The beginning of April would see the start of a new dawn for flat racing as venues around the country began to slowly emerge from winter hibernation and open their doors for racing action. This meeting would signal the start of the season at the popular West Yorkshire racecourse of Pontefract as a large number of Yorkshiremen and women descended on the picturesque venue. Pontefract may be a family friendly racecourse, but the testing uphill nature of the race track is far from friendly for horses and offers a stiff test of stamina.
The first meeting of the season would be headlined by a class two handicap over the flying five furlongs. This contest would see some old warriors and up-and-coming talent face off with the potential to kick their turf campaign off strongly. Elsewhere, two very interesting novice races for older horses would begin proceedings with tricky, low grade handicaps rounding out the card.

Race One: The Every Raceday Is Autism Friendly At Pontefract Novice Stakes - Class Four - Six Furlongs - Runners: 10
The opening contest of the afternoon would see a novice contest take place at the base of the uphill run to the finish line. This six furlong event is open to horses aged three and older, but there would be a diverse mix of age and ability. Last year, the race would go the way of Richard Fahey's Strong Warrior, who landed his second career win to remain unbeaten at the time before taking on much hotter company later in the year.

This year's line up would be headed by the first newcomer of the field, Tim Easterby's Agric Ranger. A son of Aclaim, his elder relative hasn't achieved much on track so far and he has been gelded ahead of this debut run. The stable are capable of introducing winning debutantes though. Another Malton-based stable with a runner here would be Craig Lidster with Go Teejay. The son of Tasleet hasn't shown much in two starts so far and should be better suited by handicaps in the future. Richard Fahey has recently been joined by his son Peter on the trainer's license and the pair have made a good start to their new partnership. They would be represented by Invincible Boy. The colt caught the eye with a strong finish into second on debut at York, but finished a place lower at Doncaster next time on heavier ground. Another to have shown promise last year would be King's Road Dandy from the David and Nicola Barron stable. He would make his debut here in August last year and finished nicely into third behind two useful horses and should progress with natural improvement. The Easterby clan was also represented by Mick and David, who saddled Milford Grange. The son of Nando Parrado made his racecourse debut at Redcar last October and shaped with encouragement into third that day and is another with an outside chance in a good looking contest. The Owners Group syndicate would show plenty of support for the Nigel Tinkler-trained Rousham. The homebred chestnut gelding is related to decent sprinters, but raced keenly on his debut at Newcastle recently and needs to do better here. Another horse with a bit of experience would be Kevin Ryan's Showtown. After a quiet debut, he would finish second in a similar race in July and showed ability with two more placings later in the season but this would be his first start since September. A second runner for Richard and Peter Fahey would be Spaceman. The well bred colt looked all at sea on his debut at Redcar, but flashed home for second which marks him down as a good prospect this year. Another newcomer in the field would come from the John and Sean Quinn stable, the gelding Star With Purpose. The son of Zoustar is a related to a talented sprinter and his trainer isn't shy of introducing a winning debutante. David and Nicola Barron would also give a debut to their gelding Tip Foster. The son of Dream Ahead wouldn't make a huge amount of appeal on paper, but it wouldn't be a surprise either to see him run well on his first start here. The first of the fillies in the contest would make her debut in this contest. Mick and David Easterby would saddle Davenport Lass and she comes from a very smart Aga Khan-bred family, which means she should be better over longer distances in the future. A second runner for Nigel Tinkler would be the filly Eva The Deeva. She is another with a stamina laden pedigree, but wasn't disgraced on debut when sixth at Newcastle at a big starting price. 

Winner: INVINCIBLE BOY (#3) (Invincible Army x Julia's Magic) - C. Hardie - R & P. Fahey

A field of ten would go to post for the opener as clear blue skies and bright sunshine hovered over the racecourse, providing a much needed change in weather conditions. King's Road Dandy would be the first to removed from the line up on the morning of the race, but there would be drama shortly before the horses left the paddock as the heavily supported favourite Spaceman was also withdrawn, just minutes before the race.

As the horses milled around at the starting stalls, the majority of them behaved well and quietly. Nigel Tinkler's gelding Rousham was given help with loading but as soon has he stood in his gate, he reared up badly and was subsequently withdrawn but unscathed. Once the dust had settled, the starter was happy to send them on the way and the racing action at Pontefract was underway in 2026. From his central draw, Showtown would be ridden with force from the start and took a narrow early lead under Kevin Stott as Milford Grange was also up there from his wide gate. Tip Foster had the rail draw and sat in a prominent position alongside Star With Purpose and Invincible Boy. Some of their rivals began to struggle from an early stage, including Go Teejay and Davenport Lass as the ground began to rise for the uphill run to the home straight.

The two joint favourites in the betting were always well positioned and Showtown attempted to slip his rivals once straightening up. Invincible Boy had the leader in his sights all the way around however and joined Showtown at the final furlong pole before drawing away under Cam Hardie. Showtown began to tire after doing the hard work in the early stages which saw the gap continue to grow and Invincible Boy broke his maiden tag by just over two lengths in an good style. Tip Foster showed up well on his debut to take third, while fellow newcomer Star With Purpose plugged on into a well held fourth place. 

With the absence of the initial short priced favourite being announced just before the start, it would leave the door wide open for the remaining runners. Track position is always key at Pontefract so the prominently ridden Invincible Boy came to the fore. He would become a maiden no more after two promising efforts at the back end of last season. The first came at York in October when he was an unconsidered long shot that day. After racing keenly in the early stages, he was outpaced briefly but rallied gamely to take a strong finishing second which showed plenty of ability. He would then go to Doncaster's season-closing fixture, but this time on heavy ground. Racing more professionally this time, he was unable to quicken on the ground but still took a useful third. After growing physically over the winter, this was a nice effort by the colt and the distant relative to a few listed race class horses could be one to follow in good quality sprint handicaps through the summer at places like York and Newmarket. 

Race Two: The Boyzlife Live At Ponte Friday 22nd May Maiden Stakes - Class Four - One Mile - Runners: 8
The second of the two novice contests would be a new addition to this card, a maiden race over a mile for horses aged three and over. Taking place at the entry to the bend at the foot of the valley, this trip would take some getting but with a number of interesting contenders, it could be a race to make note of for the future.

Heading the card would be the older horses, who were led by August Spring from the Mick and David Easterby stable. The four year old is related to a classy sort, but began his career in bumpers. Since then, he hasn't featured in two novice races on the all-weather and should be better in handicaps further down the line. Dylan Cunha would send up the grey Clough from Newmarket for his debut here. The four year old son of Mastercraftsman comes from a yard which continues to grow and he would make appeal for this belated first start. A second runner for the Mick and David Easterby yard would be the eight year old Pop The Question. The mare has won point to point races over three miles, but ran fairly well on a much sharper test at Newcastle, taking fourth over seven furlongs on her flat debut. The three years old would receive weight from their elders, but Richard and Peter Fahey's colt Arabian Desert arrived here with leading claims. The beautifully bred colt finished second at York on his second start before finishing second again, this time in the Group Three Horris Hill Stakes at Newbury. He would rank a long way clear on ratings and this should be an open goal for a first win. The smaller scale yard of Mike Sowersby would see Contemplation run for the yard for the first time. The gelding has picked up a bit of experience so far and ran his best race so far when fourth in a handicap last time, albeit over a much longer distance. Another leading stable with a runner here would be Ed Bethell with Haayimm. The newly gelded son of Gleneagles made his debut at the similarly testing Beverley last summer and ran decently to take third there and made his return to action. Another to switch surfaces in this contest would be Hugo Palmer's colt Regulus Black. The son of Palace Pier comes from a good family, but needs to improve on his two starts so far after a couple of heavy defeats. Karl Burke has cemented his position as one of the North's biggest trainers in recent seasons and the Middleham handler would be represented by Seattle Chief. The gelding is another from a talented family, but hasn't shown enough yet to suggest he will be winning as well anytime soon. 

Winner: HAAYIMM (#6) (Gleneagles x Lady Bond) - C. Rodriguez - E. Bethell

The inaugural running of this novice contest appeared to be just a two horse race with punters getting stuck into the classy Arabian Desert, who started as the odds-on favourite.
The action would get underway at the foot of the hill and the eight runners got away to a level break. August Spring proved to be awkward leaving the stalls as he veered right, which in turn carried Hayyimm in that direction too, but they would all find their stride shortly afterwards. Contemplation would take up the lead in the early stages, but raced keenly under Cam Hardie. The well supported Arabian Desert sat in a share of second but gave his backers some anxious moments as he also raced keenly. Haayimm would come next with the slightly wayward August Spring running alongside him. As the field passed the six furlong marker and began the climb, Seattle Chief sat at the tail of the field with Clough and Pop The Question. The pace wasn't particularly quick which meant the order remained the same on the home bend, but Arabian Desert made his move into the straight. The response was instant and he opened up some breathing space on his rivals, but Haayimm wasn't done with yet and put it up to the leader. He would draw alongside Arabian Desert, eyeball him at the final furlong pole and start to pull away towards the line, The gelding was strong at the finish to take the contest by just over a length as Arabian Desert had to settle for second once again. There would be a big gap of ten lengths back to third, which went the way of Seattle Chief as Contemplation held on for a deserved fourth place.

Much of the pre-race focus was placed on Arabian Desert due to his Group race form, but the winner Hayyimm wouldn't look out of place in better company too. Ed Bethell's stable has been in very good form of late, so this win wasn't a major shock and his gelding is one to follow this year. The son of Gleneagles ran once last season, in a weak novice event at Beverley last September, but he kept on into third once the penny dropped that day. He would undergo a gelding operation during the winter and looks to be close to the finished article. The son of Guineas winner Gleneagles is a distant relative to the very talented handicapper Bell Rock, who finished placed in two Cambridgeshire Handicaps as well as at Group race level. A similar contest could be the long term aim for Hayyimm this season as racegoers at Pontefract may have seen an above average prospect here.

Race Three: The Racing TV Sky Channel 424 Handicap (Div. I) - Class Five - One Mile - Runners: 9

Next up would be the turn of the older horses as the handicaps would take centre stage for the first time. This class five contest over a mile would be open to horses aged four and older with not much to seperate the runners on official ratings, Last year, the race would go to the David Loughnane-trained Parisian Hero, who made all the running under Richard Kingscote and went on to win at the Epsom Derby meeting later that year.

This year's contest would  be split into two divisions with the first half looking a wide open contest. Former listed race winner Alpha Capture would carry top weight in this contest having recently joined the Roger Fell yard. The five year old spent a period in Ireland last year before returning to Britain with a promising third at Newcastle last month. John and Sean Quinn would saddle Zowal in this contest. The formerly French-trained gelding made a winning start for the yard last year but went badly out of form. He would start this season with an encouraging effort at Doncaster a fortnight ago. Ed Dunlop would send up Kokanee from his Newmarket base for this contest. The four year old has one win to his name so far, but ran well on a number of occasions; including when fourth on his previous visit to Pontefract. Dual purpose trainer Ian Williams has been firing in the winners of late and would look to continue the form with Typical Woman. The seven year old mare capitalised on a reduced handicap mark to win a higher graded race at Lingfield last summer, but this would be her first start since August. The Malton stable of Alan Brown would be represented by the tough Urban Road. The seven year old has been a part of the furniture at Newcastle where he has won over longer distances, but this would amazingly be his first run on turf since August 2023. The stoutly bred Not Me has proven frustrating for his connections but took his place here for the Ivan Furtado stable. The five year old remains winless and didn't show much when last seen in action in 2025. Another Newmarket challenger would be harry Eustace's Uppercase. The lightly raced four year old finished second over course and distance last summer and returns here in search of a first career win. The popular pink and yellow silks of Ursa Major Racing would be carried by the long absent Character Testing. The Mark Walford-trained five year old has won on the flat, but has been running over hurdles more recently and holding his form well. This would be a test on his first run on the flat since 2024. Completing the line up in the first half of this contest would be the veteran Poet's Dawn. Tim Easterby's eleven year old is making his 121st race start and retains the enthusiasm for the game. His last win came in September, but his record at Pontefract isn't particularly great.

Winner: ZOWAL (#2) (Zarak x Sweet Zen) - J. Hart - J & S. Quinn

Part one of this modest level handicap would get under to a fairly even break and from the outset, the four year old Uppercase was seemingly keen to get home as he took up the early running and pulled hard under young rider Travis Ford. Zowal and Poet's Dawn held similarly wide berths, but quickly shuffled forward to take up a prominent position heading to the first gentle bend. Alpha Capture was slightly hemmed in on the rails, but was in a good position while the returning Character Testing also sat in a forward position. The well supported Kokanee was buried amongst horses on the uphill rise while Not Me and Urban Road were slow from the gates and raced at the tail of the field. 

The race would start to take shape approaching the final bend as Uppercase brought the field into the home straight. Zowal made his move off the bend and took over in front as Uppercase quickly folded out of contention. The old boy Poet's Dawn was running a big race on his comeback as Kokanee had to come wide in his challenge but was finishing well. Alpha Capture was boxed in around the bend, but soon saw daylight at the final furlong pole. Zowal bravely held on to his lead as Kokanee came closer with each passing stride. The two four year olds would go nose to nose approaching the line, but it was Zowal who pulled out a little extra to gain the verdict on the line. Kokanee lost little in defeat in second, while Alpha Capture was arguably a bit unlucky in third. Poet's Dawn began his ninth season with a likeable effort in fourth.

This contest looked to be the better quality of the two halves, with plenty of unexposed runners in the line up. The four year old began his career in France where he placed in all three starts there, so his move to the Malton stable of John and Sean Quinn at the start of last season looked to be an interesting one. The son of Zarak made an immediate impact by winning a maiden at Musselburgh just over a year ago, but his form took a nose dive afterwards. His season would then be a story of heavy defeats in handicaps which took his trainers back to the drawing board. He would make his return in the ultra competitive Spring Mile Handicap at Doncaster, where he seemed to enjoy the cavalry charge nature of the race and kept on nicely to take sixth. This was a steep drop in grade for this contest and he seemed to appreciate it with a game success. He will go back up in the handicap ratings now, but his inconsistent form book means it will be hard to predict whether he can back this performance up next time.

Race Four: The Racing TV Sky Channel 424 Handicap (Div. II) - Class Five - One Mile - Runners: 9

Division two of this class five handicap would appear to be just as competitive and tricky to find the winner in.

Heading the weights would be Sailthisshipalone, who is now trained by Ivan Furtado. The five year old ran some good races as a juvenile, namely at York, but struggled in the main last year. Despite scraping home to win at Musselburgh last November, hopes will be pinned on him improving in new headgear. Pink Azalea had a productive first season on the track for John and Sean Quinn last year and could have a bit more improvement this year. The filly won three times on undulating tracks during the summer, but suddenly lost form in her most recent appearances. David and Nicola Barron would be represented by the useful handicapper Swift Salian. The five year old was in good form at the start of last season before his form began to tail off. He would end the year with a fourth on his first attempt at this course, so looks an interesting sort on his seasonal comeback. The six year old Rajapour has racked up the miles since joining the David O'Meara stable and picked up a first win in Britain back in December at Wolverhampton. He has been going through the motions on the all-weather recently, so could peak his interest again back on turf. Another to move from the artificial surfaces to the turf is the in-form Salaria. Charlie Clover's filly has improved massively since joining her current yard and has won here before. She would win for the third time in four starts at Lingfield a few weeks ago. Jennie Candlish enjoyed a best ever season last year and saddled Mission Control in this contest. The four year old hasn't won for a while, but his rating continues to fall and he finished third on the all-weather last time out. James Owen's runner Latin has been kept busy recently and was successful at Lingfield at the end of last month. The five year old has been in excellent form since the New Year and ran well again when third at Southwell just five days ago. Tim Easterby would be represented by his six year old Mount King. The gelding would make his seasonal debut here at a course he seems to enjoy, with three previous wins at Pontefract; including two last summer. Another course specialist would return here, John Mackie's gelding Distinction. The eight year old ran a quiet race on his seasonal comeback at Doncaster, but has won on his last two starts at this venue which improves confidence.

Winner: SAILTHISSHIPALONE (#1) (Havana Gold x Liberisque) - H. Doyle - I. Furtado

Division two of the mile handicap would remain unchanged as all nine runners stood their ground and went to post. 

There would be plenty of competition for the early lead as a number of front running horses jostled for position as the gates opened. Swift Salian was drawn low so was able to take hold of the race after a furlong under Connor Beasley while Sailthisshipalone filtered in just behind the leader from his wide gate. Salaria had gotten worked up in the stalls beforehand, but exited them without issue and soon found herself in a prominent position. Next up came the course specialists Mount King and Distinction, who had started hesitantly but were rousted into a handy spot behind the leaders. 

The field began to climb uphill approaching the final half mile and the order remained largely the same with Swift Salian and Sailthisshipalone still locked together. Pink Azalea had been on the heels of the leaders, but was on the unfavourable outside line which meant she lost ground on the home bend. Swift Salian and Connor Beasley kicked for home as the track straightened up for the final two furlongs, but Sailthisshipalone went with him. The pair went head to head and eye to eye inside the final furlong and began to pull clear of Latin in third. Sailthisshipalone nosed in front and stuck on well to the task. Swift Salian matched his rival stride for stride before they hit the line together in a thrilling finish which needed a photo finish to determine the outcome. After a short pause, the verdict was given to Sailthisshipalone over Swift Salian by a head. There would be a small gap back to Mission Command, who did his best work at the finish and took third with Latin relegated back to fourth.

It would be a winning start for a new trainer with Sailthisshipalone as he moved to Thirsk with the Ivan Furtado team during the off season. The five year old son of Havana Gold had useful form as a two year old in 2023, notably finishing second in a sales race at York that year. His subsequent antics can be described as up and down as he ran well without winning regularly for the Richard Fahey stable, but his losing streak was broken at Musselburgh in November last year. A visor was tried on his final start of 2025, but he looked far from interested that day, but his fortunes have improved for the change of yard. A new combination of cheek pieces and a tounge tie have also worked their magic and the five year old might be able to kick on with a new found confidence here.

Race Five: The Ponte Premiership New For 2026 Handicap - Class Two - Five Furlongs - Runners: 13

The feature race of the afternoon would be an appealing sprint handicap over the minimum trip of five furlongs. The undulating nature of the Pontefract course means an inside spot on the rail is highly desired. Connections of each runner will be thanking or cursing their luck at the starting stall draw as a number of well known sprinters returned to do battle on track. Twelve months ago, the progressive Fahrenheit Seven landed this race for the Mark Usher stable and has since shown Group race potential in recent times.

Heading the weights would be Kylian, who switched to the Robert Cowell stable over the winter. The formerly talented juvenile was well placed by connections last season and won a listed race in Germany last summer before running well in pattern races on the continent. He showed promise on his comeback run at Southwell last month. The speedy gelding Spartan Arrow lined up for the Archie Watson stable and goes well on unique tracks like Epsom. The six year old landed a Group Three last autumn, but hasn't been at the same level so far this year on the all-weather. Another runner for the Robert Cowell stable would be Purosangue, who has also joined the Newmarket stable during the off season. The former listed race winner turned into a very smart handicapper with a fourth in the Ayr Gold Cup and his stamina will come into play at this uphill track over five furlongs. The seven year old Atomic Force was a classy juvenile years ago before moving to Hong Kong, but has returned to Britain for the Ed Bethell stable. He has clearly settled back in nicely with a pair of wins on the all-weather this year. The mare Elegant Erin goes well at Beverley and has also won at Pontefract in the past. Paul Midgley's nine year old returns for another season having finished fourth in a listed race at Ascot at the end of last season. Robert Cowell's representatives would keep coming, this time it would be Seven Questions. The talented but frustrating customer is a former Group Three winner, but struggled to get competitive in heritage handicaps over the summer when last seen. The David O'Meara-trained Dark Cloud Rising won on seasonal reappearance here this time last year before adding two more wins to his CV. The four year old placed at this level last season too and clearly goes well when fresh. Kevin Ryan does well in sprint handicaps at Pontefract and would look to win another with Vantheman. The five year old won over course and distance at a slightly lower level two seasons ago and made a good start to this year with a narrow win at Newcastle in January. A second runner for the Paul Midgley stable would be Lethal Nymph, another regular on the all-weather of late. The talented handicapper has been a good servant to connections over the years and won at Newcastle over the winter with a few more good efforts in defeat since the turn of the year. Adrian Keatley's Wobwobwob is a former Ayr Silver Cup winner and gradually worked his way back into form last season. The eight year old finished second on three occasions at a lower level in 2025, but this would be his first ever try over five furlongs. Much respected owners The Horsewatchers are renowned for their shrewd purchases and would be represented here by Arklow Lad for the Mick Appleby stable. The four year old made a winning stable debut on the all-weather after moving from Ireland, but could only manage third over a furlong longer last time out. The experienced six year old Havana Rum would line up for the newly formed partnership of Richard and Peter Fahey and he ran well in the main during last season. This would be a tougher test at a higher level, but he has won at Pontefract in the past. Ruth Carr's seven year old Reigning Profit has the potential to dip in and out of form, but started last season off well by winning here a year ago and then finishing second in this grade later in the season. He has been unlucky in running during his two races on the all-weather last month. 

Winner: ARKLOW LAD (#11) (Kuroshio x Ella Fitzgerald) - H. Davies - M. Appleby

All thirteen runners would remain in the field and the feature contest looked to be a fascinating one with former Group race winners clashing with course specialists.

The experienced sprinters got away to a good break and from the outset, Spartan Arrow blazed away from his inside draw and drove the field along at a good pace. Arklow Lad was drawn towards the far side, but was able to drift across and sit behind the pace setting Spartan Arrow in the early stages with the likes of Seven Questions, Wobwobwob and Lethal Nymph. A couple to slightly miss the kick were Purosangue and Havana Rum and a slow start over five furlongs can often put pay to any chances at the finish. Spartan Arrow continued to blaze the trail up the hill and around the home bend as Arklow Lad remained in his slipstream. Seven Questions began to creep closer as towards the rear, Kylian, Vantheman and Atomic Force were all feeling the pinch. The petrol gauge began to flash empty on Spartan Arrow and the leader weakened away, which cleared the path for Arklow Lad to kick clear of his rivals. The four year old suddenly found himself with daylight between himself and the chasing pack. Havana Rum would produce a very good run to bridge to Arklow Lad, but the leader was already home and hosed and victory in the main race would go to Arklow Lad by half a length. A length and a half would go back to Seven Questions, who ran better today in third, while the slow starting Purosangue passed tiring rivals to take fourth. 

The Horse Watchers syndicate are renowned for finding excellent value in the Horses In Training sales which take place each year, finding well handicapped horses who are ready to win and land instant profit on investment. This looks to be the case with their Irish recruit Arklow Lad, a four year old who looks to be going the right way. The son of Kuroshio didn't make his racecourse debut until July last year but improved with each start, winning at the fourth attempt and defeated a useful type in the process. He did little wrong in his final two starts in Ireland before moving to Nottinghamshire based yard of Mick Appleby where he scored first time out at Chelmsford over five furlongs in February. He would then step up to six furlongs the following month at Wolverhampton, but faded gradually inside the final furlong. He looks to be all about speed and connections could have a smart prospect on their hands. A similar race on turf will surely come next and if all goes well, the ability gap between handicappers and Group race performers is notoriously small nowadays.

Race Six: The Tommy Hepple Memorial Handicap - Class Five - One Mile, Four Furlongs - Runners: 13

The longest race of the afternoon would be a modest staying handicap over twelve furlongs. Races of this nature can often produce course specialists around this unique venue and last year's renewal went the way of Letmeseethecolts, who pulled clear of her rivals for the Brian Ellison stable.

Carrying top weight in this year's contest would be Treasure Islands from the Tim Easterby stable. The lightly raced four year old is bred to be much better than this level, but has been a slow developer so far. He has been plugging on at the death in his three starts so looks a stayer in the making. Jedd O'Keeffe is a capable dual purpose trainer and would be represented by the maiden Ashdown Forest. The four year old has placed a few times on the flat, but has been running over hurdles more recently without success. Next up would be the John Mackie-trained Swinging London. All of the eight year old's flat wins have come on the all-weather, but he is a solid type around this level. He has been mixing it up between the flat and over hurdles recently and finished fourth at Southwell last month. Another former course winner would be the eight year old Johnny Boom from the Sean Lycett stable. He would end a long losing streak by going in at Leicester in October, but that win appeared to be a fluke on the back of his latest efforts. Another horse who has been a fun representative for his owners is the Ben Haslam-trained Lightning Company. The eight year old tends to be at his best around this time of the year each season and is a former Pontefract winner in the past. The Malton-based yard of Alan Brown would be represented by their stable star Princess Niyla. The six year old mare hasn't been seen since August last year but was running with credit. This is her first start at Pontefract but she has won at Beverley in the past. The predominantly jumps based stable of Olly Murphy will be more focused on the upcoming Aintree festival, but had a runner here with Starshine Legend. The well bred five year old hasn't raced since September 2024, but was putting in a decent run of form at the time. Turn And Finish began his career in Ireland and turned into a smart novice hurdler last season for the Harry Derham stable. He has moved yards once again to the Steph Hollinshead stable and returns to the flat as a lightly raced sort in this sphere. Declan Carroll's runner Very Muddy Waters hasn't built on his debut second a few seasons ago, but showed glimpses of promise last year over shorter distances. The four year old ran disappointingly on his sole try at this trip here last summer though. Newmarket based trainer John Berry often targets this course for winners and would be represented by Suitcase Smith. The lightly raced four year old has a handful of races to his name, so is open to some improvement this year. Another mare in the field would be Martin Todhunter's mare Fleur De Mer. The six year old grey hasn't won for a while, but has run well into the placings on a number of occasions for her current trainer on the all-weather over slightly longer distances. One of the more unexposed horses in the field would be Secret Alliance from the Kevin Frost stable. The gelding showed only modest promise in three novice events on the all-weather, but starts out in handicaps at a lowly level and could be an interesting runner. Completing the field would be another runner from the John Berry stable, the mare Cloudy Rose. The eight year old would win a pair of amateur riders' races during the summer and held her form nicely subsequently. She would need to bounce back from a fairly quiet run at Catterick at the end of last year. 

Winner: LIGHTENING COMPANY (#5) (Fast Company x Shama's Song) - A. Mullen - B. Haslam

The focus would switch from speed to stamina as the longest race of the day took place over twelve furlongs. The sole non runner in this contest would be the ex-hurdler Turn And Finish, who found the ground conditions slightly too quick for his liking.

It would leave a field of twelve, but there would be varying profiles meeting in the middle for this contest. There would be an even break as the gates opened and the long absent Starshine Legend would go straight into the lead, seemingly not lacking for race fitness. He would be stalked by Ashdown Forest and the keen going Lightening Company as Johnny Boom settled in a share of fourth with Princess Niyla, another to ran over-enthusiastically. The pace of the race was just a steady one and the pack remained tightly bunched for the majority of the contest. Starshine Legend was happy to bowl along up front under Jason Hart as Johnny Boom sat in second on his outside. Towards the rear came Treasure Islands, Fleur de Mer and Secret Alliance as the race began to warm up approaching the final half mile. Suitcase Smith had raced freely in the middle of the pack, but was allowed to make a challenge approaching the home bend, but his keen going nature meant that his challenge was only a brief one. Up front, it still remained as it was before with Starshine Legend starting to look vulnerable with challengers lining up behind him. The long time leader eventually caved in a furlong out and was passed by Johnny Boom, who quickened into a narrow lead. Lightening Company joined him in making a challenge and the two eight year olds rolled back the years with an exciting duel between them. Both horses knew where the finish line is at Pontefract, but it would be Lightening Company who found just a little more to draw clear and win by half a length at the line. Johnny Boom ran a fine race in defeat to take second while the grey Fleur de Mer hadn't been involved much until the end where she stayed on strongly into a close third. The top four was completed by Swinging London, who followed a similar path to Fleur de Mer.

There would be smiles aplenty for punters and the winner's owners alike as the likeable Lightening Company returned to winning ways. The Middleham Park Racing-owned eight year old has been a very good servant to the syndicate and his trainer Ben Haslam, doing everything asked of him during his career. Winning on his racecourse debut back in 2021 to finishing third in a class two handicap at the St Leger Festival in 2023, this would be his sixth win on his fortieth race start. His previous win on the level came over ten furlongs at this venue in April 2023 where he picked up a class two handicap, but he would go on to win twice over hurdles at the challenging Cartmel during the summer of 2024 and 2025. After two quiet runs on the all-weather this year, a return to better ground and his beloved Pontefract saw a return to form for the eight year old and more wins at the West Yorkshire venue wouldn't come out of turn.

Race Seven: The OAP Free Day Tuesday 21st April Handicap - Class Six - Six Furlongs - Runners:

The penultimate contest of the day would be the first of two lowly sprint handicaps. This class six event is restricted to three year olds, so there is potential for one of two runners in the line up would could progress upwards through the ladder and onto better things. With that considered, the notebooks would be open and ready to take stock of this contest which was won by Dark Cloud Rising for David O'Meara last year when it was run as a class three contest.

Heading the weights for this year's running would be Full Gas from the Kevin Ryan stable. The gelding started to show a bit of life towards the end of last season when fourth at Newcastle, but ran poorly at the same venue on his latest start in January and has had a break since. Leading Yorkshire trainers John and Sean Quinn would be represented by The Tunguska Event. The son of Kodi Bear used his turf starts as qualifiers for a rating and he then progressed well on the all-weather; winning twice with ease at Newcastle. Michael Dods is very capable of having a progressive sprinter and he would hope the next one is Mystical Land. The gelding finished third on debut last summer but has been running well enough on the all-weather, looking a bit outpaced recently over five furlongs and moved back up in distance. Ruth Carr is a trainer who regularly unlocks improvement out of her horses and would hope to do the same with Antique Blue. The gelding finished third on debut, but hasn't run to the same level in two subsequent starts. He now begins handicap life from this low level.  Another Yorkshire trainer who is capable is these races is Nigel Tinkler, who saddled the filly Baldosa. The daughter of Time Test struggled initially, but has started to get the hang of things with a third place on seasonal comeback at Newcastle a few weeks ago. One who improved massively for the move to the handicaps is the Ben Haslam-trained Liquid Cooled. The gelding hadn't shown much in three starts at the end of last year, but after after a gelding operation and switch to this level saw a different horse turn up at Newcastle where he won nicely and could improve further now on turf for the first time. The Craig Lidster-trained Maynora has been on the go since her debut almost a year ago, but has improved with experienced. She would go close to winning at Newcastle two starts ago but ran below that form at the same track when only fifth over seven furlongs and returned to turf racing here. Yet another unknown quantity would be Proud Mary from the Tim Easterby stable. The modestly bred filly showed a bit to work with in her first two starts, but ran a disappointing race at Thirsk on her final start of the year and now moves to handicap off a low rating. The jumps based trainer Charlie Longsdon doesn't normally have many sprinters in his yard, but would saddle the gelding Telling Time here. The maiden has run well on a couple of occasions since joining his current yard with a second and third at Wolverhampton this year. Middleham-based trainer Jedd O'Keeffe would be represented here by Dream Forever. The son of Dream Ahead finished down the field in novice events at the end of last year, but has found some improvement recently to finish in the frame twice on the all-weather. Yet another handicap debutante in the line up would be Des Donovan's filly Miss Magic Dragon. She comes from a talented family, but has yet to show much on track in three starts, but this is a lowly level to make her return in. Miss Boyd is another horse in the line up who has struggled to make an impact so far, so things can only improve for Roger Fell's filly. After running poorly on the all-weather of late, she returns to the turf where she showed a bit of promise at Carlisle last summer in third. Battenberg Belle would be a topically named runner for the Ursa Major Racing outfit and she would also make her handicap debut for the Rebecca Menzies stable. The filly is bred to improve with experience, so could show better this year than her three efforts on the all-weather last winter. Completing the field would be the Mick and David Easterby-trained Trucial Pearl. She has threatened to win a race in recent starts, especially with a close second at Chelmsford two starts ago. Her trainer often enjoys a winner at Pontefract too, so should have strong claims.

Winner: MAYNORA (#7) (Mayson x Azenora) - D. Allan - C. Lidster

This tricky contest would be hard to decipher with plenty of potential improving sorts lining up against each other and not much form to go with for the punters.

From his outside gate, Dream Forever got a flying start, taking out a length's advantage on his rivals. As the runners began to find their stride, the group evened out and it would be The Tunguska Event who took over in the lead but raced slightly keenly. Further back, space became a premium for a few of these and Full Gas suffered the brunt of it all, losing a handful of lengths at the start. The bunch of three year olds continued to follow The Tunguska Event in the lead as Maynora sat in a share of second with Dream Forever, Mystical Land and Miss Magic Dragon. The well supported favourite Liquid Cooled wasn't too far away and sat in the midfield with the likes of Antique Blue and Baldosa towards the rear. 
Rounding the home bend and into the straight, The Tunguska Event was joined by the filly Maynora approaching the final furlong. The long time leader had hung to his left into the running rail, which opened the door for Maynora and she took the opportunity to step in. The front two would do battle in the final stages, but the momentum was with Maynora who bravely denied The Tunguska Event and win for the first time. Further back, Battenberg Belle also produced her best effort so far by keeping on into third while Liquid Cooled's chances were hampered by his keenness early on. 

There would be a sense of relief for the Malton-based trainer Craig Lidster as his filly Maynora finally got off the mark at the eleventh attempt. The three year old comes from a decent family as a distant relative to a couple of listed race placed horses in France, but her career has been one of patience and frustration. She would finish just outside the top three on a number of starts last year in maiden events and low grade handicaps, but things began to improve on the all-weather through the winter. Stepping up to seven furlongs, she pushed a stable companion very close at Newcastle when denied by a nose, but raced too keenly early on during her latest race at Newcastle which was won by subesquent Finals Day winner Al Najashi. This may not have been the best race in the world, but it is still a win and she put her stamina to good use here on the uphill course. A return to seven furlongs could suit Maynora, but it wouldn't be a surprise to see her return to Pontefract again later this year.