Race One: The Hong Kong Jockey Club World Pool Handicap - Class Two - Five and a half Furlongs - Runners: 21

The waiting would end and the action would finally begin as the first race of the Ebor Festival would take place. This class two handicap over the rarely used five and a half furlongs would provide the meeting point for very talented sprinters in a neutral ground. Some horses will have the stamina to win over six furlongs while others may only last over five furlongs which led to a fascinating opener. As always is the case with York sprints, the draw will prove vital and there is always unpredictability with these contests. Last year, the Charlie Hills-trained Trefor continued his in form spell by getting up close home to win. 

Carrying top weight in this eagerly awaited opener would be the talented Dubai Bling. Hugo Palmer's four year old is versatile to win over five and six furlongs this year, but he has struggled in hot handicaps like the Wokingham and Stewards Cup. He is verging on Group level now and this could be a good step to a higher rank. A second runner for the Cheshire based Hugo Palmer yard would be Stratusnine, who has been in excellent form lately. The four year old won a similar race here in July over six furlongs before running a stormer into second in the Stewards' Cup a week later. He is another who wouldn't be out of place at a higher level. West Acre was aimed at Group One contests last season after winning out in Dubai at the start of 2025. George Scott's four year old ran well out in the Middle East again this year, but blew the start in the Stewards' Cup on his only start in Britain this year. The stable of John and Sean Quinn often have a good record in these races and they would saddle Dark Thirty here. The six year old bounced back to his best by winning at the Dante Festival in May and since gone close in a valuable handicap at the Curragh. This would be good chance to win at a second big festival at York this year. Ed Bethell's Corolla Point continues to improve with each run, but his three wins have come over five furlongs. The four year old won another good contest at Hamilton last time out and has placed at this venue earlier in the year, but his stamina needs to last out over this extra half furlong. The light and blue silks of Middleham Park Racing would be well represented, firstly with the Robert Cowell-trained Lexington Blitz. The speedy gelding won nicely at Goodwood earlier this season and was third in the Epsom Dash, but was unlucky to be hampered when sixth at Goodwood last month. Rising star of the training ranks Richard Spencer has developed a reputation for winning races like these and the first of his runners would be Candy. The former listed race winner was successful in the Ayr Gold Cup last year, but he has been well beaten in similar contests this summer since his reappearance. A speedy front runner in the field would be Against The Wind from the Thirsk-based yard of Kevin Ryan. The four year old finished fourth in this race last year, so this has clearly been the target all season. He was well beaten on his latest start in May, where he was drawn on the wrong side over five furlongs at this venue. The once classy Toca Madera has gradually returned to his best since moving to the David O'Meara stable and that was confirmed at Glorious Goodwood recently where he placed twice during the week. He has also produced some good efforts at York in the past. Last year's winner Trefor would be another of 2025's class to return and Charlie Hills's gelding has found form at the right time. He struggled on his first few starts of the season, but capitalised on his reduced rating to win a good contest at Windsor recently. As expected with a competitive race like this, there would Irish interest as well. The Daniel Murphy-trained Erosandpsyche has been an excellent servant to connections and even finished second in a Group One nearly four years ago. He retains plenty of ability at the age of eight and wouldn't be coming over to make up the numbers. Lemos de Souza has made a decent start to his training career in Newmarket this year and would saddle the improving Naana's Sparkle. The four year old won twice at a lower level at Yarmouth and Southwell, but produced a career best when a close second over five furlongs at Goodwood last time out. Another horse who has raced in Group company at his best would be Archie Watson's Spartan Arrow. The six year old rounded off last year with a Group Three win in Ireland, but has lost his way this year. He now lines up on an attractively lower rating here. The early pace would be also dictated by the rapid Gold Star Hero, a second runner in the Middleham Park Racing silks. Michael Bell's four year old progressed nicely at a lower level earlier in the year before finishing well into second at Ascot last time out. He now has to confirm that improvement in this contest. The formerly French-trained Toyotomi has some smart form to his name from a few years ago and has done well this year for David O'Meara. The five year old won two starts ago over six furlongs, but was down the order when last seen in the Wokingham Handicap. The chestnut Apollo One has been an excellent sort in these races over the last few seasons, going close in heritage handicaps whilst carrying lots of weight, but things might be a little easier now he has dropped in the ratings. The eight year old has produced some quiet runs recently but is still capable of bouncing back. A horse on the up coming into this contest would be the Michael Keady-trained Dapper Valley. The five year old has regained the winning thread of late, winning his last two starts at a lower level and lines up here following a short break since May. Air Force One would complete the returning top three of this race last year as he was a close third. After a winning seasonal comeback at Beverley, his latest effort was another third here over six furlongs in a competitive contest in July. The filly Stormy Impact would line up here for the Richard and Peter Fahey stable, but has been inconsistent since her 3-y-o Dash win at Epsom last year. The four year old ran well at Epsom again this year, but hasn't matched that form in her next two starts. A second runner for the Richard Spencer stable would be The Man, who is looking to avenge his very close second in this race last year. The four year has been fairly lightly raced since then and has taken midfield spots in a couple of competitive handicaps this summer. The third and final representative for Middleham Park Racing would be Ziggy's Triton, a third runner for the David O'Meara stable. The four year old has won twice this season, but has generally been outclassed elsewhere. He quickened up to lead close home when winning at this venue in July, but he has produced a couple of quieter runs since then. Yet more Yorkshire interest in this field would come from the Adrian Keatley-trained Another Baar, who has been out of form this year. The six year old has been a prolific winner for his connections over the years and the latest came in Bahrain back in January. Since then, he has struggled to make an impact, but his handicap rating has dropped quickly in reaction.

Winner: AIR FORCE ONE (#18) (Starspangledbanner x Great Dame) - PJ McDonald - G. Oldroyd

The gates would open on the morning of day one to a huge crowd of expectant racing fans and media alike but just before the first race, a deluge of rain fell on the Knavesmire. After a seemingly never ending heatwave throughout the summer, the sight was a rare but welcome sight. The ground would take the rain well and the ground description would be amended to Good, Good to Soft. As the horses entered parade ring for the first event, they would do so without Toyotomi, who was a last minute non-runner.
The rain had thankfully elapsed by the time the horses strode out onto the Knavesmire and made their way to the start under bright sunshine. The twenty-one remaining sprinters gave little issues at the stalls which was to be expected with so much combined experience on show. The gates crashed back and the racing was underway for the Ebor Festival of 2026. The field would surprisingly remain as one main group for the first few furlongs as riders opted to ignore the stands' side all together. Over on the far side, Lexington Blitz would show his customary early speed to lead overall with the likes of Toca Madera, Air Force One and The Man all chasing the leader. The group down the centre would the slightly larger of the two and saw Against The Wind, Gold Star Hero and Ziggy's Triton all towing their group along in the first half of the race. Approaching the final furlong, the pack had converged into one big group and Lexington Blitz began to feel the pinch. The early leader was the first one beaten and he faded out of contention. That would leave The Man to move into the lead at the furlong marker, but Toca Madera arrived on the scene cruising under Dan Tudhope. York specialist Air Force One was the next to challenge as Toca Madera drifted off a straight line, handing the advantage to Air Force One. The red silks of Corolla Point emerged from the group down the centre to make a strong bid, but Air Force One had quickened away smartly from his rivals and put daylight between himself and the rest. Jockey PJ McDonald was given the luxury of punching the air in celebration as Air Force One landed the opener in style, a length and a quarter ahead of Corolla Point who ran well once again into second. Toca Madera found less than expected on the bridle as he took third, with Apollo One running his best race for a while in fourth.
This was a fiercely competitive contest to open proceedings and one that looked difficult to solve. In the end, previous course form at York would come to the fore as the Knavesmire regular Air Force One was thereabouts once again. The five year old chestnut has really delivered on the promise he hinted at earlier in his career since his move to the Geoff Oldroyd stable. Last year, he was an all-the-way winner of the Jumps Jockeys' Nunthorpe Handicap which set him up for a tilt at this race, ultimately finishing third. A second place over six furlongs came after that run, but this year, Air Force One has been in flying form. After a winning reappearance at Beverley, the gelding was a bit unlucky in a similar race here at the end of May when fifth. After a third on the all-weather at Newcastle, he returned to York last time out for a valuable six furlong handicap. Once again, he did his best work at the finish to take third, so this drop in distance worked the oracle. He should remain a force to reckon with at York in the future and more wins at York wouldn't be out of the question. 

Race Two: The Tattersalls Acomb Stakes - Group Three - 2-Y-O Only - Seven Furlongs - Runners: 10

Next up would be a view to the future as the first of the two-year-old contests would take place, the Group Three Acomb Stakes. This race has provided mixed fortunes for past winners, but the seven furlong event has also produced some high class horses for the future. The race's history can list the brilliant Height Of Fashion and Guineas winner King's Best as winners during the last millennium and more recently, the Aidan O'Brien-trained The Lion In Winter was a brilliant winner in 2024 while Andrew Balding has won two of the last four renewals. Firstly with subsequent Guineas winner Chaldean in 2022 and most recently last year with the ill-fated Gewan, who took the same path as Chaldean to win the Dewhurst Stakes later in the season.
With the potential for a Classic winner to emerge, this year's renewal would be one to make note of. Ed Walker has landed juvenile contests here in the past with fillies, but would aim for the colts division this year with Alfred Wallace. The beautifully bred colt has a bit more experience than some of his rivals, but returned to his best by winning a listed race at Ascot over this distance last month. Big Cigar would carry the hopes of trainers Richard and Peter Fahey, but needs to raise his game here. The colt won nicely over six furlongs in a nursery handicap here two starts ago but is seemingly well regarded to take his place in this line up. Another local runner for Yorkshire would be the Adrian Keatley-trained Clash Of Hearts. He would show useful form in maidens before getting off the mark impressively at Pontefract, before a respectable eighth in a nursery handicap at Goodwood. The first of the Aidan O'Brien runners would be Confuchias, who was looking for a smart performance here. The speedily bred colt won nicely on his second start and was a beaten favourite in the Coventry. He has shown smart form in Group races since then and now tries seven furlongs for the first time. Newmarket trainer Tom Clover has been sending out some useful juvenile winners this season and would have a big race runner with Fuel The Jet. He would show promise on debut at Thirsk before benefiting from that experience to win at Newbury last time and is open to improvement. The representative from Andrew Balding's yard would be of automatic interest given the fact he has won this race twice in the last four years. He would saddle Gentle Hurricane this year, who won nicely on debut at Salisbury despite racing keenly early on, The colt is deemed viable to keep the stable's record going in this contest. The second runner for the Ballydoyle powerhouse stable of Aidan O'Brien would be Haffner. The American-bred colt travelled to Newmarket on his second start and won easily there before stepping up to this grade and staying on into second in the Vintage Stakes at Goodwood last month, so has form at this level already.  Archie Watson's Siouxperb was an expensive purchase at the breeze-up sales and made an equally impressive winning debut at Yarmouth at the start of the season. After a flop at Royal Ascot, he ran better recently when second on the all-weather up the road at Newcastle. Hugo Palmer has enjoyed a profitable season so far and he would be represented here by Stardom Glory. The chestnut has experience of York already with two second placings over six furlongs, but got off the mark smoothly at Chester and now tries seven furlongs here. Another Irish runner would come from the Paddy Twomey stable, Trean. The son of Bayside Boy finished a close third on debut before disappointing next time at the Curragh. He would win impressively last time out with a wide margin win at Galway and looked to enjoy this seven furlong trip. Yorkshire trainer Karl Burke has had another strong year so far for his juveniles but has yet to win this race so far. He would saddle Vega King in this contest, He looked very green on debut at Ayr so did well to finish fourth and was successful last time out at Beverley where he sealed the race early and just held on at the line.

Winner: HAFFNER (#7) (Justify x Earth Strike) - R. Moore - A. O'Brien

This wide open Group Three would lose one of its leading contenders as Confuchius was deemed to a non-runner at lunchtime which left a field of ten. There would be a question of which horse would lead in the early stages and as the ten juveniles made their way down the dog leg tangent that joins onto the main course, it would be Stardom Glory who settled in front. He was flanked by Gentle Hurricane and Haffner, who had done the hard part of tracking over from a wide draw to sit on the heals of the leader. On the inside, the pair of Vega King and Fuel The Jet would pull very hard in the early stages, wasting valuable energy. Some of the other contenders, Trean and Alfred Wallace, opted to sit further back in the order as the field swung into the home straight and the race began to warm up.
Vega King had pulled his way into the lead at the top of the home straight and provided Stardom Glory with some company up front. Two furlongs out, they would begin to feel the pressure of the others breathing down their neck and quickly faded away. Haffner needed plenty of encouragement to go forward, but inherited the lead as Gentle Hurricane still looked like he was travelling better. The double green silks of Haffner began to respond to the pressure and pull clear of Gentle Hurricane, who gave chase in vain. Inside the final furlong, it would be Haffer who maintained his advantage and kept Gentle Hurricane to a two length gap all the way to the line. The fight for third would be slightly closer as Trean rallied back to take third while Alfred Wallace was no closer than at the finish and was rewarded with fourth.
It would be a second Acomb Stakes in three seasons for the Aidan O'Brien stable, after The Lion In Winter's excellent win in 2024. His string was cut in half in this contest with the absence of Confuchious. but Haffner was always the perceived first string and he won in the style of a high class juvenile. After an educational ride when second to his stablemate Abraham Lincoln at the Curragh, Haffner was sent to Newmarket's July Festival for a maiden there over seven furlongs. He built on the promise shown on debut to win nicely which prompted a move into pattern company. Lining up at Glorious Goodwood three weeks ago, he was always well positioned in the Vintage Stakes, but found himself trapped in a pocket as the winner Dr Rascal went by. This Group Three contest was a slight drop in class, but the son of Justify was the first under pressure. Despite this, he would hit the line strongly with his big ears pricked high, suggesting there is even more to unlock under the bonnet. The attractive colt is a distant relative to Ascot Gold Cup winner and high class stayer Order Of St George, so he will almost certainly stay longer trips next year and should be a force to be reckoned with in 2027. 

Race Three: The Sky Bet Great Voltigeur Stakes - Group Two - One Mile, Four Furlongs - Runners: 6
The focus would briefly switch to the final Classic of the season at Doncaster as this highly respected trial took place, the Great Voltigeur Stakes. This North Yorkshire venue will have a big say on the outcome of the St Leger in South Yorkshire in less than a month's time and the correlation between the two races has always been strong. Fifteen horses have completed the Great Voltigeur and St Leger double, including Lucarno, Reference Point, Milan and Rule Of Law. The most recent horse to win both was Continuous three years ago, becoming one of Aidan O'Brien's five winners in this contest. Last year, there would be a small surprise as Pride Of Arras bounced right back to form after flopping in both the English and Irish Derby to win for the second time on the Knavesmire.
This year's edition would see some high class names and Classic hopefuls who looked to put their hooves firmly through the door as Leger contenders. Heading the field would be Christmas Day, one of many representatives from the Aidan O'Brien stable. The Dante Stakes third placed colt went on to record a dominant victory in the Epsom Derby next time and has a second Classic in his sights. He could only manage second in the Irish Derby, but this is his first start since then. William Haggas last won this race in 2015, but doesn't have too many Classic runners at this distance. He would saddle the high class Maltese Cross, who was second in the Derby at Epsom before a dramatic success in France in July. A second runner for the Aidan O'Brien yard would be Antigua, who is seemingly down the pecking order at Ballydoyle. The son of Camelot broke his maiden tag at the fourth attempt two starts ago, but was finished well beaten in a handicap at the Curragh last time. The lightly raced Galiyan would line up for the Andrew Balding stable having only made his debut back in April. He bounced back from a poor run at Ascot to take second in the Bahrain Trophy at Newmarket, going down by half a length in the process. Aidan O'Brien would be responsible for half of the six runner field and Pierre Bonnard was another who had big things expected of him last year. After he winning a Group One last autumn, he is another to be inconsistent. He would get back on track with a third in the Irish Derby on his latest start. John and Thady Gosden have a good record in this race as some of their previous winners of this race have gone on to win the Leger. This year, the legendary stable would be represented by Superior Choice, who has progressed quietly this year but was an impressive winner of a listed race at Hamilton which is often a good contest.

Winner: MALTESE CROSS (#2) (Sea The Stars x Nabatea) - T. Marquand - W. Haggas

The blue skies were replaced with a threatening, large dark cloud overhead with a couple of rumbles of thunder. In a clash of the Derby winner, runner up and seventh place, the weather would almost provide a repeat of the conditions seen at Epsom on that day in June. Thankfully for all in attendence, the rain held off and the action on track delivered. 
The gates would open on the far side of the Knavesmire, opposite the grandstands and the rank outsider Antigua went forward as expected under Ronan Whelan, ensuring a good gallop for his Aidan O'Brien stablemates. Christmas Day would let Antigua stretch to a ten length lead and settled in second with Galiyan in close quarters. Maltese Cross sat in the slipstream of Christmas Day and travelled smoothly in the first half of the race. The pink silks of Pierre Bonnard came next with the sextet of runners completed by Superior Choice, who sat and waited under Shane Foley. 
As the pacesetting Antigua rounded the bend into the home straight, he was guided out of the way of the chasing pack by Ronan Whelan and the race would begin in earnest. Christmas Day took over in the lead with the long run-in ahead of him, but he began the feel the weight of his Group One penalty. Pierre Bonnard was going much better than his stablemate and nipped up the rail to take the lead at the two furlong pole. His time in front was short lived however as the eyes were drawn to Maltese Cross who was cruising under a confident Tom Marquand. It was only a matter of time until Marquand released the handbrake and Maltese Cross quickened away from Pierre Bonnard with ease. The star three year old galloped away from his rivals and was eased down near the finishing post for a very comfortable two length victory. Pierre Bonnard would run to his best form in second as another gap went back to Christmas Day, who had nothing left to give in third. There would be another sizable gap back to Superior Choice who failed to threaten at any point.
This would be a high class victory from Maltese Cross, who laid down his marker as one of the best three year old colts in Europe this year. He may have been slightly underappreciated by a few critics earlier this season and he has done very little wrong throughout his short career. A win at Newbury back in April came despite racing keenly and it would set up a tilt at the Epsom Derby. He would sweep to an impressive victory at Lingfield, but the form of that race was questioned. A deluge of rain fell on Epsom for the Derby, but Maltese Cross emerged from the gloom to chase down Christmas Day and finish best of the race. Next up would be a trip to France in July in the Grand Prix de Paris, a Group One contest at Longchamp. He was given the inside route throughout on that occasion and faced a wall of horses at a crucial point. Once the gap opened, he charged through to grab victory in the dying strides. Today's win was a better showing of his quality and he was rightly shortened to the odds on favourite for the final Classic of the season, the St Leger in September. A return to France for the Arc was also mentioned, but the critics of Maltese Cross earlier in the season have certainly been silenced with this stunning victory.

Race Four: The Juddmonte International - Group One - One Mile, Two Furlongs - Runners: 8

The centre piece of day one would finally come around and the world's media would stop and pay attention for the next ten minutes as horses took to the stage of one of the most prestigious races in the world; the Juddmonte International. This ten furlong contest has been a highlight of York's calendar since its first running in 1972 and has seen a whole host of iconic names win this race over the decades, but it has become widely recognised as a bona fide champion maker in recent seasons. After Frankel's demolition job in 2012, Baeed's dominance in 2022 and City of Troy's gutsy win in 2024, Ombudsman produced a stunning victory twelve months ago, showing his traditional turn of pace to run away from a brilliant field.

The class of 2026 would once again see a truly epic line up as runners from Britain, Ireland and France all converged on the Knavesmire to do battle. Ed Walker has made it no secret of the regard he holds Almaqam in and the five year old finally broke through at the highest level earlier this year at the Curragh. He would be outpaced on fast ground in the Prince of Wales's Stakes at Royal Ascot however on his latest start. Tactics will be a key aspect of this year's race with pacemakers added to the line-up to guarantee a strong gallop. The first of them would be John & Thady Gosden's colt Devil's Advocate, who will aid Ombudsman. The four year old is a useful type in his own right but was ridden in a similar manner at Royal Ascot last time out. The defending champion and world's joint highest rated horse Ombudsman returned to York with yet more leading credentials. After a breath-taking success in this race twelve months ago, he was brilliant once again in the Prince of Wales's Stakes, showing his trademark turn of pace in the closing stages. Francis-Henri Graffard has emerged as the trainer to beat in France in recent seasons and he would bring across the progressive Zaydann. The four year old has won his last five starts with ease and lines up here as the total unknown. There would be a clash of generations here as some of the best three year olds in the sport took their place here against the elders. Aidan O'Brien's Action finished second over course and distance in the Dante Stakes back in May, but has been sacrificed as a pacesetter in recent starts. He has lost some of the potential he showed last season. Aidan O'Brien may have won the Irish and English Derby this year, but he still holds the best colt of the season so far; Constitution River. The son of Wootton Bassett has looked top class by winning the French Derby with ease and then the Coral-Eclipse at Sandown, defeating some high profile older horses in the process. This will set up a mouth-watering clash with Ombudsman here. A third and final runner from the Aidan O'Brien would be Hawk Mountain. The three year old won the final Group One of the year in 2025 and has run well twice against Constitution River in his last two starts, the French Derby and Eclipse. so he isn't a back number in this contest. The race sponsors Juddmonte haven't won this race since the mighty Frankel in 2012, but have a good contender this year with Item. The Andrew Balding-trained colt won the Dante Stakes in May before returning to this course and distance to win the York Stakes easily last month, so his liking for this course is a positive.

Winner: ITEM (#9) (Frankel x Capla Temptress) - C. Keane - A. Balding

The parade ring would be crammed with racegoers before the race, with every single one of them eager to catch a glimpse of this world class racehorses. A sense of nervous energy filled the air, briefly blocked out by a rendition of the National Anthem before the race. This was it, it would be time for the horses to do the talking and create history.
During the loading process, the fractious Pride Of Arras reared up in his stall and was withdrawn from the race, erring on the side of caution. The remaining eight runners and riders had their eyes fixed on the starter, who released the gates and set the Juddmonte International underway. 
From the outset, there was panic. The expected pacemaker Action was slow to start and found himself at the rear of the pack instead of the front. Tactics were thrown out of the window on the fly and it was left for Hawk Mountain to lead after a furlong. Constitution River sat in second, staring at the back end of Hawk Mountain as that one cut out a swift gallop. The yellow silks of Almaqam were easy to spot in third, but the other perceived pacesetter Devil's Advocate had settled in a share of third. Item and Zaydann were happy to sit back through the first half of the contest while Ombudsman brought up the rear in company with Action. 
The field swung into the home straight and began to see the grandstands in the distance grow in size with each stride. Hawk Mountain kept the field on the far side of the course once again and began to extend his stride. Halfway down the straight, his time in the lead came to an end as Constitution River moved forward. Ombudsman still had plenty of work to do at the rear and spotted a gap on the inside rail which he made a move for. The decibels in the crowd would rise as Constitution River and Ombudsman went neck to neck, but the focus was on Almaqam, who was travelling just as well as the market leaders. Almaqam showed a sharp turn of pace to go into the lead and didn't look like he would be caught. Suddently, the two main contenders were reduced to extras as Almaqam kept on strongly. The race wasn't over yet though. Item was unravelling with his challenge and latched onto the hind quarters of Almaqam. With each stride, Item inched closer and the pair drew alongside each other, eyeballing each other. With the line approaching, it would be a head bobbing finish in which Item's nose hit the line first. Almaqam was cruelly denied a second Group One victory, but the pair finished a few lengths clear of the tired Constitution River and Ombudsman in third and fourth.
In a race where the talk beforehand was about Ombudsman and Constitution River, the three year old Item made sure his name was on everyone's lips by the end. It would be a dramatic contest which resulted in Item emulating his legendary sire Frankel by winning this race, fourteen years on since his dad. He would do it the hard way too. After getting caught in a pocket two furlongs out, Item followed Almaqam to the centre of the course and once he straightened up, he made up a lot of ground with his big stride. Item began 2026 as a dark horse following a pair of wide margin victories as a juvenile, but he made his name in the Dante Stakes over this course and distance in May with a powerful win. He then got bogged down in the ground during the Derby, but that remains his only defeat to date. This win would pay tribute to the York Stakes, the race he landed over this course and distance in July and his experience here was put to good effect. It would be yet another Group One this summer for Andrew Balding and a tilt at the Arc in October or Champions Stakes at Ascot could have the potential for more top level success for the new star three year old, Item. 

Race Five: The Sky Bet Stayers Handicap - Class Two Heritage Handicap - Two MIles - Runners: 16

After the excitement and spectacle of the Group races, the card would conclude with a treble of handicaps. The first one would take place over the stamina sapping two miles, but it would also pit National Hunt and Flat stables against each other. Taking in a full lap of the Knavesmire, patience and timing will be key components in the difference of winning and losing. Last year, the race would go the way of William Haggas's filly Santorini Star, who proved much better than a handicapper by winning here and then following up in a Group Two contest at Doncaster the following month and finished second in two Group Ones. 
The prolific all-weather winner Duke Of Oxford would carry top weight in this year's contest for the Michael Bell stable. The six year old has yet to win on turf, but he has been highly tried at times. His latest start at Goodwood ended with a heavy defeat over two and a half miles, so drops back in distance here. George Scott's Prydwen is another multiple winner at the head of the weights as he progressed all the way to a Group Three win in Sweden two seasons ago. He has run to a good standard since then and scored at Ripon over a mile and a half in April. The eight year old ran a decent race when seventh in the Northumberland Plate on his latest start. James Owen has emerged as one of the country's top trainers in the past few seasons and would have a strong chance here with the interesting Kirchner. The formerly French-trained four year old finished second in the Northumberland Plate at Newcastle before an easy win over this trip at Ascot last month. Joseph O'Brien has enjoyed a superb season this year even by his high standards and would saddle a runner here in the form of Small Fry. After a couple of runs over hurdles in May, the six year old ran well at Royal Ascot before chasing home leading Ebor Handicap contender Hopewell Rock at Goodwood on his previous appearance. The John and Thady Gosden-trained Valedictory held aspirations for the Ebor Handicap earlier in the season after two wins over shorter trips this summer, but faded disappointingly into fifth at Goodwood when last seen so his attentions are turned to this race instead. Irish trainer Gordon Elliott has won races at big festivals on the flat and over jumps for the past twenty years and would look for more Ebor Festival success with Mordor. The six year old has won plenty of times over hurdles for connections and is also capable of running well on the flat, as shown at Goodwood last year when second over two and a half miles. This year, he produced a useful effort to win at Navan, but failed to stay the distance in the Ascot Stakes at the Royal meeting in June. Team Player has been an excellent purchase for the Ewan Whillans stable this year as he landed a competitive staying race at Musselburgh in April. Since then, he was a very close second at Newbury in a similar contest at this distance. Simon and Ed Crisford's stayer Manxman was a relentless improver between 2023 and 2025 which included a second in the 2024 Cesarewitch Handicap. The six year old would have a tough task as he makes his first start since September last year, but clearly has the ability to run well. Legendary jumps trainer Henrietta Knight would have a rare runner at York in this contest with her stayer In The Breeze. The eight year old has found improvement since joining the yard this year with two wins by clear cut margins. The latest one came at Goodwood, but on softer ground than he will experience here. A second runner for the Crisford stable would be Boatswain, who has achieved a similar level of form to his stablemate Manxman. The four year old was a smart middle distance handicapper last year, but routed his rivals at Southwell in July on his first attempt at two miles. Shrewd Irish trainer Tony Martin has won the Ebor Handicap in the past as well as this race in the past. This year he would rely on Westminster Moon, who showed high class form in Germany a few years ago. The six year old broke a long losing streak by landing a big field staying handicap at the Curragh, but has been outclassed in stronger company at Ascot and Galway. One of the more consistent runners in this contest would be the Andrew Balding-trained grey Shrimp Shady. The four year old won the Chester Plate over slightly further back in May and added a second win by a narrow margin at Newbury two starts ago. He was then outbattled on his latest effort when second at Ascot a fortnight ago. Another dual purpose stable with a runner in this race would be Faye Bramley with Kilmeaden. The winning hurdler in Ireland has since shown useful form in competitive handicaps on the flat, but appeared to need to time to acclimatise for his new connections based on his run at Ascot recently. Charlie Johnston is a trainer well versed in staying handicaps and would have a runner here in the form of Ghaiyya. The four year old filly won nicely on her seasonal reappearance at Doncaster before creditable defeats in decent contests. She chased home Kirchner at Ascot on her latest effort. The ever-growing team of Dylan Cunha have won twice at the Ebor Festival in recent years and seem to enjoy having runners at this meeting. They would be represented by Fireblade, a very well bred gelding who hasn't won as many races as his talent suggests. He would finish down the order in this race last year, but has finished in the placings on all starts so far this year. The relatively unexposed Ride The Thunder has shown potential to win a good race at some point and the Roger Varian-trained four year old lined up here with a light weight. His formlines this season tie in with Valiancy and Shrimp Shady having finished third twice in his three starts this year. Jim Goldie is equally capable of training stayers as well as sprinters and would saddle Mountain Road here. The experienced seven year old gained a deserved win at the nearby Thirsk in May before another good run in defeat when third at Ascot over this distance.

Winner: SMALL FRY (#4) (Harzand x Duchess Of Doors) - D. B. McMonagle - J. O'Brien

The sole non runner in the field would be the filly Ghaiyya, which left a field of sixteen to go to post; which was just in front of the stands for this marathon contest.
It would be Kilmeaden who made the best start of all and held the outright lead in the opening stages as Ride The Thunder, Team Player, Westminster Moon and Prydwen settled into a rhythm behind the leader as they passed the winning post for the first time. Turning away from the stands, Kilmeaden began to stretch his legs and open a gap in front. It seemed that there was little Clifford Lee could do as Kilmeaden powered clear into a near twenty length lead down the back straight. His rivals opted to ignore him as they ran their own race. The second "race" would see little change in the order as Kilmeaden made his way past the trees of Knavesmire Wood as the remainder were just entering that straight. Into the home straight, it appeared that the leader may have slipped the field, but he was soon treading on ice. Kilmeaden's stride began to shorten and he was swallowed up by the pack. Ride The Thunder and Prydwen would fight over the lead two furlongs out, but Small Fry was making very good headway, to the joy of his punters. The favourite found the gaps to push through into the lead inside the final furlong and began to gallop clear. The race looked signed and sealed for Small Fry, but the final challenger would be Mountain Road, who was finishing quickly. There would be a small amount of panic, but Small Fry had plenty under his sleeve to hit the line a length to the good of Mountain Road. There would be a small gap back to third, which went to Ride The Thunder as Westminster Moon weakened into fourth.
The amazing season of Joseph O'Brien in 2026 would continue with yet more staying success at a major festival. He would acquire the five year old Small Fry on the back of the gelding's wide margin victory at Epsom's Derby festival when he was trained by Gary and Josh Moore and he has unlocked further improvement over this sort of distance. After a fourth and second over hurdles in May, the son of Harzand reverted back to the flat in time for Royal Ascot, where he lined up in the Ascot Stakes over two and a half miles. He was held up that day but could merely plugged on into sixth on that occasion. He took his form up a notch last time out at Goodwood, this time over a mile and three quarters. He was denied a clear run on more than one occasion but finished strongly to take second against a leading contender for the Ebor later this week, Hopewell Rock. Joseph O'Brien may have won the Melbourne Cup once before, but he has a very smart handicapper on his hands with Australian owners, so a trip to Flemington in November could be on the cards for Small Fry.

Race Six: The IRE Incentive, It Pays To Buy Irish Handicap - Class Two Heritage Handicap - Five Furlongs - Runners: 19

The first of two sprint contests would close out the afternoon's action and the first would revert to the minimum trip of five furlong. This class two heritage handicap for three year olds expected to be very competitive and a near impossible challenge for punters to find the winner. Some very talented sorts would take to the start here, looking to emulate last year's winner Star Of Mehmas, who got up in the dying strides under a brilliant Ryan Moore ride before placing second in a listed race on her next start.

The very tough and talented Naana's Shadow has been a revelation this season for Katie Scott and had the task of carrying top weight here. The diminutive three year old has won big handicaps at Epsom, Goodwood and at York this summer and could be set for an even high grade after this race. The lightly raced and smart Poatan would come next for the Amo Racing outfit as she returns from a small break. The three year old has just one win to her name, but was last seen finishing third in a useful listed race at Sandown in June. Tim Easterby's grey Revival Power was a precocious juvenile last year with a Group Two victory less than a year ago. The wheels have fallen off for the filly this year and she suddenly has plenty to prove from this high rating. Baker would make a quick return to action for the Dylan Cunha stable. After winning twice on the all-weather during the winter and has produced his best form at Pontefract. He was a close third there just three days earlier. The quietly progressive Schrodinger's Cat has produced two of her best runs over this course and distance this summer, so ought to go well here once again. David O'Meara's Manatee Mehmas was a brilliant winner on debut back in April, but his form has levelled off since then. The gelding has shown some ability with placed efforts in good handicaps here and at Goodwood of late. Black Star Boy began this year off strongly by winning a 3-year-old handicap at Sandown back in April, but Ed Walker's gelding has faced stiff tasks at York and Royal Ascot, so this could be slightly easier. Yet another three year old in the field would be Karl Burke's Miss Yechance. The daughter of Cotai Glory had a spell out in the Middle East where she won on dirt, but has improved further since returning to Britain. Good efforts in defeat at Royal Ascot and Goodwood mean she has every chance in this company. Hugo Palmer has enjoyed a good season to this point and he would look to win this prize with the speedy Tricky Tel. The gelding has been sharp enough to win three times around Chester during his career so far and finished second over six furlongs at the same venue last time out. The John Butler stable won this race twice in a row in 2022 and 2023 so they often target this contest. This year, the yard would be represented by Zain Primus, who made his debut on turf. The son of Pinatubo won his last two starts fairly comfortably at Newcastle and Kempton so looked unexposed for his handicap debut. A second filly in the field for trainer Karl Burke would be Stargazed. She has yet to match the heights of her Group One winning brother Starlust, but she ran well at York earlier in the season when second, but that remains her best piece of form this year. Ian Williams's One And Gone would be another who raced a few days earlier as he faded away at Pontefract last time out. Prior to that, he had shown plenty of speed to win at Sandown in a similar event in July. Another horse who never quite ran to expectations would be Andrew Balding's Old Is Gold. The Wathnan Racing owned gelding won a conditions race at Beverley last year, but has struggled in better company; including in the nursery handicap on this card twelve months ago. Middleham Park Racing would unsurprisingly have a runner here, this time in the form of Mick and David Easterby's filly She's Got A Brother. After winning her first two starts on the all-weather, she showed up well in similar company but ran below her best at Goodwood last time out. Underwriter looked to be a bright prospect last season after his debut win for Wathnan Racing, but he struggled at a higher level subsequently. The gelding ran his best race since joining Michael Keady's stable at Ascot last time out when fourth, so has the chance to build on it. Michael Dods is a well known figure in these sprint handicaps at York and he would be represented by Mighty Magnus this time. The son of Dark Angel has shown solid form in handicaps this season, winning at Hamilton earlier in the season, but this race looks to be stronger than what he has faced recently. Yet another runner with recent form at York would be the grey Dolo's Dream for the locally based Ivan Furtado stable. The lightly raced filly won on her first start of this season before going down by a very small margin at the previous meeting so a repeat of that effort would see her enter contention. Boston Dan would have a strong chance in this contest based on some of his form last season on the Knavesmire, but injury setbacks have halted his progress. The gelding has been well beaten in his races this season but has joined the Tim Easterby stable in recent weeks so an opportunity should be able to be found for him soon. Another Yorkshire runner would complete the line up here, the filly Call Margot for the Gemma Tutty stable. The grey posted her best effort when second at Epsom in June, but has since run below that form twice; including when last at Goodwood a few weeks ago.

Winner: MISS YECHANCE (#8) (Cotai Glory x Rosie Bassett) - J. Nicholls - K. Burke

With a full quota of nineteen runners taking to the start, it was clear that this contest would be a fast and furious one from the outset. As the gates opened, there would be a small bit of interference as Manatee Mehmas drifted into the path of his stalls neighbour Old Is Gold, but the pair quickly regained composure and raced close to the pace.
The filly Miss Yechance was sharply away and took the lead from the outset, showing plenty of speed in the process. She would be taken on by One And Gone on the far side and Schrodinger's Cat in the first couple of furlongs as all nineteen runners remained as one across the width of the Knavesmire. The likes of Poatan, Manatee Mehmas, Naana's Shadow, She's Got A Brother and Stargazed would all race near the front as Tricky Tel was already outpaced after an early stage. 
Approaching the final furlong, there was still a host of chances, but they would still have to chase down Miss Yechance who was showing no signs of slowing down. Naana's Shadow threw down her challenge inside the final furlong and to within a length before her welter burden took its toll and she could only keep on at the same pace. Miss Yechance kept on strongly and had the race wrapped up in the final strides, hitting the line a length and a quarter clear for an all-the-way success. Further back, Manatee Mehmas emerged from the pack to finish best of the rest in second as the valiant Naana's Shadow had to settle for third this time. The top four was rounded out by Baker Blue, who was always well positioned and showed no ill effects of his previous race a few days earlier.
The Middleham based yard of Karl Burke always enjoys a winner at York and the latest would come courtesy of his speedy filly Miss Yechance. The daughter of Cotai Glory began last season with the rookie trainer Jack Morland where she showed a lot of speed to win on debut at Redcar. She couldn't cope with the rise in class at Royal Ascot next time, but returned to winning ways back in novice company at Catterick. After two quieter runs at the end of 2025, she would surprisingly move abroad to the stable of Julio Olascoaga and Antonio Cintra, where she spend a spell in Dubai. She then won a race at Meydan and even finished second on dirt there, but her time in Dubai was a short one. She returned to Britain, this time with the Karl Burke stable, and made her first start for a while in a strong handicap at Royal Ascot. She finished seventh after leading early there, before racing at Goodwood last time, once again showing plenty of pace but fading in the closing stages. This would be a deserved success for her recent improvement and her new trainer should be able to find another race within her reach before the season is over.

Race Seven: The Sky Bet Nursery Handicap - Class Two - 2-y-o Only - Six Furlongs - Runners: 18

The finale of the day would be an equally tough contest to solve as the previous one, but this time it would be the turn of the two-year-olds. Nursery handicaps become a regular feature at this stage of the season and it pits some useful juveniles with proven form against unexposed rivals who have just graduated out of maiden company. Last year saw a dramatic conclusion as the long time leader Mo Of Cairo was cruelly denied on the line by Ruby's Angel, while a subsequent listed race winner Chairmanthreetimes would finish a close up third. 

This ultra competitive contest would see Ruler's Pride carry top weight for the Karl Burke stable. He would make an impressive winning debut like many of his stablemates this year, but has struggled in better company such as the Coventry Stakes and Molecomb Stakes, so this lower level of race should be suitable. The filly Havana Sprite has been very progressive this season for the James Tate stable. After breaking her maiden tag at the third time of asking, she has gone on to win a listed race and an equally valuable handicap at Newmarket at the start of the month. A second filly in the line up, Crystal Queen, has been well regarded by the Richard and Peter Fahey stable and she duly delivered to win at the second attempt in a conditions race at Beverley. She was then raised in class at Ascot last time where she struggled to make an impression and drops back down to this level. God Given Talent ran out a rare debut winner for the now retired James Ferguson yard before competing in Group races this summer. He has now moved across Newmarket to William Haggas's yard so there should be an opening for him somewhere soon. Ben Haslam is capable of picking races to aim for successfully and would saddle Dubai Champion in this event. The son of Persian Force has done well since his debut fourth at York in May and looked set to win at Goodwood last time out until he was caught on the line. Last year's winning trainer Hugo Palmer would rely on Savage Mariner this year. The son of Blackbeard finished second to the subsequent Albany Stakes winner on debut, but has finished down the field on his next two starts and has now been gelded. In the same silks of owner Fitri Hay, Persian Spring would return to York. Richard Hannon's colt won nicely over course and distance in May but has struggled at summer festivals since then. Sovereign Glory has shown useful form already this season for the Charlie Hills stable, winning on his second start before a midfield finish at Royal Ascot. He wasn't disgraced when fourth in a nursery handicap at Goodwood and this is a similar contest. Richard Spencer's runner Underdog did well to win on his debut at Sandown in June, but has struggled in pattern races since then. This would be his handicap debut in this contest so had a chance to remind viewers of his talent. Yet another Newmarket challenger would be the William Knight-trained Jumeirah Storm. The colt would catch the eye when fourth on debut at Salisbury before winning at Doncaster next time. He then ran well at the South Yorkshire once again on his latest start so is open to improvement now entering handicaps. Kevin Ryan trained the narrowly beaten runner up last year and looked to make amends this year with Peaceful Warrior. He would take a nice win on debut at Yarmouth before weakening into fourth in a slightly better contest at Ascot in July. A second runner for the Richard Hannon stable would be Elevating, who was in action over the previous weekend. She would make a promising debut over course and distance in June when second and landed her first win at Goodwood's festival last month. She could only manage fifth in a listed race, but remains capable of winning more races. Jennie Candlish has made her name by improving older horses, but has acquired some useful juveniles this year. The yard would be represented by Towelontheterrace who showed promise in his two starts at Chester where he won easily at the second attempt. He was unable to dictate the pace at Ripon last time and faded away into fourth. Andrew Balding has a good record in nursery handicaps at the Ebor Festival and his first runner would be The Dancing Pirate. The well bred colt has shown promise in three of his four starts, but finished jus behind a few of these rivals at Goodwood last time out. Tony Coyle and Kaine Wood would be represented in this warm contest with the useful Rlasthope. The nicely bred gelding showed good form in better company before earning a deserved first win at Southwell last time out. The chestnut Henley On Thames had been running well in defeat in his first three starts for Amo Racing and finally landed a first win when stepped up to six furlongs at Hamilton recently. He would carry a low weight, but this looks a stronger contest. The Eve Johnson Houghton stable often make their mark at big festivals each year and their first runner at the Ebor Festival would be Super Tuscan. The grey was an easy winner on his first start after a gelding operation and has since run with credit in a pair of nursery handicaps in July. It is rare for the John and Thady Gosden stable to have sprinting juveniles, but they would be represented here by Note To Self. The colt hasn't achieved much so far, but has the potential to unlock more now he enters handicaps on the back of two placings. Adrian Keatley's yard would be represented by Fantasy Force, another to make his first start in a handicap. He would show up well on his debut here in May but struggled on the all-weather last time out after a short break. An intriguing, lowly weighted runner in the contest would be Bear Lee for the popular Mick and David Easterby stable. The filly got off the mark in good style over a furlong shorter at Musselburgh and ran well over course and distance when fourth in a novice race that has started to work out well. Sue's Last Chance may have only had three starts so far, but Richard and Peter Fahey's gelding has raced at York on each of those occasions. He has finished no higher than sixth in novice races so far, so hopes are pinned on an upturn in form in this category. Completing the line up would be the useful Brandenburg. The gelding made his debut in the Brocklesby Stakes in March, but has since won twice in good style. In between those wins, he finished a fast closing second in a lower grade nursery, so has form here as well.

Winner: HENLEY ON THAMES (#16) (Persian Force x University) - D. Egan - K. P. De Foy

The field was reduced by a fifth of its original line up as the Richard Hannon pair of Persian Spring and Elevating, Dubai Champion and Crystal Queen were all non-runners before the race. That would leave a field of eighteen juveniles with the potential for anything to happen.
The early pace would come from down the centre, courtesy of the habitual front runner Peaceful Warrior. Just behind the leaders came the well supported The Dancing Pirate and Rlasthope with Towelontheterrace also helping to force the pace. Just like in the previous contest, the near side rail was ignored and the pack remained as one down the home straight. As the race began to warm up, Peaceful Warrior would check out from the lead and was swallowed up by his chasing rivals. The Dancing Pirate was travelling powerfully under Oisin Murphy approaching the final furlong and the champion jockey asked for an effort from his mount. As the gelding changed gear, he inexplicably veered to his right, cutting the path of the rivals behind. Murphy would adjust his whip to correct the drift, but The Dancing Pirate veered to the left this time and looked very wayward. These antics left the door open for Henley On Thames, who had the far side rail to help guide him and finished strongly to win with a bit in hand. As the winner enjoyed a trouble-free run, the same couldn't be same for the others behind. Super Tuscan was carried to his left as The Dancing Pirate came back across the track, but still finished strongly and go to within a neck of Henley On Thames. The Dancing Pirate's move on the dancefloor weren't appreciated by some, but it still resulted in a third place, just ahead of God Given Talent who caught the eye by taking fourth. 
This would be a welcome winner at a marquee meeting for the Amo Racing outfit, who have gone through another turbulent season this year. The big spending outft have a good future in store with Henley On Thames, who landed his second win in a row here. The son of Persian Force showed minor promise on debut at Sandown before taking second place on two occasions over five furlongs next time. His first win came at Hamilton on his first try at six furlongs. Always to the fore on the speed favouring track, he was a clearcut winner that day and had a workable handicap rating here. The chestnut is a distant relative to winning stayers, but his family stretches back to the classy sprinter Dietrich. This was a good effort to win here and it wouldn't be a surprise to see Henley On Thames line up in more valuable nursery handicaps later in the season.