Race One: The John Smith's Nursery Handicap - Class Four - 2-Y-O Only - Six Furlongs - Runners: 8

This valuable Saturday afternoon of racing would begin with the first nursery handicap at York of the year. Races of this nature have started become a regular feature on the fixture list, now that the first half of the season has been completed. This is a more realistic opportunity for horses to deliver on the promise of their earlier runs and this contest would be a strongly attended one. Last year, this class four event would go to Amazing Journey, who returned home victorious for the Jamie Osborne stable.
There would be a small but competitive field going to post here and the weights would be headed by Super Tuscan, from the Eve Johnson Houghton stable. The grey son of Dark Angel had shown potential in his first two starts, before bolting up at Chepstow on his first start after a gelding operation so he looks talented. Richard and Peter Fahey have saddled a handful of winners already on the Knavesmire this summer and would be represented here by Big Cigar. The well regarded colt won nicely on debut at Newcastle before running well enough in a conditions race at Beverley over five furlongs. This could be more his level here. Another Yorkshire trainer with a runner here would be Ben Haslam, who saddled Dubai Champion. The son of Persian Force made his debut at York back in May, but has improved with each run since. He showed plenty of speed when pulling clear to win at Hamilton over five furlongs last time. Tim Easterby would unsurprisingly have multiple interests in a race like this and his first runner would be Furturra, who has been very consistent of late. The chestnut has finished second at York twice in his last three starts, but also has two wins to his name. The first of the Newmarket raiders would come from the Jack Jones stable in the form of Ballisty. The colt has yet to win a race, but has shown plenty of sharpness in his races before getting headed close home into the minor placings so this race could be better suited to him. Clive Cox is a renowned source of two-year-old talent and he would saddled the debut winner Boleto here. The son of Wootton Bassett looked smart when winning on debut at Pontefract, but found the rise up in class at Royal Ascot too much last time out and he has a chance to regain some of that potential. Mick and David Easterby are another yard which love a winner at York and the Yorkshire stable would rely on Social Spirit. After a promising third on debut at Doncaster, he then outran his odds in a good contest at Epsom, but ran poorly back in novice company at Carlisle last time out. A second runner for the Tim Easterby yard would be Rbflying, who had shown small bits of promise in his first two starts, but used his experience to take third over course and distance two weeks ago. That was more like it and a step forward ahead of his nursery debut. The nine strong field would be rounded out by the last time out winner Brandenburg. The colt made his debut in the Brocklesby Stakes back in March, but looked a different proposition when scoring at Beverley next time in May. This would be his first start for quite a few weeks and now lines up for the Noel Wilson stable.

Winner: BIG CIGAR (#2) (Havana Grey x Barbanera) - O. Orr - R. Fahey

Just like for the previous day, a clear and bright sky welcomed racegoers to York but a refreshing breeze was appreciated by the packed enclosures ahead of this big day of racing. The opening contest would have just one absentee, namely the Ben Haslam-trained Dubai Champion who was ruled out due to the quick ground.
That would leave a field of eight to go to post and the juveniles handled the loading process with calmness and ease. There would be plenty of competition for the early lead as a bunch of the runners helped to force the pace. Social Spirit was quick out of the blocks and was the first to show up, but he was racing a touch keenly for a few furlongs. He would be put under pressure by Super Tuscan down the centre of the track along with the Tim Easterby pair of Rbflying and Furturra. Another to take front rank would be Boleto, who had been quite short of room early on, but regained composure to take a prominent position. Big Cigar moved through the race with ease and gave cause for optimism for his backers at the halfway point. Approaching the final furlong, Super Tuscan and Ballisty moved into a share of the lead as Social Spirit faded away tamely. Big Cigar was asked for his effort by Oisin Orr and the colt responded immediately by going clear inside the final furlong. Ballisty and Furturra paid the price for racing too close to a warm pace and faded away as Brandenburg was the one to emerge from further back. Big Cigar hit the line a comfortable length and a half to the good ahead of Brandenburg, Ballisty and Furturra completing the frame positions.
The Richard and Peter Fahey combination took a while to land their first winner at York since becoming joint license holders, but now they are firing in the winners on the Knavesmire. The Malton stable looks to have a smart prospect for the future in the form of Big Cigar, who returned to winning ways on just his third start. The son of Havana Grey is the first foal out of a winning juvenile racemare who finised placed in a listed race. The colt made a perfect start to his career in May by winning in good style at Newcastle, before he was raised in grade next time at Beverley. Taking part in the class two Two Year Old Trophy over five furlongs, he was slightly hampered during his challenge and took fifth. Stepping back up to six furlongs, he looked more comfortable here and could be worth another try at pattern level later in the season.

Race Two: The John Smith's Racing Handicap - Class Two - One Mile - Runners: 13

Next up would be a typically competitive handicap over the round mile course on the Knavesmire. Just like the sprint contests, the mile handicap division can be re-runs of old rivalries between horses and once again there would be some well known faces taking the start. This race can also be won by a progressive type, including last year where Owen Burrows's Remmooz took victory here before going on to win at listed and Group Three level. 
The 2026 renewal would see the weights headed by an intriguing runner in the Wathnan Racing silks, David Of Athens. Hamad al Jehani's American bred colt has been running on the dirt of late, but managed to win a Group Three in the UAE earlier this year. This would be a totally different test to what he is used to. Next up would be a more recognisable name to British punters, Cerulean Bay from the David O'Meara yard. The five year old continued his good record at York with a second in a similar race in May before a very good run when fifth at Royal Ascot in a big handicap. The veteran Checkandchallenge is a Group race winner during his prime, but the seven year old has started to lose his edge recently. He has dropped into handicap company this year and hasn't been running badly in some strong contests, but hasn't won for a long while. A second runner from the Newmarket training hub would be the Charlie Fellowes-trained Cosi Bello. The lightly raced four year old had been progressing well over seven furlongs, winning Haydock in May before taking a midfield finish at Royal Ascot. This would be just his second attempt over a mile though. Another runner with useful past experience at York is the Kevin Ryan-trained Apiarist. The five year old has won and placed on a couple of occasions here, but has a better record on the all-weather recently. He is a handicapper who needs plenty to go in his favour for him to win. One of the more interesting contestants would be the Amo Racing-owned Tuscan Hills, who made his debut for the Nigel Tinkler yard. The five year old competed in the 2024 Epsom Derby, but has struggled to find form recently and now reverts back to a mile for this contest. The Andrew Balding stable have enjoyed success on this racecard in the past and would hope for more this year with The Lost King. The four year old improved a lot on the all-weather earlier this year before a solid fourth back on turf at Newmarket in May. He was another to struggle at Royal Ascot last time out. The Roger Fell team have done well with new recruits this season and their latest one would be Khafiz, who looked quite promising at the start of last season. The four year old needs to improve again for his new surroundings with what is now his third different stable. William Haggas runners in this kind of race are often worth making a note of and last year's leading trainer at York would saddle First Principle here. The four year old holds stronger form on the all-weather, including a win in a good contest earlier this year, but has been disappointing of turf this summer. Yet another Newmarket runner would be the Kevin Phillippart de Foy-trained Mr Swivell. The five year old has enhanced his record since joining his current stable and posted his best effort of the year when fourth in a decent contest at Newcastle a fortnight ago. A runner for the Malton-based stable would be Richard and Peter Fahey's Bragbor. He is another who prefers an all-weather surface and has been running over longer distances recently. The five year old has yet to find form so far, despite only three runs to date. The well bred New Image was a prolific winner for the David O'Meara stable when he first joined the yard in 2024, but his form has hit a plateau lately. The six year old is talented on his day, but has lacked a finishing application in his races this season. Completing the field would be the only three year old in the race, Gentle George who made the journey from Scotland for trainer Mike Smith. The colt has been interestingly campaigned so far, racing mostly over six furlongs with some success, but this would be a tough race to make his first start over a mile in. 
Winner: THE LOST KING (#7) (Kingman x King Power) - PJ McDonald - A. Balding

The first of the afternoon's handicaps looked to be a very tricky one with nothing much seperating the thirteen runners on paper.
The race would get underway and Khafiz would make the best start of all, moving into an early lead under Oisin Orr. First Principle was drawn out wide, so the front runner swiftly tracked across to the rail to put pressure on Khafiz in the lead. The Lost King travelled with comfort just behind the leaders along with Mr Swivell, Gentle George and the Wathnan Racing silks of David Of Athens. One of the joint favourites Cerulean Bay blew the start by rearing up as the gates opened and had all of his rivals behind him as the pack rounded the home bend and had the grandstands in their sight.
The gallop had been a reasonable one set by Khafiz and the group stayed on the far side of the course. At the two furlong pole, The Lost King was ready to strike, he was sent into the lead by PJ McDonald and the gelding quickly opened up a comfortable gap in the lead. Mr Swivell would go with The Lost King inside the final furlong, but was always playing catch up on the new leader. The gap might have closed to a length and a quarter crossing the line, but The Lost King could be named the winner from a long way out and scored here to make it two wins from two races for the punters. Mr Swivell ran one of his better races to take second, while the old boy Checkandchallenge stayed on from the rear to take third. Early leader Khafiz weakened gradually into fourth after doing most of the hard work in the first half.
This would be just a second win on turf for the four year old The Lost King, but a performance of this nature suggests he could be open to more improvement on this surface. Andrew Balding's son of Kingman was a promising sort earlier in his career, finishing in the midfield in last year's Britannia Stakes Handicap at Royal Ascot, but that was his final start of 2025. After a six month break, he would return to action, this time at Kempton in the first few days of 2026. He would land a similar quality handicap over seven furlongs and he kept on improving. His first big win came in the Lincoln Handicap Trial at Wolverhampton, but he would skip the main event at Doncaster in March. Instead, he would revert to turf in a nine furlong handicap at Newmarket's Guineas Festival where his stamina emptied out close home to take fourth. His latest effort was a virtual non-event at Royal Ascot as he was drawn on the unfavoured far side in the Buckingham Palace Handicap and finished second last. The four year old looks versatile in terms of distance and ground, so he should be able to land another good prize later this year.  

Race Three: The John Smith's City Walls Stakes - Listed Race - Five Furlongs - Runners: 13
The action would begin to heat up on the track as the next ninety minutes at York would provide quality and excitement in equal measures. The first of the pattern races, the City Walls Stakes, would take place over the flying five furlongs, keeping in trend with the biggest race of the day - Newmarket's July Cup over six furlongs. Since its transfer to York in 2011 from Chester, this listed race has cemented its place on the Knavesmire's calendar and is often won by a high class sprinter. It has been the bridge to the next level for high class handicappers such as Copper Knight, Hamish McGonagall and Mr Lupton, but it has also served as a trial for the Group One Nunthorpe Stakes over course and distance in a month's time. Borderlescott, Marsha, Jwala and Winter Power have all completed the famous double, so this year's result could have a bearing on the Ebor Festival's showpiece. Kevin Ryan's five year old Washington Heights would take advantage of a drop in class to run away with the prize last year in a field that has achieved plenty since then.

The field would be led by last year's winner Washington Heights, who returned to his favourite venue in defence of his crown. Kevin Ryan's six year old hasn't been up to the level of Group One races in the past, but was a winner again at Carlisle on his latest start in May where he landed another listed race. The popular American Affair went on a much publicised journey through the ranks for the Jim Goldie stable before hitting the heights of a Group One win last year. After injury, he hasn't been quite at his best and trailed home last in the King Charles III Stakes at Royal Ascot last month. Another popular Northern sprinter would be JM Jungle for the John and Sean Quinn stable. The tough six year old has plenty of miles on track but last year was his best season yet, performing in big handicaps before winning a Group Two at Goodwood in August. This is a return to listed level for a race in which he took third last year. A second runner for the Robert Cowell stable would be the speedy Lexington Blitz. The four year old seemingly likes downhill tracks like Goodwood and has turned the corner since a gelding operation. He ran very well in the Epsom Dash last time out when only giving in close home and taking third. Redorange has been claimed to be one of the quickest horses at Clive Cox's yard and after an unlucky seasonal return here in May, he swiftly landed a good handicap at Windsor. His first attempt at this grade wasn't a bad one when fourth at Carlisle just over a month ago. Starlust's career has been a series of ups and downs of late, but he is undoubtedly talented. After winning at the Breeders Cup in 2024, he was retired to stud last autumn only to be brought back into racing. He hasn't been at his best so far this season, but he is capable of winning a race of this nature. The mare Azure Angel emerged from handicaps to win at listed level at Bath earlier this year and has since put her hoof through the door in pattern company. After a fifth at Carlisle, she then caught the eye with a late finish in a Group One at Royal Ascot last time out. Kevin Ryan's Dickensian was a free going juvenile last year which hampered his progress, but the three year old colt looked better than ever by scoring over course and distance in a similar race. He wasn't at his best last time over six furlongs, so this looks to be more his level. Another horse with high class form in America would be Aspect Island for the James Owen stable. The chestnut finished third in a Grade One last autumn but hasn't repeated that level of form since then; including twice in a week at Royal Ascot. The older mare Heavenly Heather has been on a rags to riches journey for the North East stable of Tracey Waggott and has been better than ever this year. She would flash home into fifth in the King Charles III Stakes at Royal Ascot and this was her chance to prove it wasn't a fluke. The rapidly rising stable of Katie Scott is the new hope of Scotland and she would saddle two of her leading fillies in this contest. The first would be the four year old Luna A Inbhir Nis, who climbed the ladder last year and has turned into a pattern class filly with a pair of placings in listed races at Carlisle and Sandown last week. The Godolphin operation may be winning plenty at Newmarket this week, but they also held a good chance at York with Military Code. The three year old had a good juvenile season last year, placing in a similar race here, but he looked in need of his comeback when down the order at Sandown in June. Yet another mare would take her place in the line up, this time it would be the Jack Channon-trained Miss Attitude. The six year old has made a habit of slow starts, but she has outright talent; as shown when second in this race last year. She ran another excellent race when staying on into eighth at Royal Ascot and has also won at this level in the past. A second runner for the Katie Scott stable would be the grey Naana's Shadow. After a third place at York in May, the filly has improved massively in her last two starts, winning the 3-Y-O Dash with ease at Epsom before winning another valuable handicap over course and distance a fortnight ago, so looks ready for this step up in grade. Another filly would round out the field, this time in the form of Tim Easterby's Revival Power. The well bred three year old looked set for a big year in 2026, but has yet to fire so far with two heavy defeats leaving her with questions to answer. 

Winner: REDORANGE (#5) (Mehmas x Ring For Baileys) - PJ McDonald - C. Cox

The field of speedsters would be reduced by two as Middleham Park Racing's Lexington Blitz would be an early morning non-runner while Katie Scott's Luna A Inbhir Nis became upset in the parade ring and was withdrawn before the start. That would leave a wide open sprint with thirteen contestants.
The sprinters stood patiently in their stall like coiled springs and as the gates opened, they were gone in a flash. The edgy filly Revival Power was keen to get on with things and made a quick getaway under James Sullivan. In the stall next to her, Washington Heights also showed sharp reactions to dispute the lead after a furlong while JM Jungle, Azure Angel, Heavenly Heather and Naana's Shadow were all to the fore. The furlong markers would be ticked off at a rapid rate and soon the field was approaching the final four hundred metres. JM Jungle nosed into a narrow lead but things would get a big tight between runners as they began to unwind with their challenge. Aspect Island drifted to his left which in turn hampered Heavenly Heather, Dickensian and Azure Angel, but they retained forward momentum. Redorange had raced almost by himself in the early stages but once he latched onto the main group, he showed his potent change of pace to make a late challenge. Under a strong drive from PJ McDonald, Redorange would run down Aspect Island and hit the line first ahead of a swarm of horses. In an exciting finish, Aspect Island returned to his best form with a narrow second as JM Jungle and Starlust also bounced back in third and fourth places. The first nine finishers crossed the line in a bunch with just over three lengths covering first to ninth. 
Clive Cox has shown time and time again that he is a trainer to respect when it comes to sprinters. His latest pattern race winning sprinter would be the four year old Redorange, who finally broke through at this level. The son of Mehmas showed classy form in three year old handicaps last season before dipping his toe in this grade last summer. Despite taking second in a French listed race eleven months ago, the gelding returned to handicap company at the start of this season. His first race took place at the Dante Festival over course and distance where he was smuggled up in the pack and unable to make a real challenge in eighth. Just four days later, he was successful at Windsor which was a case of what could have been on his previous run. His latest effort saw a return to listed company at Carlisle, but the stiff uphill finish at the Cumbrian course saw him weaken into fourth. This was one of his best efforts to date and he will now come into consideration for the Nunthorpe Stakes next month. His profile is similar to Kerdos, who was just below high class but was still a classy sprinter for the Clive Cox yard; therefore he will have to improve a lot more to feature in the upcoming Group One contest.

Race Four: The John Smith's Cup Heritage Handicap - Class Two - One Mile, Two Furlongs - Runners: 22

After the speedsters would come the highlight of the day; the 62nd running of the John Smith's Cup Handicap. This ten furlong heritage handicap is seen as one of the biggest betting heats of the entire summer and remains as a fiercely contested as it was for the first running in 1960. Some of horse racing's biggest stables have landed this famous prize, from Henry Cecil to Dick Hern, Aidan O'Brien to Sir Michael Stoute and Andrew Balding to Sir Mark Prescott. With a raise in prize money, the John Smith's Cup is an even more lucrative contest which leads to higher quality horses to contest it. Since 2010, the likes of Wigmore Hall, Euchen Glen, Anmaat and Enfjaar have all won this race before going on to bigger things in pattern company. Twelve months ago, the Andrew Balding stable would win this race for the third time since 2019 as Fox Legacy won with a bit in hand before finishing his season with a sixth in the Group One Champions Stakes at Ascot.
This year's renewal looked to be as hot as ever with some regular names at this level taking on some unexposed up and comers who could be better than this level. The weights would be headed by three potential Group-class four year old horses. The first of them would be Respond, who ran for the last year's winning trainer Andrew Balding. The son of Ghaiyyath has turned into a promising middle-distance type with wide margin wins at Chester and Chelmsford, but could only chase the shadow of Sallaal at Epsom last time out. There would be a Royal runner with a strong chance, in the form of Warrant Holder. John and Thady Gosden's runner won over course and distance back at the Dante Festival in May before an agonising defeat in the Duke of Edinburgh Stakes at the Royal meeting. This would be some very nice compensation here. William Haggas has also won this race in the past and has seemingly had this race in mind for the four year old Yabher. The gelding landed a good prize at Newmarket last autumn before a very impressive win at Goodwood on his comeback in May. He looks set for bigger things. The Karl Burke-trained Thunder Run has already landed two competitive handicaps at York in his relatively short career and finished a respectable sixth in this race last year. The five year old continued his good record here with a second to Warrant Holder back in May before finishing down the field at Ascot last time back over a mile. The Ed Bethell stable trained last year's runner up and now return with a similar type in the form of Danger Bay. The four year old has been progressive over the past year and made a pleasing seasonal debut by winning the Zetland Gold Cup at Redcar, a similarly prestigious handicap. He remains unexposed as well. This race has been won by apprentice riders in the past who have gone on to bigger things like Adam Beschizza and Freddie Tylicki, so this could be a big opportunity for young Mason Paetel who got the ride on Will Scarlet. The Simon and Ed Crisford-trained five year old has been racing around the world before settling in Britain this year and looked back to his best at Newcastle recently with a smooth success, but needs to repeat that effort back on turf. Harry Charlton's runner Hand Of God looked set for a bright future after winning a handicap at Royal Ascot in 2024, but his progressed stalled last year. He was well beaten in this race twelve months ago but cashed in on a reduced rating to win at Newmarket last time out in good style. There would also be a runner here for the Wathnan Racing outfit, the four year old Quai De Bethune. Hamad al Jehani's gelding was successful in a strong handicap at Royal Ascot last year before missing a spending a large chunk of time away from the track. He wasn't disgraced on his comeback at Epsom when sixth, so he should be sharper now. The Scottish outfit of Lucinda Russell and Michael Scudamore have won plenty of big handicaps over jumps and now switch their focus to the flat with Dain Ma Nut In. The five year old is at his best from the front and won twice over course and distance last year, including at this meeting. He improved once again to win a handicap out in Bahrain, but this is his first start since March. Another runner who competed in last year's renewal would be the Tom Dascombe-trained Auld Toon Loon. The seven year old finished well down the order that day, but has been placed at listed level in the past so he isn't a back number at all. Yet another unexposed four year old in the field would be Roger Varian's Raammee. The gelding looked very promising last year by winning a pair of novices on the all-weather and has now shown good form on turf with two placings at Sandown over a mile. He looks ready for a step up in distance here and should be a strong contender. There would also be Irish interest in this year's contest as legendary trainer Jessica Harrington sent over Iron Fist. The four year old won twice last year in his home country and has shown potential for a race like this with two placings in strong handicaps - the most recent of which came at the end of May. Local trainers Richard and Peter Fahey would be triple represented in this famous handicap, the first of their runners being Have Secret. The six year old is another who seems to like running at York with plenty of good efforts to his name here, but he returned to winning ways at Pontefract in April before struggling on softer ground at Epsom last time out. One of the elder runners in the contest would be the nine year old Fantasy Believer. Ed Walker's veteran makes his sixtieth career start here and was still classy enough to win at this level at Doncaster last year. He caught the eye with his finishing effort last time when staying on into fifth into a trial event last month. Sportingsilvermine has been a regular feature in the frame since moving to the James Owen stable two years ago, but the five year old went through a bit of a quiet phase earlier this year. In more recent times, he has found form again with a vengeance, winning at Beverley before placing third over course and distance last month and winning once again in a good contest at Newmarket last week. A good run here from Spell Master could help to proper the career of rookie trainer Oli Rix in this famous contest. The son of Kameko has been a useful handicapper so far during his career, but the majority of his form has come over seven furlongs. This would be his first try over ten furlongs, but he placed third last time out over a mile. The second representative for the Richard and Peter Fahey stable would be the course regular Castle Stuart. The four year old had struggled for form in the first half of this season but returned to his best last time over course and distance when second last month. He has a good record on the Knavesmire already. Jim Goldie is renowned for targeting big handicaps and he would have two runners here. The first would be Altareq, who has shown plenty of potential for a race like this after a third in May and arrives here on the back of a confidence boosting first career win. The third and final Richard and Peter Fahey runner would be Rainbow Nebula. The four year old did the job nicely when winning over a mile at Redcar in May and has since run well in defeat in good handicaps over this distance. The second runner for Scottish trainer Jim Goldie would be a relatively new recruit, Salam Dubawi. After arriving from France over the winter, the four year old scored at a lower level in May and showed his wellness with a third at Ayr six days ago. Another horse who has plenty of recent experience at York is the Tim Easterby-trained Per Contra. The five year old is an infrequent winner, but stayed on into fourth in a trial for this race last month which raises optimism. Completing the maximum field for the John Smith's Cup this year would be the sole three-year-old, Pearl River. Richard Hannon's gelding appreciated the drop in grade to win over course and distance at the end of May before seeing out a longer trip strongly when second at Salisbury last time out. 

Winner: RAAMMEE (#11) (Persian King x Qabala) - R. Dawson - R. Varian

The 67th edition of this famous handicap would see another maximum sized field of twenty-two handicappers go to post and this year's race looked especially hot.
With such a big prize on the line, the jockeys involved waited nervously in the stalls for the race to get underway. As the gates opened, there would be a near perfect start as all twenty-two runners emerged as one and quickly settled into their rhythm. The Scottish challenger Dain Ma Nut In was rushed from his wide stall and soon became the overall leader as expected under Tom Eaves. Respond followed a similar path to Dain Ma Nut In as he was drawn next door and the two widest drawn horses quickly became the first two in the order. Pearl River, Have Secret and the hot favourite Warrant Holder were all front rank behind the leading pair while there was a tightly bunched pack for the midfield places. Yabher, Spell Master and Danger Bay would all settle towards the rear as the pace looked to be a decent one. 
The first half of the race had been completed with little change in the order. The leaders once again chose to stick to the far side rail as the pace began to increase and strides began to lengthen. At the two furlong pole, the pack had become one as Dain Ma Nut In faced plenty of challenges for his lead. Raammee had to sit on the outside and cover more ground for the first part of the race, but as the race warmed up he kicked into the lead. From a similar position, Salam Dubawi was running a mighty raced and was next to challenge. Despite this, he would drift to his left and into the path of other horses. The likes of Danger Bay, Dain Ma Nut In and Have Secret were all hampered and their chances looked to be over. Hand Of God was another to hit a wall of horses at a crucial moment, but once he was out in the open he set about charging Raammee down. The race leader had a bit of breathing space in the final furlong as he galloped on strongly under Ray Dawson, but Hand Of God kept coming. It would be a battle of the Newmarket yards, but Raammee had done just enough to hold off Hand Of God by three-quarters of a length and go into the hall of fame of this historic race. There would be a long gap back to Salam Dubawi in third, a place ahead of Castle Stuart, but the dreaded klaxon of a Stewards' Enquiry was called. After a long review, Salam Dubawi was found guilty of interference and dropped two places to fifth; meaning Castle Stuart and Danger Bay were promoted to third and fourth places respectfully.
A lightly raced, well bred horse lining up in a valuable handicap is often a positive as its connections hold a high regard. This would be the case for Roger Varian's Raammee, who has seemingly been a long term project for a race of this nature. The four year old raced just twice last year, both times on the all-weather. The chestnut went into a few notebooks by getting up close home to win on debut at Kempton despite looking very green. Next up, he would travel north to Newcastle for another novice contest. This time he as dominant, galloping well clear of inferior rivals to win by twelve lengths. He wasn't seen on track until the end of May where he raced keenly on his return at Sandown and weakened into fourth. His latest effort was another step forward, once again at Sandown. He plugged on nicely over a mile to take second, shaping like he needs a rise in distance. He was sent into the lead from a long way out by Ray Dawson, but the four year old stuck on gamely to win this big prize. Minor group races over this distance will now surely come next for Raammee, who was the proverbial Group Horse in a Handicap. 

Race Five: The John Smith's Stayers' Handicap - Class Four - Two Miles - Runners: 9

After the drama and excitement of the John Smith's Cup, the action would continue with the stayers taking to the stage. This two mile handicap lacks a bit of quality compared to the other races on the card, but will provide a thorough test for those involved. Last year, this race would go the way of Brian Ellison's gelding Terrorise, who was enjoying a mini resurgence at the time.
Carrying top weight this year would be the course specialist Rock N' Roll Pinkie from the locally based Ivan Furtado stable. The six year old mare won twice here last summer and has been operating at a tougher level this season; notably in a Group Three two starts ago. One of the more improving types in the field would be Secret Force for trainer Adrian Keatley. The formerly French based gelding has improved with each run since joining current connections and was a determined winner over a longer trip at Pontefract recently. The up and coming dual purpose stable of Dan Horsford would be represented by Cruden. The five year old is lightly raced for his age but has won on the flat and over hurdles so far. He looks ready for this longer trip after a second at Goodwood last time out. Jim Goldie can train sprinters and stayers alike and would saddle his six year old Trojan Sun. He would end the season on a high last autumn with two victories and added to his CV at Carlisle two starts ago, but his inconsistency showed its face again last time out. Tim Easterby's Treasure Islands is very well bred, but has struggled to reach the heights expected from his pedigree. The four year old won twice over this distance at a slightly lower level but struggled in the Northumberland Plate two weeks ago. The likeable mare Valley Of Flowers has been a credit to her trainers Sam and Jacqueline Coward and has also placed at York in the past. The consistent eight year old snapped a long losing spell last time at Carlisle just a week ago. Last year's winner Terrorise was an impressive winner on the day, but Brian Ellison's representative has struggled this year. The five year old is now back to his last winning rating and headgear is tried again ,but it would be hard to fancy him on his recent evidence. There would be more jumping form available on the Knavesmire as Cheltenham Festival winning trainer Patrick Neville would be represented by Cosmic Soul. The gelding has won three times combined in both codes, so has already enjoyed a good season, but ran poorly on his latest start. A second runner for the Malton based stable of Brian Ellison would be Division Day, another last time out race winner. The four year old's wins have come at a lower level, but he remains in good form and took fourth over hurdles on his latest racecourse appearance. Jim Goldie would be another trainer with multiple entries and his second runner would be Furhaan. The four year old has been lightly raced to date and his latest start was his first over two miles. He kept on nicely into fifth at Chester, but now needs to confirm his ability to stay this trip. Completing the line up would be a third runner for Brian Ellison, the mare Queen Roslyn. The five year old found form with a pair of wins last summer before scoring over hurdles, but she has been disappointing in two starts this year; including at this venue 24 hours earlier.
Winner: CRUDEN (#3) (Time Test x Amami) - R. Ryan - D. Horsford

The only alterations to this staying contest would be down to the non-runners Cosmic Soul due to the ground conditions and the mare Queen Roslyn, who had run poorly here a day earlier. That would leave a field of nine and a strongly backed favourite in the form of Cruden. 
Racegoers had plenty of time to get a glimpse of their selection as the race started just in front of the grandstands with a full circuit of the Knavesmire ahead of them. As the gates opened, there would be an even break as Furhaan took up the early running under Lauren Young. It would be a Jim Goldie-trained one two as Trojan Sun was happy to let his stablemate set the fractions with Cruden and Treasure Islands racing in a share of fourth. As the race settled into a flow, Furhaan was allowed to stride on under his jockey and began to open up a six length lead around the far side bend. For much of the race, Furhaan was enjoying himself in front with such a big margin of fresh air between himself and the second placed Trojan Sun, but he was gradually drawn back in by the chasing pack. A lead that was once ten lengths was now at half a length at the three furlong pole as Trojan Sun overtook his running mate. Cruden had stalked Trojan Sun's every move and looked ominous approaching the final stages. He joined Trojan Sun before powering away inside the final furlong and kept finding under pressure to hit the line as the winner by over three lengths. There would be a mini race for second as Furhaan found a second wind and rallied back to deny Trojan Sun for second place while Valley Of Flowers stayed on at the same pace into fourth but barely featured in the race.
This would be a momentous first win at York for the up and coming dual purpose trainer Dan Horsford. The Wiltshire based handler learned the trade as assistant trainer to the high class Alan King, who has led the way when it comes to winners on the flat and over jumps. Since gaining his license this year, Horsford has racked up eight winners, including the multiple winner Miss Lady Grace. He will be a trainer that punters should hear more about in the coming months and years. Cruden's victory here wasn't one out of turn, the five year old had been running well of late and was given a perfect ride by Rossa Ryan. He had shown a liking to Goodwood this summer with two second placings over a mile and three quarters; the latest of which came where his stamina gave out on softened ground. This win will boost his confidence and it is likely that he can find another win around this sort of level. 

Race Six: The John Smith's Silver Cup Stakes - Group Three - One Mile, Six Furlongs - Runners: 6

The Group Three Silver Cup was another race to be born at a different venue as it started out at Lingfield until 1990. It was run as a handicap until eleven years ago where it has been promoted to Group status ever since. In the space of ten seasons, there have been some brilliant winners of this race, the future Coronation Cup winner Hukum, a subsequent Melbourne Cup winner in Without A Fight and the very popular and tough Hamish. Last year, this race would go the way of an equally tough stayer in the form of Al Qareem, who made all for a dominant success - his second at York of the summer.

This year's renewal would see a small but select field with some of these having already faced off at some point in the season. William Haggas's four year old Arabian Legend hasn't won for a while, but excelled in good company last year by placing in the Great Voltigeur here. The colt took third on his latest start at Newbury, but was still well beaten. The Michael Bell-trained Duke Of Oxford would have a better chance if this contest took place on the all-weather as the gelding has a very smart record on that surface. After winning a pair of valuable races over the winter, he was well beaten last time out in the Henry III Stakes in May. The Yorkshire based runner Epic Poet has flown the flag on the world stage for his stable and has finished in the frame in some very good contests, but he needs to overcome a poor showing over this course and distance in June. Andrew Balding's horse have been in excellent form of late and he would saddle Mount Atlas here. The five year old put in a bold bid when going down by a neck in a thrilling three-way finish in a similar contest last time out at this venue. Tabletalk is a former winner at York over this distance, but that remains his latest success. Tom Clover's five year old returned to form with a very close second in the Grand Cup here last month, finishing a place ahead of Mount Atlas. The sixth and final runner of this contest would be the Jennie Candlish-trained Peace Belle. The six year old has won in the National Hunt scene, but made a belated debut on the flat recently where she finished fourth. This would be a good hunt for some black type for her pedigree. 
Winner: MOUNT ATLAS (#4) (Masar x Highland Pass) - PJ McDonald - A. Balding

This contest was once a feature race of the afternoon a few years ago, but due to scheduling around the other racecourses, it found itself at a later slot as the penultimate race. Despite the six runners, the race looked to be a competitive one.
The lack of a front runner here meant the early stages were always going to be tactical. After a hop, skip and a jump, Epic Poet settled into the lead, but he was quickly overtaken by Arabian Force after a furlong. Once Dan Tudhope was happy for Arabian Force to dictate the race, Epic Poet was reined back in the order and went from first to second last down the back straight. The early gallop was just a steady one as Arabian Force was a reluctant leader, but was given company by Tabletalk under Rossa Ryan. The outsider Duke Of Oxford came next with the keen going favourite Mount Atlas sitting in fourth. Peace Belle would bring up the rear, but the pack was tightly bunched through the first half of the contest.
As the field rounded the home bend, once again the place to be was on the far side. There was still little to choose from between Arabian Force and Tabletalk as the race began in earnest. Tabletalk started to nose in front of Arabian Force and looked set to make a winning challenge. Just in behind them, Mount Atlas bridged the gap and joined Tabletalk inside the final furlong. The pair would renew rivalries from last month as they went toe to again with the line approaching. In the closest finish yet, Mount Atlas found just a little bit extra to put his head in front on the line and deny Tabletalk in a thrilling climax. There would be a small break back to Arabian Force in third, while Peace Belle did her connections proud by staying on into fourth.
It would be yet more success on the Knavesmire for the PJ McDonald and Andrew Balding combination, which often returns with a win at each meeting at York. The five year old Mount Atlas has always been a tough and consistent staying handicapper, but this year he has improved further. The son of Derby winner Masar chased home the very classy Jan Brueghel at Chester in a Group Three back in May before missing out by half a length in an identical race to this one at York in June. This was a hard fought and deserved success and he also holds an entry in the Ebor Handicap. He may have to carry a lot of weight in the famous handicap, but he is very tough and will certainly give it his best shot.

Race Seven: The John Smith's Sprint Handicap - Class Four - Six Furlongs - Runners: 19

The final race of the John Smith's Cup meeting would see a near-impossible puzzle to solve for punters as a class four sprint handicap stood between them and finding a last race winner. York handicaps often attract a number of course regulars and talented types at this level and this contest would be no different. Twelve months ago, the popular veteran Aberama Gold rolled back the years to win once again for the David O'Meara stable.

Top weight for the finale would be carried by Yes I'm Mali, who ran for last year's winning trainer David O'Meara. The five year old is a former winner at York in the past, but has improved again since joining current connections. After winning at Thirsk, he stayed on well into second in a similar race in May before filling that same spot at Newmarket last weekend. Two in form mares would come next, the first of them would be James Owen's Betties Bay. The five year old was an instant hit for her current stable after joining at the start of this year as she landed four wins in a row. She hasn't been disgraced in her latest two races from this new rating. Roger Fell has also done well to inject confidence into his mare Glory Hyde, who has also been a prolific winner. The five year old has won four of her last five starts, including her last two at Ripon. She needs to go a few places higher than her eighth in this race last year. Mick Appleby's Juan Les Pins has been a likeable sort throughout the years and has found form again recently. The nine year old has been a regular finisher in the frame, until he blew the start at Thirsk last time out. Paul Midgley is a trainer who is always represented at this level and one of his runners here would be Almarada Prince. He may not have won for eighteen months now, but the five year old has run well over this course and distance on his last two starts. Richard and Peter Fahey won the identical race to this one back in June and would have a similar type here with Havana Rum. The form of his seasonal reappearance second at Pontefract has been boosted, but he has been unable to kick on further in recent starts. The grey First Folio would have plenty of support from his legion of owners, but Julie Camacho's eight year old has won at York in the past. He has run out of gas in his two starts this year despite showing up well. In a field of well travelled handicappers, one of the more unexposed runners would be the four year old Ruby Red Gove. Ivan Furtado's filly transferred her form to the turf by winning at the first time of asking at Pontefract before a solid third at Doncaster last time out. Another four year old in the field would be Mick and David Easterby's Alpha Magic. After making a surprise winning debut in 2024, the gelding has been unlucky at times not to win more races than he has done and he possesses plenty of ability. Another light grey in the field would be Alan Brown's Wreck It Ryley. The six year old has been at home over sprint trips, but recent experiences to race him over longer trips have failed to work so he reverts to a much more comfortable distance. David O'Meara does well with relatively new recruits, so he should be able to find an opening for Sixtygeesbaby. The four year old looked to have a bright future at the start of last year, but he has been badly out of form since joining this stable. It could be a matter of time before he threatens again. Mark Loughnane's Bright has a much better record on the all-weather, as shown when last successful just before New Year's Eve and he has finished down the order in a couple of turf handicaps of late. A second runner for the Paul Midgley stable would be American Bay, who has gone close to winning recently. The five year old has finished in the placings twice so far, albeit over five furlongs and now rises back up in distance here. Rock Opera is another horse who has won at York in the past as well as performing well at a higher level. RIchard and Peter Fahey's gelding has been consistent as ever and arrives here on the back of a win and a second at Pontefract of late. Ruth Carr is a dab hand at improving exposed horses and she has worked her magic with Fiscal Policy. After winning for the most recent time at Pontefract three starts ago, he was caught close home at Newmarket last month, but that form was given a boost a day earlier. The Tim Easterby-trained Mister Sox is another regular in this sort of company and often runs well; as shown with a pair of placings at Thirsk and Ripon. His record at York however is one for concern. A second runner for the Yorkshire stable of Ruth Carr would be Kat's Bob, yet another previous winner on the Knavesmire. He enjoyed a profitable 2025 and looked set for the same this year after a reappearance second, but his form has tailed off badly recently. Making her return to the track after a long absence would be Educating Rita, who makes her debut for the Phil Kirby stable. The four year old hasn't won since her juvenile campaign, but threatened to go close on a few occasions last year so is very much capable on her day. Good Earth recently surpassed his 100th race start and has been a brilliant horse for the Michael Herrington yard. The brave nine year old won this race in 2022 which is part of his 16 race wins, the latest of which came at Haydock a couple of months ago so he remains in form even at this age. Completing the field would be another four year old, the Nigel Tinkler-trained Magic Boy. He would break his maiden tag at the end of last season but has run well in both starts this year, so could make appeal here from a light weight.

Winnner: MAGIC BOY (#20) (Acclamation x Midnight) - L. Edmunds - N. Tinkler

The closing contest would start without the top weight Yes I'm Mali, who was the only non-runner but it left a competitive field of nineteen for the six furlong sprint.
As always is the case at York, positioning is vital when it comes to winning or losing as there can often be a bias with the draw. This time, the early pace would come from the middle to far side as Kat's Bob showed his usual quickness to hold the overall lead. Sixtygeesbaby was drawn on the far rail in stall one, but was able to put pressure on Kat's Bob with Alamarada Prince, Wreck It Ryley and the favourite Betties Bay all in close contention. Over on the stands side, Fiscal Policy, FIrst Folio and Glory Hyde were already a few lengths down on the main group as the race reached halfway. The race still looked wide open approaching the final furlong as Kat's Bob was determined not to give up his lead. Almarada Prince had moved forward to challenge for the lead with Sixtygeesbaby, but the Paul Midgely-trained gelding suffered a bump from one of his rivals. That would leave the door open to Magic Boy, who had weaved his way through from the rear and arrived on the scene with a good looking run. Kat's Bob narrowly lost the lead he had held for most of the race, but put down a valiant defence by going stride for stride with Magic Boy. In a thrilling battle, Magic Boy just pulled out enough from his sleeve to take the win close home, a neck to the good over the brave Kat's Bob. The pair had pulled clear of the third placed Havana Rum, who outstayed the slightly unlucky Almarada Prince for third place.
The meeting would start and end with a Yorkshire winner as Nigel Tinkler's four year old Magic Boy justified plenty of support in the betting. The gelding took a long time to win a race as he didn't get off the mark until October last year at Redcar, his seventh career start. Prior to that though, the son of Acclamation had shown smart form in novice races which included a fourth to Spy Chief at Yarmouth, a horse who went on to finish second in a Jersey Stakes. After his first career win, Magic Boy has been running with new found confidence and looks to be progressing. After a second on seasonal debut at Ripon, he ran too keenly at Doncaster last time out when only fourth. He was able to sit patiently and challenge late in this big field scenario, so he has the ability to repeat this win at a similar level.