectations when only fifth at Ayr and he looked a tricky ride that day. The Shadwell-owned runner Emtinan would make his debut for the Charlie Hills stable, but has already been gelded before his first start. Despite this, he is related to some high class winners from the operation. A more exposed runner would be the gelding Howsham, who lined up for the Mick and David Easterby stable. After a couple of quiet runs over seven furlongs, he would catch the eye with his closing finish into fifth at Pontefract to suggest he will enjoy longer trips. Ralph Beckett's better prospects for next year tend to emerge at this time of the year and he would be represented by the highly promising Joulany. The colt is bred to be much better over staying trips and was caught close home by a smart prospect at Kempton on debut, with the pair pulling well clear of the rest. Last year's winning stable of Andrew Balding would be represented this year by King Of Berkshire, who was given an introductory ride at Yarmouth to finish third and should improve for it with next year in mind. The William Haggas-trained Morshdi is another colt who is bred to come into his own over much further and went close on debut at Sandown when pulling clear with a smart filly so any natural improvement would see him run well once again. Regal Knight hasn't achieved the same amount of form as some of his rivals and the Tony Coyle and Kaine Wood-trained gelding looks one for handicaps further down the line. The Kevin Ryan-trained Valenday was sent off a big price on debut here in September but ran a mighty race to finish second. He comes from a very talented family and should turn into another useful horse.

Winner: MORSHDI (#6) - (Dubawi x Into The Mystic) - T. Marquand - W. Haggas

This would be a strong looking maiden for York, with six of the eight runners holding genuine claims for the win,

Each of the runners would behave well through the preliminaries and as the gates opened, Valenday would move into the early lead under Tom Eaves. Racing further wide, Morshdi settled in a share of the lead with Valenday as Arabian Desert settled into a rhythm in third. King Of Berkshire would race close up along with the outsiders Howsham and Regal Knight as the slow starting Emtinan brought up the rear along with the favourite Joulany. The pace would be a solid one in the conditions and the running order remained mostly the same throughout the first three quarters of the race. As the race began to develop, Valenday began to look vulnerable to challengers. Arabian Desert moved closer to the leader and Morshdi shadowed the move. Valenday started to wobble and drift into the centre of the track as the Haggas and Fahey horses settled down to do battle in the final furlong. Morshdi and Arabian Desert went eye to eye close home in a driving finish, but as the line approached, Morshdi found a little extra to grab the win. Arabian Desert improved a large amount from his debut to take second as the pair pulled clear of Valenday in third. Joulany was quietly ridden but stayed on into fourth, shaping like a stayer for next season.

This win would finally confirm William Haggas as the winner of York's leading trainer, something which will have meant a lot to the Yorkshire-born handler. He could be returning to York next year with the promising Morshdi, who looks all about stamina for next year. The chestnut colt is a son of leading sire Dubawi, as well as a full brother to last year's Park Hill Stakes winner Nakheel, a filly who won over a mile and six furlongs. Morshdi made his debut less than a month ago at Sandown on soft ground where he raced further back than ideal but stayed on strongly on testing ground. He would take second that day, but the winner of the race, Esna, finished fourth in the Group One Prix Marcel Boussac at the Arc meeting last weekend. With a stamina laden pedigree, it wouldn't be a surprise to see Morshdi take his place in a trial for the Classics next year; including the Dante Stakes here in May.

Race Six: The Coral Racing Club Stayers Handicap - Class Four - Two Miles - Runners: 16

The longest race of the day would come in the form of this class four handicap over two miles. On the day where the National Hunt season officially began, the autumnal conditions would serve as a sign of things to come for the next few months. Races of this nature at York often attract course specialists and this event would be no different as some usual suspects took their place in the field. Last year, in a torrential downpour, Tim Easterby's Gibside continued his good record on the Knavesmire to win with plenty of ease.

Andrew Balding's Berkshire Sundance would make an overdue return to action as he was last seen in action in November last year. He was in good form at the time though, winning twice before going close in a much better race on the all-weather. The David O'Meara-trained Ribble Vibe doesn't have as many wins as his potential suggests, but has been running only averagely in Britain this season. The grey Arrange goes well at York and Martin Todhunter's seven year old finished second in this race for the past two seasons. His best run came at Carlisle when second, so a return to this venue could eke out a little more. Last year's winner Gibside returned to York once again for the Tim Easterby stable and the six year old has been running well at a higher level this year. After winning over a longer trip at Chester at class two level, he should put up a good defence of his trophy here. As the jumps season kicked into life on the same weekend, the Jonjo and AJ O'Neill-trained Circuit Breaker would get an outing on the level. The five year old showed useful form on the flat a couple of years ago, but his last win came over hurdles this time last year. Since then, he finished third over this trip at Southwell in February. Terrorise has done well since reverting back to the flat for Brian Ellison as he won easily over course and distance back in July. He would do too much too soon on his latest start a month ago. A runner for David O'Meara would be The Crafty Mole, who has been in good form of late. His second win of the summer came over two miles at Ripon, but he was caught flat footed over a shorter trip when fourth at Redcar last weekend. A pair of Scottish runners took their place in the field. First of them would be the Jim Goldie-trained Tafsir, who has raced over a range of trips and performed admirably, but was outstayed over ten furlongs just two days ago. The second runner from north of the border would be Iain Jardine's seven year old Haveyoumissedme, whose career has been interrupted by layoffs, but he is still capable of useful form. His latest appearance at Ayr came after another absence and he would come home last of six. Another from the Tim Easterby stable would be Marbuzet, who has plenty of experience of York in the past. After finishing second here in July, he gained his latest win at Chester before pushing The Crafty Mole all the way at Ripon last time out. William Haggas doesn't have too many horses at this level, but he would run his filly Molten Sea in this contest. All three of her wins to date have come in staying contests, but her previous visit to York was a disappointing one in July. The four year old Mandarb won twice on the flat in France, but is another one warming up for the jumps season. Micky Hammond's gelding was last seen taking on an exciting prospect at Wetherby in February. The five year old mare Dance Legend has been a reliable stayer at this level for David Loughnane, but the majority of her best form has come on the all-weather. Despite this, she produced a good effort when second Chester last time out. Yet another former York winner from the Tim Easterby stable would be Zimmerman, whose last win came at York in July last year. The seven year old has run well enough this season however. Jim Goldie is able to train winners over sprint trips and staying trips alike and would be represented by Trojan Sun. The five year old has been a regular on the Northern scene and even finished third over a longer trip recently. She ran well once again to take second at the Ayr festival a few weeks ago. Queen Roslyn hasn't looked back since her first career win at Beverley in July and made it back to back wins at Newcastle recently. Brian Ellison's four year old has found her calling at this sort of trip and remains open to improvement. Rounding out the field would be Tazaman, who found a small bit of improvement to win twice earlier this year at the age of eight, albeit at a lower level. Despite his current form, Kevin Frost's inmate has yet to run at this level for a couple of years.

Winner: BERKSHIRE SUNDANCE (#1) - (Decorated Knight x Hugs 'N Kisses) - PJ McDonald - A, Balding

As the sun began to set in the sky, it would also begin to do so on the season at York with this penultimate race of the year. The sole non runner would be Mandarb, but it left a larger than usual field of sixteen to go to post.

With a full circuit ahead of them, the crowd would a good look at the runners during the race and approaching the finishing line for the first time, Zimmerman would hold a narrow lead along the rails. He would be joined by Circuit Breaker, who didn't have any hurdles to navigate this time, along with the keen going Molten Sea. Heading into the first bend, Queen Roslyn would sweep into a share of the lead under Warren Fentiman and suddenly the battle for the lead would be three deep. As the pack made their way around the Knavesmire, the pace remained an ordinary one with little change in the order. It wasn't until halfway down the home straight where the race began to develop. The early leaders were soon swamped by the chasing pack and Berkshire Sundance was best placed to take advantage. Tazaman was in the process of running a big race as he shadowed the new leader at the furlong pole, but Ribble Vibe was next to challenge. Quality began to tell close home however as Berkshire Sundance found extra and ground out victory by just over a length. Ribble Vibe would run into the placings once again for connections with Tazaman plugging on into third. Rounding out the top four would be Marbuzet, who had earlier raced at the rear and made good late headway.

In a season at York dominated by William Haggas and Andrew Balding all year, it would be fitting that the final day would see them train multiple winners. It would be a good training performance by Andrew Balding to prime the five year old Berskhire Sundance for his seasonal return, his first start since November last year. The gelding appears to be a horse for the latter stages of the year as he didn't make his first start in 2024 until September, where he unseated his rider in the stalls at Chester. After that non-event, the gelding picked up two wins at Southwell and Salisbury in challenging conditions. He was then raised in class for his latest start at Kempton in a class two, where he was only caught by the winner in the closing stages. Producing a nice effort here, Berkshire Sundance remains lightly raced and could progress even further in the future. Races such as the All Weather Stayers' Championship Final at Newcastle could be on the agenda in April, or even a tilt at staying handicaps on turf back on the Knavesmire next season. 

Race Seven: The Coral "Committed To Safer Gambling" Finale Handicap - Class Four - One Mile, Two Furlongs - Runners: 20

After thirteen race meetings which started in May, the final race at York of 2025 would take place and bring the curtain down on another season. The class four contest would take over ten furlongs and featured plenty of runners from near and far. Last season, the Mick and David Easterby stable would land the finale with Two Brothers.

The finale would be headed by the Ben Brookhouse-trained I Still Have Faith, who has been a smart type at this sort of level for connections and took his place in the line up here. He has finished in the placings twice here already this season and was narrowly touched off at Ascot last weekend. Craig Lidster's Billyb put his best foot forward when successful over a mile here in July, but seemed to stay this trip when last seen taking third at Redcar last month. Padishakh was a talented sort in his younger days, but has moved around the stables in recent times. Now with the Ed Bethell stable, he hasn't run badly over this trip, the latest at Newcastle a fortnight ago. The Yorkshire-trained Spioradalta has kicked into overdrive recently as Mark Walford's five year old has won his last four starts with something in hand. His recent hot streak may not be over just yet and he has placed at York in the past. The Newmarket-based Let's Dream lined up for Michael Bell, but has raced almost exclusively at Chester this year. Despite this, he would land a class two event on his reappearance but wasn't at his best last time out. Contact ran to a very good standard for the David and Nicola Barron stable before an injury setback which he has only just recovered from. The seven year old has been beaten a long way in both starts since his comeback. David O'Meara would be represented by Rajapour, who made a quick return to action having run at Redcar a week ago. The former French based runner finished second here over a mile in September but hasn't seen out the trip in his last two starts. Kevin Ryan's Dark Moon Rising is a former York winner over longer trips, but continues to run well whenever he lines up here. He was unable to get involved at Ayr on his latest start when getting too far back. Another runner from Scotland would be Iain Jardine with Mr King. The grey showed some decent form at times, but has become temperamental of late, refusing to race at Ayr three weeks ago and he suddenly had plenty to prove. Arkhalia Flynn progressed quickly on slower ground last year, but most of the gelding's form has come over a mile. Jack Channon's four year old would make his first attempt over this distance. The first of two runners for Tim Easterby would be Financer, who landed a valuable contest at Ayr last year before finishing fourth in this race last year. The four year old has been kept busy this summer, but generally held his form nicely throughout. Another runner for the David O'Meara stable would be Capital Guarantee. The five year old was last successful during the summer, but he would be another to step up in distance for this contest on the back of a poor run at Newcastle. More runners from the Easterby clan would include the grey Yorkshire Lady, trained by Mick and David Easterby. The likeable mare finished second in this race last year and has a solid record of the Knavesmire. The three year old Noble Horizon failed to live up to expectations this year, landed just a solitary win so far. William Haggas's very well bred colt struggled in a handicap over course and distance last month. The second Tim Easterby runner would be Austrian Theory, who has bits and pieces of form which would see him go very close in this contest. The six year old finds it hard to win, but stayed on strongly into second at Ayr last time out. The once smart prospect Spirit Catcher missed a fair bit of action in recent seasons and has now moved to the Phil Kirby stable .The six year old made his seasonal return at Newcastle recently, but failed to inspire confidence. The Julie Camacho-trained Titian won this race in 2022 and went on to add another York win to his CV back in June. A return to this venue could help him find his form again. Another three year old from a leading yard here would be Byblos, running in the Juddmonte silks. John and Thady Gosden's gelding landed a small maiden at Southwell, but has run moderately in handicaps since then. The Ian Williams-trained Whathappensinvegas has been relatively solid at this level and scored at Windsor in the summer. Recent evidence suggests he might be better over a slightly longer trip to this one. The final race of the year at York would be completed by Project Geofin, another lightly raced four year old. Trained locally by Geoff Oldroyd, he made a winning first start over this trip, but was undone by a slow pace at Doncaster on his latest start.

Winner: LET'S DREAM (#5) (Territories x Shiba) - H. Crouch - M. Bell

The closing contest of York's 2025 season would go without one runner as Austrian Theory sat this race out.

The gates would crash open for the final time on the Knavesmire and Mr King would thankfully comply to racing this time. The grey was in fact one of the sharpest away and took a share of the lead with Titian in the early stages. The keen going Padishakh sat in a prominent position alongside Noble Horizon as a number of horses raced keenly. The in form Spioradalta made a sluggish start with Contact and the pair would bring up the rear in the early stages. Mr King would bring the field into the view of the grandstands halfway down the home straight and push turned to shove for the majority of the runners. As Titian began to weaken, it was the turn of Let's Dream to hit the front as he made his challenge early under Hector Crouch. Dark Moon Rising had travelled well through the pack and was the only real challenger to the new leader. These two would go head to head in yet another driving finish on the Knavesmire to the sound of a roaring crowd. As the line approached, Let's Dream found a little extra under pressure and gained the upper hand; winning by a neck and becoming the final York winner of the season. Dark Moon Rising went down fighting and took second for the Kevin Ryan stable as Noble Horizon kept on into third. Project Geofin made a brief challenge, but had to settle for fourth as the sun set over York.

In keeping with a high quality season at York, the finale would produce an exciting finish here. The four year old Let's Dream was yet another Chester winner to win on this card in bizarre circumstances given the total difference between the two courses. It would be another Newmarket-trained winner on the afternoon as Michael Bell made an overdue return to the winner's enclosure on the Knavesmire. The gelded son of Territories made a good start to 2025 by winning a class two event at Chester's May Festival over this distance, but his form took a few knocks subsequently. A resurgence of form in July saw him finish second to the afternoon's earlier winner Grey Cuban at Chester before looking unlucky in running when third at the North West venue again. His unpredictable ways returned on his latest start where he faded away at Chester in September. The long straight of York helped the four year old to build up his finishing kick and once in battle, he refused to give in. 

From York's first race winner Almosh'her in May to the John Smith's Cup winner Fox Legacy, subsequent Group One winner American Affair to globetrotter Rebel's Romance and the best racehorses in the world such as Minnie Hauk and Ombudsman, this year has been a memorable one for York racecourse as it continues to provide dramatic action on track between the very best horses in the business. The winter months will feel like a long wait, but everyone involved will be raring to go come May next year where the venue reopens for 2026.