The popular standalone Sunday meeting would take place in its usual early September slot and the fixture is often a hit with families with plenty of entertainment for all ages at the racecourse. As well as forming part of Malton Open Day, where stables from the Yorkshire area open their doors to the public in the morning to offer the chance of meeting equine starts up close and personal, the meeting is also part of the Sky Bet Sunday Series tournament where boosted prize money and extra rewards provide a more competitive than usual meeting for a Sunday. With lots to race for, the meeting consisted of a range of races. From the apprentice riders to inexperienced horses as well as a classy listed race and competitive handicaps. 

Race One: The Enter The ITV7 For Free EBF Maiden Stakes - Class Two - 2-Y-O Only - Seven Furlongs - Runners: 9

The afternoon's action would get underway with a look to the future in the form of this maiden contest for juveniles. Taking part over seven furlongs, the race can provide pointers for the more stamina-laden horses who might come into their own next year and beyond. The race was moved to seven furlongs last year and the first running of the newly reformed race would be Windlord from the Andrew Balding stable. The well bred colt pulled clear of his rivals and went on to place in Group Two company and compete at Group One level this year, picking up a listed race win along the way.

With a good standard from last year to aim at, the class of 2025 will have plenty of interest around them. Another criteria of the race meant that all runners must not have raced more than once before, which meant there would be plenty of unknown quantities lining up here. Heading the racecard would be the already gelded A Boy Named Mary. Trained in Malton by Nigel Tinkler, the son of Supremacy appears to more of a longer term prospect against some nice rivals. The first of the Newmarket challengers would come in the form of the William Haggas-trained Crown Office. With a mix of speed and stamina in his pedigree, the colt made a very promising debut at Newmarket a month ago, when flying home at the finish over six furlongs and only going down narrowly. Karl Burke has enjoyed plenty of big success in the juvenile division once again this year and would saddle Delinquent. The first foal of a listed race winning mare, the colt showed plenty of early speed at Pontefract last month in a newcomer Kevin Ryan is another trainer who does well with two-year-olds, especially at York, and he would introduce the debutante Fozzie. As a half brother to a listed juvenile race winner, he should be sharp enough for his debut, despite this late season start. Last year's winning trainer Andrew Balding would send up be the once-raced Infinite Dream. The Night of Thunder colt showed inexperience on his debut at Newmarket last month, but offered enough to suggest there can be improvement this time around.  Representing the leading Yorkshire stable of Richard Fahey would be the once-raced Proud Nation. The colt made a promising debut in July where he was caught on the line by a horse who was pitched straight into group company on his next start. Yet another Newmarket stable would be represented here in the form of Simon and Ed Crisford's Ocean Of Storms. A distant relative to the very smart Blue De Vega, the colt comes from a yard whose debutantes tend to improve for their first outing. Kevin Ryan would also introduce the newcomer Valenday. The colt's half brother is now unbeaten in two starts and looks a good prospect, so connections will be hoping the success can run in the family. The field would be completed by a filly, the Ed Walker-trained Secret History. She showed plenty of promise on her debut at Newbury recently where she looked green but kept on into second behind a very impressive looking filly. She wouldn't need to improve a huge amount to feature here. 

Winner: PROUD NATION (#7) (Sioux Nation x On The Same Page) - O. Orr - R. Fahey

After an unsettled week of wet weather, the underfoot conditions would be described as perfect "good" ground. A humid afternoon greeted racegoers of all ages as the first race got underway. 

As the gates opened to kick off the action, Proud Nation was sharply away and took up the early lead under Oisin Orr. The newcomer Fozzie would put pressure on the leader during the furlong-long chute as the likes of A Boy Named Mary, Ocean Of Storms and Valenday would sit in a prominent position. The well fancied Crown Office would be at a disadvantage from the outset as he would rear up as the gates opened and lost ground on the pack. As the group swung into the home straight, the order remained the same and the youngsters travelled well within themselves at the halfway point. Proud Nation would still hold a slender lead approaching two furlongs out as the race began to heat up. The debutante Valenday was still going well in third place, but greenness would come into the equation and he would swerve to his left once under pressure. He would bump into the improving Secret History who then ricocheted into Infinite Dream. After a few strides, Secret History would return the favour and lean into Valenday in the final furlong. Away from the bumping and barging, Proud Nation kept responding to pressure and opened a gap up. Valenday had finally straightened up and began to stay on powerfully approaching the line, but the win would go to Proud Nation, providing a winner for Yorkshire. Valenday would make a pleasing debut at big odds in second while Secret History took third, a place in front of Infinite Dream in a rough race. Crown Office would also be very unlucky having been hampered approaching the final furlong, but kept on into fifth.

The Richard Fahey stable have been quieter than usual with their juveniles this year, but have a nice prospect here in the form of Proud Nation. The colt, a son of Sioux Nation, is a half brother to a pair of horses who won as juveniles, Sky Warrior and Neytiri Te Tshaka and the winner would keep it in the family. Making his debut in late July at Musselburgh, he would catch the eye with the way he travelled on his first start and took the lead in the final furlong. He was then caught by a fast finishing rival, Sovereign Ocean, and was denied by a neck. The winner of that race would go on to race in the Group Three Acomb Stakes here at last month's Ebor Festival which suggested he was well regarded. Now that Proud Nation is off the mark, he is seemingly been brought along slowly with next year in mind. His simplified nature of running suggests he should be able to stay a mile and turn into a useful type in 2026.

Race Two: The Sky Bet Super Sub Sprint Handicap - Class Two - Five and a half Furlongs - Runners:14

Next up would come the first of the fiercely competitive handicaps. This speed test over the rarely used five and a half furlongs would attract a blend of five furlong and six furlong specialists with a good prize pot to target. Last year, this race was made for three year olds only, but tweaks to the card have seen this race opened to all ages and raised in class. The Nigel Tinkler-trained Duran landed his second York of the year in the driving rain in the equivalent race twelve months ago. 

A strong lineup of well known regulars and improving sprinters would take to the start, providing a tricky task for punters to find the winner. The Jennie Candlish stable has done wonders with Alzahir since the five year old joined the yard. He has won five times this year, including at class two level and was fourth in a big handicap over six furlongs on his latest start. The Richard Fahey-trained Vintage Clarets was last seen in action in the festival opening handicap over this distance and ran well to finish just out of the placings. The former course winner had previously returned to winning ways at Ascot in August. Kevin Ryan's old favourite Bergerac is a former York winner in the past and has continued to run well this season. A third in the Scottish Stewards' Cup in July was followed by a low key effort in a similar contest at the Ebor Festival recently. Another Knavesmire winner would be Squealer from the Nigel Tinkler stable. The five year old landed a class two handicap back in June and also has a solid record at this venue. The former French-trained Dyonisos was a multiple winner in Europe but was given a tough task at Goodwood on soft ground for new trainer Ian Williams. The Middleham-based stable of Jedd O'Keeffe would be represented by the three year old Dan Tucker, who has improved plenty this summer. Winner of three races during this year, he was also a very narrow second over course and distance in June. Geoff Oldroyd's Air Force One remains lightly raced and on the rise after winning the Jump Jockeys' Nunthorpe Handicap in July and bettered that form with a fast finishing third at the Ebor Festival a few weeks ago. Another runner from the Thirsk stable of Kevin Ryan would be Vantheman. The four year old has won his fair share of races at a slightly lower level, but his recent efforts haven't been optimal. Silky Wilkie is a well known name at this sort of level and Karl Burke's runner would make his return for the first time since May. The six year old has finished second in listed races as well as last year's Ayr Gold Cup, so has plenty of talent. Mick Appleby's grey King Of Stars was a promising sprinter before injury interrupted his progress a few years ago. The eight year old has run well in two starts this year, finishing in the frame on both occasions. Paul Midgley's sprinter Spring Is Sprung landed a Sunday Series bonus after winning three times in a row at Haydock, Newmarket and Chelmsford, but he would finish down the field at the Ebor Festival a few weeks ago.  The pink and yellow silks of Ursa Major Racing would be aiming for a popular winner with Curious Rover. Katie Scott's four year old won at Musselburgh two starts ago, but like others in this field, was outclassed at the Ebor Festival last time out. Rousing Encore returned to somewhere near his best with a course and distance win back in May, providing a big winner for trainer Ruth Carr, and then ran well once again in a similar contest in July. He has produced some quieter runs since, but has shown he likes this venue. Tim Easterby would be another well represented trainer in this race with the first of his runners coming in the form of Manila Scouse. The six year old has run well at York in the past and won at Thirsk two starts ago. He would then finish a solid sixth on his latest start in July. The three year old Blinky made an instant impact after moving to Antony Brittain's yard at the start of the year, winning twice and finishing close up in some strong early season  handicaps, but he was below his best on latest start at Goodwood, albeit back in June. 

Winner: ALZAHIR (#1) (Sea The Stars x Cup Cake) - G. Wood - J. Candlish

The sole non-runner in the race would be Manila Scouse, as the ground went against his liking. It would leave a field of fourteen to go to post. 

With a smaller than usual field for a York sprint handicap, the runners remained in one large group which congregated down the centre of the course. The light grey King Of Stars was easy to spot as he would be the overall leader in the opening exchanges. Spring Is Sprung, Blinky, Bergerac and Vantheman would all sit close to the leader, but further back, Curious Rover stumbled coming out of his gate and was already five lengths behind the main group and his race was practically over as soon as it began. The pace for the handicap would be an average one in the conditions and the field would swiftly approach the two furlong pole. Vantheman would ease into the lead as King Of Stars began to weaken on the softer ground and the race began to heat up. On the far side of the pack, the light blue silks of Silky Wilkie appeared to be going well as he travelled smoothly on his comeback run and edged into a narrow lead at the furlong pole. The favourite Air Force One had to sit and wait for room, but once the gaps opened up, he would begin to charge home. Down the middle of the track, Alzahir had also made his challenge at the same time and responded well to pressure, taking over the lead just inside the final furlong and knuckled down to battle it out with Air Force One. The two in form sprinters went clear approaching the line, but it would be Alzahir who stuck his neck out the furthest and landed the competitive prize. Air Force One would be unlucky once again in second while Silky Wilkie ran an excellent race back in third. Fourth would go the way of Bergerac, who ran another good race at York.

The Staffordshire-based stable of Jennie Candlish are enjoying a breakout year in 2025 and this would be their 36th winner of the calendar year. Candlish has made a name for herself by reinvigorating horses who may have lost of their in the past and returned them to former glories. This would be the case for the five year old Alzahir, who was winning for the fifth time this year. The son of Sea The Stars has been around various stables already, having started off with the John and Thady Gosden yard as a youngster. After a promising debut, he wouldn't really kick on; despite winning a race in Qatar. He would then move north to the David O'Meara stable in Yorkshire for a short stint, A handful of fourth placed finishes would be the best he could achieve before winning a selling race at Leicester. After that race, Alzahir would be bought for Jennie Candlish yard where things would turn around. He would then run to a good level on the all-weather during last winter, but a return to the turf proved to be the catalyst for success. Winning twice at the start of this season at Thirsk and Doncaster over seven furlongs, he would run well in strong class two races over a mile before dropping back to sprint trips. A hat trick of wins in the space of three weeks at Chester, Ascot and Epsom showed he was in top form and he would also take fourth in the Great St Wilfrid Handicap at Ripon, finishing second in his group. This five and a half furlong trip was perfect for the gelding to land a fifth win of the year and showcase his trainer's talent. With the Ayr Gold Cup fast approaching, connections will continue to strike while the iron is hot and go for another big race win.

Race Three: The Sky Bet Proud To Support ROR Stayers' Handicap - Class Three - Two Miles - Runners:10

The staying division would be represented on this racecard as the two mile handicap made a return to the bill following an absence last year. The class three handicap has the potential of attracting improving stayers of all ages and some well known faces to York will also make a return to the Knavesmire in search of more success.

Enemy has been a stalwart for the Ian Williams stable over the years with a few placings in Group company to boot. He would carry top weight here as he stepped back up in trip following his latest run in the Ebor Handicap recently. The beautifully bred Fireblade represented the Dylan Cunha stable from Newmarket and the four year old has improved since switching yards, winning three times. He would run well once again when ninth in a slightly stronger contest over this course and distance a few weeks ago. The grey Scottish Anthem lined up for the Newmarket based yard of Michael Keady and he has run to a good level in the past. The six year old hasn't won for a few years, but posted a good effort when fourth at Ascot last month. Charlie Johnston's Artisan Dancer has been kept busy of late, but he would finish in the placings three times during the month of August, including an excellent second over course and distance a few weeks ago. Another lightly raced four year old would be the David O'Meara-trained Ribble Vibe. The very well bred gelding won on debut in France before transferring to Britain this year. Since then, he has risen gradually up in trip without success and made his first start over two miles. Tim Easterby's Gibside is another solid staying type and has won twice at York in the past. After a wide margin win here in October, he would better his form with a valuable race win at Chester in May. One of the more unexposed stayers in the contest would be Ed Walker's four year old Umbria. The filly won by a wide margin on the most recent of her wins and has shaped as if she will stay this new trip of two miles. The locally based stable of Ivan Furtado would be represented by the mare Rock N Roll Pinkie, who has shown a liking for Nottingham in the past, but did the job very nicely over course and distance in July, pulling clear of her rivals that day. Another experienced runner would come in the form of Tom Ward's gelding Diamond Bay. Another who has won at York in the past, the seven year old has run to a consistent level over a slightly shorter distance this year, winning at Goodwood in May. Brian Ellison's gelding Terrorise was an easy winner here in July before taking on a stronger field at the Ebor Festival recently. A return to this sort of level will suit the four year old much better. 

Winner: ROCK N ROLL PINKIE (#8) (Sun Central x Maggie Pink) - H. Crouch - I. Furtado 

The field of ten runners would get away to an even start for the longest race of the afternoon and they would pass the filled grandstands for a full circuit of the Knavesmire. As the group settled into their rhythm, the grey Scottish Anthem would hold the outright lead under Darragh Keenan as Fireblade, Diamond Bay and the filly Umbria would sit just behind the leader. Further back, the experienced Enemy would be slow to start and had to settle in last alongside Rock N Roll Pinkie. As is the case with races of this nature at York, the pace would be a sensible one and the jockeys were content to stick in one place for most of the contest. As the field made their way around the final bend and into the home straight, the pace began to lift gradually. Halfway down the straight, Fireblade moved forward to take over the lead from Scottish Anthem at the two furlong pole. Terrorise would make a sweeping move to challenge the new leader, but it would be a short lived effort as more challengers emerged. Artisan Dancer arrived on the scene to go eye-to-eye with Fireblade and the pair renewed rivalries inside the final furlong. From further back, Rock N Roll Pinkie had made gradual improvement from the rear and was finishing best of all to make it a three way fight for the win. In a pulsating finish, the three horses crossed the line as one and a photo finish was called for. After a wait that felt like an age for punters, the judge would announce that Rock N Roll Pinkie had timed her run to perfect and landed the win. Artisan Dancer was given second place, just ahead of Fireblade as the official distances between the first three would be a pair of noses. The fourth placed Diamond Bay would cross the line four lengths clear, a comparatively yawning gap to those in front.

The five year old mare Rock N Roll Pinkie has been well handled by her trainer Ivan Furtado and is beginning to turn into a solid staying type. After a steady start to her career, the mare has really found her feet over staying trips over the last two seasons, originally excelling at Nottingham. She would win three times at the Midlands venue, all by wide margins, but she would prove her versatility by winning a similar race over course and distance back in late July, showing plenty of stamina on that occasion. She would produce a rare poor effort last time out at Newcastle in August for a Racing League contest, but she was slowly away from the stalls and never featured. This was much like it and it would be a career best effort. With plenty of options at Nottingham towards the end of the season as well as a course and distance race at York's final meeting in October, there could be more wins to come for the likeable stayer.

Race Four: The Sky Bet Extra Places Middle Distance Handicap - Class Three - One Mile, Two Furlongs - Runners: 12
One of the newer races on the undercard would be this £30,000 handicap which takes place over the John Smith's Cup and Juddmonte International distance of ten furlongs. Open to three year olds and older, this class three contest is sure to attract a healthy field size to raise the competitiveness of the race. 

Heading the weights would be the Newmarket based runner would be Magnus Opus, trained by Simon and Ed Crisford. The four year old returned from a good spell in Dubai with a fourth in the Lincoln back in March, but hasn't replicated that form in two starts since. The John and Thady Gosden-trained Theory Of Tides looked to be a bright prospect at the start of last year with two novice wins, but then struggled in better company throughout the rest of the season. He would make an overdue return to action in this decent looking handicap. The Yorkshire based runner Contact lined up for David and Nicola Barron stable. The seven year old was very smart earlier in his career, but setbacks have prevented him from running recently. This would be the grey's first run since March 2023. A runner for the Amo Racing and Kevin Phillipart de Foy yard would be Tycoon, who is a recent new arrival. The three year old was touted as a Derby prospect for the Gosdens this year, but he could only manage an eighth place in a Royal Ascot handicap when last seen in June. Another three year old in the line up would be George Boughey's Dante's Lad. The gelding scored a pair of back to back wins, including over this course and distance in May. He was pulled up on latest start, but thankfully emerged unscathed to return to action here. The horse that fits the "could be anything" category would be Ed Bethell's Danger Bay. The colt arrived here on the back of two impressive wins, the latest of which came on handicap debut. He could have a lot more to offer here. A representative for Kevin Ryan would be Dark Moon Rising. The six year old has run creditably over a range of distances at York in the past, including a midfield finish in the John Smith's Cup. He would also be an also-ran in a similar contest here two weeks ago. Per Contra looked to be an exciting prospect in his earlier days, but began to lose his way last year. Since joining the Tim Easterby stable, the four year old has gradually worked his way back to form with a pair of placings here in recent starts. James Ferguson's three year old Gunship was building up a nice profile earlier in the season with a pair of wins at Newcastle, but finished down the order in a red hot handicap at Royal Ascot. He is well regarded however and better can be expected here. The orange and black silks of the Horse Watchers are often carried to success and would be worn aboard Hornsea Bay, from the David O'Meara stable. The three year old made a stylish winning debut last, but has failed to kick on since then.  Noble Horizon was viewed as a potential Derby runner at the start of this year, but things didn't go the way as hoped for William Haggas's colt. After breaking his maiden at Leicester, he could only manage fifth last time, but is bred to be much better than this level. John Butler's four year old Zain Blue was yet another winner on this card twelve months ago, but stepped up to ten furlongs for this event. The gelding has a decent record at York and finished fifth over this track and trip last time out. 

Winner: ZAIN BLUE (#12) (Blue Point x Affability) - W. Fentiman - J. Butler

The wide open handicap contest would get underway to an even break and from the outset, Noble Horizon would be sent into the early lead from his outside draw. Racing in second and third would be two more three year olds Gunship and Tycoon as Zain Blue was also right up with the pace as the field took the left kink into the straight alongside the trees. As the order began to settle, Per Contra travelled powerfully just behind the leaders along with the likes of Danger Bay, Dark Moon Rising and the returning Contact. Towards the back of the group, Hornsea Bay and Theory Of Tides would wait patiently to make their challenge as the race reached the home bend point. As the race began to start in earnest at the three furlong pole, Noble Horizon was still holding on a narrow lead, but plenty of rivals would swarm behind him. The much improved Per Contra breezed into contention at the two furlong pole and looked the likely winner as Noble Horizon began to cry enough. The early leader made a quick retreat and the shape of the race changed in an instant. Per Contra's effort was a brief one as Dante's Lad nosed into the lead at the scene of his win earlier in the season. Dark Moon Rising had been caught flat footed once the pace rose, but began to gamely fight back. Theory Of Tides was also showing up well on his seasonal comeback, but veered sharply to his left, ending up on the far side rail. Up on the stands' side railing, Zain Blue had nipped up the inside to take over in the lead as the action was spread across the track. In a driving finish, it was hard to decide where to look as the the line was fast approaching. Zain Blue had the running rail to follow as a guide and stuck his neck out gamely to pick up the win under Warren Fentiman. In the middle of the track, Dante's Lad would return to form by taking second with Dark Moon Rising in third. Over on the far side, Theory Of Tides was also on the scene, keeping on into fourth despite his waywardness.

It would be an exciting finish for a trappy handicap, but one where course form came to the fore. John Butler's Zain Blue has been a regular to York during his career having finished second in the 2023 Convivial Maiden at the Ebor Festival and then winning a race on this racecard last year over a mile. The four year old has since improved further since moving up to ten furlongs, finishing fourth here in June and then fifth on his latest start at the Ebor Festival. With a likeable attitude, there is a strong possibility that Zain Blue will continue to return to York in the future at a venue he clearly loves. It would also be a notable success for Warren Fentiman, the star apprentice rider of 2025. The seventeen year old was riding in the pony races that precede this meeting just twelve months ago and to win as a fully fledged jockey shows the remarkable rise he has been on this year. 

Race Five: The Sky Bet Starman Garrowby Stakes - Listed Race - Six Furlongs - Runners: 9

The feature race of the afternoon would be an informative listed race for the sprinters over six furlongs. The race title honours former winner of this race Starman, who landed a Group One a season after winning this race in 2020 and has made an impressive start at stud with his first crop of juveniles. Other high class and popular sprinters to have won this race in the past include another Group One winner Limato, fillies Lucky Kristale and Gale Force Maya and old favourites Dakota Gold and Commanche Falls. The lineup would attract improving handicappers and formerly high class sorts who are dropping down in grade for an easier assignment. Last year, the race would go the way of Quinault, who gamely landed the prize and went on to return to York this year and win the Group Three Criterion Stakes. 

A classy lineup would feature in this year's renewal and it was headed by last year's Ayr Gold Cup winner Lethal Levi, who has been a very capable sprinter for the Karl Burke stable over the years and was an impressive winner at this level at Newmarket a few weeks ago, making all the running to a wide margin success. Royal Zabeel has been kept busy this year by trainer Mick Appleby, but found plenty of improvement on the all-weather, winning a listed race on that surface in March. He has dipped his toe into Group company as well this season, running well in the process. The formerly French-trained colt Grand Grey made a promising debut for the Kevin Ryan yard when second in a Group Three in April, but his progress has been hindered by slow starts since then. He has the ability to feature though, if breaking on terms. The Shadwell-owned and William Haggas-trained Elmonjed has won two big handicaps at York in his short career and aimed for more Knavesmire success. The four year old ran well enough in listed company last time behind Lethal Levi, but his course form is a positive. The five year old mare Tiger Bay has continued to thrive under the care of Henry Candy as she landed a listed race at Newmarket earlier this year. She has since struggled in Group Three races this summer, including over course and distance last time in July. A strong book of three year olds added plenty of spice to the lineup. The first of them would be the hugely exciting colt Almeraq from the William Haggas stable. He would tear apart a big field handicap at Ayr on just his fourth start and looks set for bigger things in the near future. Next up would be Jack Channon's Crestofdistinction, who has won two lower grade handicaps in emphatic style earlier in the year and ran better than his finishing position suggested at Newmarket in July. James Owen landed a big race out in America last weekend and would look for more trophies here with Pellitory. He would look to have a bright season ahead by winning a conditions race at Newmarket over seven furlongs in April, but he has generally struggled for form since then. Despite this, he has returned in the midfield spots in listed company this summer. Marco Botti's very progressive three year old Prince Of India has improved non-stop this season with four wins and two seconds. After winning a competitive handicap at Newmarket in July, he would follow up on his latest start at Ascot and is heading in the right direction. Two three year old fillies would complete the field, the first of them being Kassaya in the Juddmonte silks. Andrew Balding's runner is bred to be high class, but after winning a handicap earlier in the season, she would run below her best in a listed race at Chester. The final runner would be Stormy Impact, who has been dealt with mixed fortunes this year, but is a smart sort on her day. She would be a last gasp winner over five furlongs at Epsom in June and has since won over this trip. This would be a first try in pattern company.

Winner: ELMONJED (#2) (Blue Point x Naafer) - C. Fallon - W. Haggas

There would be two non runners from the original line-up as Grand Grey and the filly Stormy Impact were ruled out on the morning of the race. 

Most of the pre-race focus would be on the exciting Almeraq and he was sent off at a short price to match expectations. The race would get away with a drama-free start as Lethal Levi took up his expected position as pace angle. The group would then track over to the stands' side rail where the fresher ground would be and they would be tightly bunched. The pair of three year olds Crestofdistinction and Prince Of India would sit in a prominent position as the sole remaining filly Kassaya was also close to the pace but raced keenly. The blue and white silks of Almeraq were covered up in the pack by Jim Crowley, but he appeared to be travelling well as Tiger Bay and Pellitory brought up the rear. The field would tick off the furlong markers and as they approached the grandstands, the race would change dramatically. As the riders began to get busier in the saddle, Crestofdistinction jinked to his right under pressure as Lethal Levi did the same to his left. The pair would meet in the middle, but just behind them, Almeraq would clip heels with the leaders and come crashing down with force. In further carnage, Tiger Bay had nowhere to go and was wiped out too by the falling horse. A large gasp came from everyone in attendance, but the race continued. Lethal Levi's time in front had come to an end and a three way battle between Crestofdistinction, Prince Of India and the staying on Elmonjed would ensue. It would be a close duel for the win, but the older horse Elmonjed stuck his neck out for the win. Crestofdistinction would go down fighting as he took second, with a similarly small gap to the third horse Prince Of India.

Once the result was determined, the focus quickly returned to the fallen jockeys Jim Crowley and Trevor Whelan who both remained motionless on the ground. A sombre silence filled the grandstands at the sight of onrushing ambulances and green screens being erected. Elmonjed would return to a quiet winners' enclosure with any positive thoughts put to a side. A wait that felt like hours would pass as racegoers awaited for official updates, but Crowley and Whelan were thankfully alert and talking to paramedics. They would both be taken to Leeds General Infirmary with broken legs and ankles, but luckily nothing more. The two horses, Almeraq and Tiger Bay, took shocking falls but incredibly got back up to their feet and galloped away seemingly without physical harm. A minor miracle on the Knavesmire.

For the winner Elmonjed, it was a victory which was overshadowed by other events. The four year old would be a fitting winner as he was also owned by Shadwell Racing for the Willam Haggas stable and landed his third York success of his career. After showing a lot of potential for the future last year as a three year old, winning at the Ebor Festival in 2024, he has taken his form to another level this season. After winning a class two handicap back in July, he would be disappointing in the Stewards' Cup at Goodwood a week later. The high quality handicapper was then moved into pattern company for the first time on latest start at Newmarket in the Hopeful Stakes. After a slow start, he was unable to reel in the runaway winner Lethal Levi that day, but emerged with credit in second. Now a listed race winner, the gelding has the option of moving further up the ladder with a lower Group race in the future or the high class handicaps once again such as the Ayr Gold Cup. 

Race Six: The Sky Bet Build A Bet Fillies' Handicap - Class Three - One Mile, Two Furlongs - Runners: 10
The penultimate race of the afternoon would see the fillies take to the spotlight. Another race to take place over the middle distance of ten furlongs, this would be another valuable event both on the day and for the future careers of broodmares. The all age contest would include reliable types and improving fillies who are looking to make their way up the ladder.

The top weight Zapphire would provide the Julie Camacho stable a strong chance here. The five year old is enjoying her best season yet with two wins so far, including at Windsor last time out in the Racing League competition. Laura Bay landed two handicaps last year for the David Menuisier stable, but the four year old has been fairly disappointing in two starts this year, including when a tailed off last in a French listed race. The lightly raced Orange Sky has done well in a short career so far for George Boughey and won two starts ago at Newmarket in smart style. She would return only fifth at Ascot last time out, but stepped up in distance here for the first time. The three year old Royalty Bay won a novice race at York over six furlongs last season and showed plenty of useful form in Group races for the Quinn stable. She has since moved across Malton to the Seb Spencer stable and would tackle her longest distance yet, having plugged on into fourth over a mile last time. Another gradual improver in the line up would be the William Haggas-trained Seren Star. The three year old comes from a talented family and has done her recent winning over a mile. On both occasions, she showed a nice attitude to battle for the win and stepped up in trip. The famous purple and light blue silks of owner Jeff Smith often do well at York and they would be worn by Ralph Beckett's filly Revelance. The daughter of Blue Point has won both her starts this year and is heading in the right direction. There would be a Scottish interest in this race with the Katie Scott-trained Epidavros. The four year old won twice at this time of last year, but has gone close to adding more victories this year and finished fifth on the all-weather at the start of the week. Another Yorkshire stable involved would be that of Roger Fell's, with the three year old Folkene. The formerly French based filly won once in her home country, but made an emphatic UK debut with a wide margin success at Newmarket last month. Squeezing in with a light weight would be Wonderbolt from the Karl Burke stable. After showing minor promise on the all-weather in her first three starts, she has been transformed since the move to turf, winning her last two starts. She is also well bred and has won with plenty in hand in recent times.

Winner: RHAPSODY (#5) (Ghaiyyath x Soul Searcher) - J. Hart - W. Haggas

A lengthy delay would ensue ahead of this contest following the treatment of the injured jockeys in the previous race, but once the medical team were back in position, racing would get underway just twenty minutes behind schedule. 

As the action resumed, the race would get away to a good break. With plenty of front runners in the field, there would be plenty of competition for the early lead and it go to Royalty Bay under Dale Swift. The early pace set by the three year old would be a steady one however and a number of horses raced keenly in the opening stages, including Zapphire and Wonderbolt. Revelance, Orange Sky and Epidavros would hold a good position in the first few furlongs as Laura Bay and Rhapsody would bring up the rear around the home bend. As the field straightened up for the final burst, Zapphire had moved forward to take over in front as Royalty Bay would begin to weaken. Julie Camacho's mare would bravely battle in front, but the challengers emerged on either side approaching the final furlong. Orange Sky would be first to throw her hat into the ring as Zapphire began to wobble. George Boughey's filly would hold the lead for a brief moment as the two toned blue silks of Rhapsody arrived on scene. Her forward momentum would carry her into the lead and she then started to pull away. In a finish of three year olds, Revelance would also keep on at the finish having been outpaced approaching the final furlong. She would chase in vain, but Rhapsody had done enough to take the win and make it a quick double for the William Haggas stable. Revelance had to settle for second, a place ahead of the game Zapphire and one-paced Orange Sky.

It would be a return to winning ways for the three year old Rhapsody, who had gone slightly off the boil since her very promising debut win at Yarmouth eleven months ago. The daughter of Ghaiyyath would have Classic aspirations at the start of the season, but they were dented after a comfortable defeat in April at Kempton. Two more heavy defeats would occur in quick succession, this time in listed company, so she would be given a slight break from the track. Making her return in August, some seventy days later, she would show a bit more promise when a staying on fifth in handicap company at Kempton once again, where she also looked unlucky. With that run under her belt, Rhapsody was able to return to her best and has the ability to progress at a similar level either on the turf or back on the all-weather.

This success would also be a landmark win for Scottish-born rider Jason Hart as he recorded his 100th winner of the season and his 1,000th career winner in Britain. A highly respected rider on the northern circuit who is very adept at judging pace on a front runner, it would be fitting that Hart landed this big win on a track where he scored his first Group One winner, back in 2022 in the Nunthorpe Stakes onboard Highfield Princess.

Race Seven: The Sky Bet, For The Fans Mile Apprentice Handicap - Class Four - One Mile - Runners: 16

Completing the card would be another forward view to the years ahead as the next generation of riding stars took to the stage. This class four handicap for apprentice handicap comes at a crucial time in the apprentice jockeys' championship with the finale in October growing bigger on the horizon with each passing day. This mile contest would provide an opportunity for some to ride a winner at a big venue at York or continue to display their burgeoning talents.

Top weight in the finale would belong to the Julie Camacho-trained Obelix. The five year old reverted to seven furlongs to win nicely here in July, Since then however, he has yet to feature in his two subsequent starts. David O'Meara often does well with new recruits and he would be represented by Zryan. The dual winner in France made an acceptable debut at Ayr when fourth behind Empirestateofmind. Craig Lidster would saddle Billyb in this contest, despite holding an entry in an earlier race on the card. The five year old is a bit quirky, but things fell his way over course and distance back in July. He has since run a solid race in third last time out. Another consistent handicapper in the field would be Barley for the Tim Easterby stable. The six year old has hit the post by finishing second five times this season, including by narrow margins at Ripon on his last two starts. A second runner for the David O'Meara stable would be Rajapour. The five year old was a listed race winner in France, but has now started to settle in Britain recently, He would take fourth on his only start this year back in May. Yet another former course winner would be Michael Herrington's Feel The Need. The five year old won over seven furlongs back in June and has continued to finish not far from the top step on more than one occasion. Another runner from the leading stable of William Haggas would be Earthwatch. The gelding has found improvement since returning to a mile and stretched clear to win on his latest start at Sandown. Another from the Tim Easterby stable would be the three year old Double Parked. The gelding has been progressive this year with three wins and has improved further since his last visit to York. Young rider Jack Callan has been catching the eye of big stables recently and was booked for the ride on Kevin Ryan's Bowen Island. The gelding finished fourth on his previous start here and gained a first career win at Beverley back in April. The Jess Macey-trained Commander Of Life made the short journey to York and has enjoyed a good season so far. The four year old wasnt as good on his previous visit to York, but was beaten by inches at Doncaster last time out. Another three year old in the lineup would be Canvas for the Scott Dixon yard. The gelding won twice over a mile at a lower level, but has been tried over much longer distances recently without success. The six year old Tropez Power would make his first start for the Mark Walford stable. The gelding had been inconsistent of late for the John and Sean Quinn stable, but is a regular around this sort of level. Another former Knavesmire winner would be Theme Park for the Nigel Tinkler yard. The five year old is a frustrating  character, but last won twelve months ago and is now on a much lower rating here following a number of low key efforts this year. The Brian Ellison and Shay Farmer partnership have teamed up to win here in the past and would do so again with Lir Speciale. He is another who has gone a long time without a win, but since joining current connections, the six year old has gone very close in recent weeks. He would run poorly at Newmarket last time out. The Michael Dods-trained Hale End gained her three wins throughout 2024, but has signs of an impending return to the winners' enclosure recently with a pair of placings on her latest starts. Harswell Ruby began this season in form with a win at Doncaster and after a short lull during the summer, she has returned to her best recently. Roger Fell's three year old has finished runner up two times in a row, both by the smallest of margins. Completing the line up would be the Phillip McBride-trained Onemorenomore. The five year old's last three wins have come down the road at Doncaster and produced his best finish when second at Southwell in April, but would at least appreciate the recent rain showers during the week.

Winner: CANVAS (#11) (Advertise x Image) - S. Feilden - S. Dixon

The finale of a dramatic afternoon's racing would eventually come around and a field of sixteen would go to post as Hale End was withdrawn having been off her feed in the morning of the race.

A good start and prominent position would be key to a good result over this mile course and from the outset, the orange silks of Canvas was sent to the front by Sam Feilden. The in form Double Parked would sit in a handy second as the similarly low drawn Billyb and Barley would race just behind the leaders around the home bend. The slow starting Theme Park, well fancied Earthwatch and the keen going Obelix would all race further back that ideal as the leader brought the pack into the home straight. Canvas would have a traffic jam of rivals behind him, but he remained unflappable approaching the two furlong pole. Recent York winner Billyb would hit a flat spot during the race but regained his position with determination. Next to challenge would be Barley and the long priced Rajapour, who served it up to Canvas. From a long way back, Lir Speciale had to navigate around horses but came with a strong late challenge, finishing quickly. Despite the thundering hooves in behind, Canvas continued to answer each question asked by his rider and did enough to hold his rivals at bay, crossing the line three quarters of a length to the good. Rajapour would run his best run in Britain to date with a second place as the strong finishing Lir Speciale got going too late and took third. Barley would complete the top four with another solid effort.

It would be a high profile winner for connections, trainer Scott Dixon and Sam Feilden as they combined with a very willing horse in the form of Canvas. The three year old son of Advertise began his career with leading trainer Richard Hannn, but failed to fire in a pair of maidens. He would fail to progress after a move to the Martyn Meade stable and was on the move again at the start of 2025, this time to the Scott Dixon stable. He wouldn't show much potential in three starts at the beginning of the season, but suddenly improved out of the blue to win a class six handicap at Doncaster over a mile. A second win would follow two starts and two months later, once again at Doncaster but this time he would start to show potential. Finishing second on his first try at ten furlongs, Canvas then showed up well in a competitive handicap at Goodwood on heavy ground in fifth. He would then be aimed at the Shergar Cup a month ago at Ascot, this time over a mile and a half. He unsurprisingly struggled for stamina that day, but the experience toughened him up for this race. A very game performance by the gelding and a well judged ride by Sam Feilden.