September often heralds the beginning of the end of the flat turf season and there would be a slight feeling of that in the air as the Knavesmire played host to York's penultimate meeting of 2026. This standalone one day meeting may lack the quality and excitement of the Ebor Festival which preceded this meeting a few weeks ago, but there would instead be a relaxing and fun atmosphere with York's family fun day.
With plenty of activities taking place around the racecourse for all ages, the main action would come on the track with a listed race being the feature contest. Elsewhere, a good looking maiden contest for two-year-olds and a number of highly competitive handicaps would provide the drama. With a handful of lower grade contests on display, it was a day more for the lesser lights in the sport; those who can take their place in the spotlight for a change.

Race One: The Irish Thoroughbred Marketing Confined EBF Maiden Stakes - 2-y-o Only - Class Two - Seven Furlongs - Runners: 11

Opening the afternoon's racing would be a fascinating contest over the intermediate trip of seven furlongs. This two-year-old race differed slightly from most races of its type as it was restricted to horses who have raced only once so far, with the emphasis falling on making stars of the future. Big name trainers used this opportunity with their juveniles and last year, the race went the way of Richard Fahey's Proud Nation, who stepped forward from a promising debut to win comfortably and further behind him came Infinite Dream and Secret History who have both shown good form this year.

This year's line up saw some well bred horses and others representing powerful connections. Heading the card would be Bayraktar, from the Karl Burke stable; a yard who often does very well in this division. The newcomer is a son of first season sire State Of Rest, but there was appeal in his pedigree as a relative to the top class globe trotter Dubai Honour. This distance of seven furlongs would be at the lower end of his distance preferences. Next up would be a runner for the locally based Ivan Furtado stable with their newcomer Chaos Inn Court. The colt comes from a family which has a number of smart performers in it, but his trainer isn't usually associated with winning debutantes and this looked a strong race to start out in. Karl Burke would have two runners in this contest, the lesser fancied Five Years. The son of Starman was supported in the betting for his debut at Carlisle recently but finished tailed off. He has some pattern-class horses in his family, so had the potential to improve on this quick return to action. Ralph Beckett's juveniles often hit top form at this time of the year and he was represented in this contest by Ghost Raider. He is the first foal of a listed race winning mare, but showed promise in his own right on debut at Kempton where he took second despite an early stumble. With natural progression, he was expected to be in the firing line. Andrew Balding has enjoyed yet another strong season with his juveniles and is a prolific winner at York. This time, he would saddle Izuba, another horse who finished runner up on debut. The Siyouni colt caught the eye on debut when finishing strongly into second at Ascot, behind a winner who went on to compete in the Gimcrack Stakes here at the Ebor Festival. That form read well in this company. Another locally trained runner would be King Kenny for the Antony Brittain stable. The colt is related to some talented horses over a range of distances and plugged on into fourth over a longer distance at Haydock last month in a race which looked quite warm. William Haggas would be another big name trainer on the entries list for this contest as he sent Mezzo Forte to York from Newmarket. The colt made his debut over six furlongs here back in June, but after a slow start he kept on into fifth. He had been given time to freshen up, so was another potential improver. Last year's winning stable of Richard and Peter Fahey would be represented this year by Pete's Angel. The grey was considered good enough to line up in a strong looking maiden here at the Ebor Festival, but never featured. He already looked one for the longer term future. The Malton based stable also ran Scenic Route, who had stronger credentials than his stablemate. The son of Sioux Nation ran very well at Thirsk on his debut, chasing home a classy sort who had run well in Group race company previously. Brian Ellison's grey Unicorn Milkshake would be a popular selection based on the family day theme of the meeting, but made his debut here in this competitive contest. He had a couple of stayers in his distant family and was already gelded ahead of this debut, so he looked to be another longer term prospect. Completing the field was the only filly in the lineup, Tim Easterby's Nice Neasy Does It. The filly was sent to Hamilton for her debut last month, but was given a low key introduction when last of three and well beaten, so needed a big jolt of improvement to feature here.

Winner: MEZZO FORTE (#7) - Wootton Bassett x Majestic Glory - C. Fallon - W. Haggas

Grey skies and slight drizzle would greet racegoers for this Sunday afternoon fixture, but a much sharper shower soon followed; a far cry from the heatwave that surrounded the country just a few weeks ago. Despite the weather, both enclosures were filled with racing fans young and old as the juveniles left the parade ring towards the starting stalls.
All eleven runners took to the preliminaries very well considering the lack of experience between them and with little fuss, they would all stand and wait inside their allocated stall. The gates sprung open to signify the start of the race and the field would get away to a fairly level break. Mezzo Forte was the sharpest away and soon charged into the lead, building up a length's advantage. Chasing the clear leader would be Fifty Years, Scenic Route and Ghost Raider, with the grey Unicorn Milkshake not far away either. As the pack negotiated the dog leg turn into the home straight, the newcomer Bayraktar and long priced outsiders Nice Neasy Does It and Pete's Angel would bring up the rear.
The pace of the early gallop would be just an average one set by Cieren Fallon on the leader Mezzo Forte as he brought the field down the middle of the course. Approaching the final two furlongs, the race began to take shape. The favourite Izuba was looming large on the tail of the leader while Unicorn Milkshake was in the process of running a big race on debut. Scenic Route was caught flat footed as Mezzo Forte increased the pace, but soon rallied. From further back, Bayraktar caught the eye with his progress and moved into second. Out in front though, Mezzo Forte lengthened his stride and kept finding for pressure. He would open up the advantage to over two lengths and hit the line strongly for an impressive success. Bayraktar did his best work at the finish to take an encouraging second, while Scenic Route held on for third; just ahead of the staying on Ghost Raider.
It would be business as usual at York as the Yorkshire born, Newmaket based trainer William Haggas saddled another winner this season. He looks to have a talented prospect for middle distances next season in the form of Mezzo Forte, who defied a three month absence to win. Carrying the silks of well known owner Doreen Tabor, the son of Wootton Bassett made his debut at York back in June, in a weak looking maiden over six furlongs. He was slow from the stalls that day and used up energy to regain a prominent position. By the end of that race though, he would gradually fade into fifth but the experience that day will have been valuable. He looked much more professional here and is bred for longer distances. A distant relative the very smart Running Lion, winner of a Group Two over a mile and listed race over ten furlongs, Mezzo Forte could be in for a good season in 2027 with plenty of options for him. 

Race Two: The Fine Details Car Valeting Sprint Handicap - Class Four - Five and a half Furlongs - Runners: 21

Next up would be the first of some very competitive handicaps, which produced a tricky puzzle for punters to crack. This sprint contest would take on a new guise for 2026 as it had previously been run for three year olds only, a class two event and over six furlongs in the past, but this year it took the form of a class four handicap over the unique distance of five and a half furlongs. Last year, this race was run as a class two handicap which saw a lot of Ebor Festival also-rans compete, but the prolific winner of last season Alzahir continued his progress to win for the Jennie Candlish stable before adding a listed race later in the year. 
Carrying top weight in this year's edition was Utmost Respect from the Richard and Peter Fahey stable. The lightly raced gelding ran in some decent contests last season, but missed the first half of this season. He made his reappearance in a strong handicap here in July and he still had time on his side. Another three year old would take him on, the Kevin Ryan-trained Kinnalargy. The gelding had shown glimpses of promise, but had been inconsistent in the main. He ran much better last time out over course and distance when a close fourth to the reopposing Explosive Finnish in late July. The ever-popular stable of Mick and David Easterby enjoyed Ebor Festival success last month and looked for another York winner here with Call To Action. The five year old had raced mostly over five furlongs leading up to this race, but showed some quirks last time out at Beverley so needed this bigger field to help him settle better. Another horse with past form at York would be Sports Coach for the Antony Brittain stable. The five year old remained a maiden on turf, but had run well in slightly better company over five furlongs this year and was another with good credentials. Explosive Finnish had been running well this season for the newly formed training partnership of Lauren and Kevin Frost and gained a deserved victory here just over a month ago. The chestnut gelding was raised quite steeply by the handicapper, but was an unexposed runner in this field. One of the more experienced runners here would be Parisiac, representing the Iain Jardine stable. The seven year old had formlines against some of his rivals here from earlier in the season and held his form fairly well up until recently. The five year old True Promise is a reliable sort at this level, but Fionn McSharry's gelding had a better record on the all-weather. His hold up style required plenty of good luck in races, but he was without it when finishing down the order at Newcastle last time out. Havana Rum recently surpassed his fiftieth career start and had been in good form without winning this year. The Richard and Peter Fahey-trained six year old finished second in better company twice at Pontefract and lined up here in search of that elusive 2026 victory. A second runner for the Scottish-based yard of Iain Jardine would be the mare Little Mi Mi. The five year old began this year as a maiden, but lined up here as a five time winner since the start of 2026. She was successful at Hamilton two starts ago, but her recent improvement had also seen her rating shoot up with it. The sporadic winner Curious Rover had been beaten in this race for the past two seasons, but is a speedy front runner when on song. Katie Scott's gelding returned to the winner's enclosure at Hamilton two starts ago, but faded out of contention last time out at Musselburgh. Another locally based runner in Malton would be Nigel Tinkler's Duran. The five year old looked to be heading in the right direction two seasons ago when winning this race under slightly different conditions in 2024. This year had been a write off so far, but was tried in first time headgear for this year's renewal. Another horse who has frustrated connections recently would be Vingegaard, who made his debut for the Paul Midgley stable in this contest. The gelding showed useful juvenile form in 2024 and returned to winning ways two starts ago at Thirsk, but struggled at Goodwood on his latest start. The Yorkshire legend Copper Knight is the king of the Knavesmire with seven victories throughout his career and the twelve year old had shown there is still life his legs. Tim Easterby's stalwart won at Beverley in May, but could return to form at his favourite venue. Managing Director had shown he lost little of his speed despite missing the whole of 2025 as he had performed well this summer. Geoff Oldroyd's five year old finished third here two starts ago and his trainer often targets his horses to win at York. The eye-catching grey coated Roach Power has been a solid performer in recent seasons for trainer Michael Wigham, but was another to line up here in search of a revival. The seven year old was in top form at the end of last year, so could be returning to near his best. Yet another three year old taking on older rivals would be the Ian Williams-trained Kanishka. This looked to be an interesting move back down to the minimum trip as he placed over longer distances this year, but he was slowly away last time out and never featured at Newbury. More interest from the Richard and Peter Fahey stable would come in the form of Bonnie's Boy. The four year old won for the only time to date at the end of last year, but had been getting closer of late with a couple of placings over six furlongs in recent starts. Scottish trainer Jim Goldie is always feared in these sorts of races and the shrewd handler would run Oriental Prince here. The five year old has a better record on the all-weather, but a good showing here wouldn't be a surprise given his connections. An in-form contender here would be the Tristan Davidson-trained Harb. The seven year old found improvement out of thin air by winning twice in the last ten days and looked to complete the hat-trick while the iron was hot. Ian Williams would also be represented in this contest by Maharajas Express. The six year old had better form over five furlongs and did well to win from behind at Chester earlier in the summer. He ran well once again when second at Sandown, losing little in defeat. Completing the line up would be a second runner for Tim Easterby, the four year old Tanjen. The filly had three wins to her name leading into this race, but those had come at a more modest level and competed here in class four company for the first time.

Winner: ORIENTAL PRINCE (#19) - Orientor x Eternalist - P. Mulrennan - J. Goldie

All twenty one runners stood their ground in the line-up as the rain finally relented and the sun burst through the clouds. This handicap looked a very difficult one to solve, but the ground conditions underfoot would also prove a factor. The experienced sprinters loaded into their gates quickly and quietly and within minutes, the race was underway. Positioning on the straight course at York is always important and the field remained mostly bunched as one, but with leaders down three channels of the good-to-soft track. Over on the far side, the orange headgear of Vingegaard showed a lot of speed from his low draw and had the likes of Curious Rover, Copper Knight and Tanjen for company. Down the centre, Scottish raider Parisiac showed up prominently with the three year old Explosive Finnish while on the stand's side, Managing Director helped to force the pace with Sports Coach. 
As the field hurtled their way towards the final stages of the race, the contest still looked wide open. Vingegaard bravely held on to a narrow lead, but there would be chances across the track. Copper Knight's ageing legs saw him retreat down the order in the final furlong, but Maharajas Express emerged down the centre to dispute the lead. Tanjen and Explosive Finnish both held every chance, but on the far side rail, Oriental Prince had picked his way through the field under a patient Paul Mulrennan and kicked clear. He briefly went head to head with Maharajas Express, but was always in control to take victory. Third would go to Explosive Finnish, who continued his good run of form, while the top four was completed by Tanjen, who showed up in front for a long way.
Jim Goldie's horses are never far away in races of this nature, yet still pop up and win almost unexpectedly. The homebred five year old was in excellent form during 2025, winning seven times during the calendar year; albeit mostly on the all-weather surfaces of Newcastle and Southwell. He has been a regular in class four and class five races throughout his career, but a best performance came in November last year when second at Newcastle in a class three event. The son of Orientor had gone without a win until this point in 2026, but regularly ran solid races in defeat. As his losing streak continued, his handicap rating fell gradually. He lined up for this race eight pounds lower in the ratings than his only other win on turf at Haydock in May last year; meaning he was well handicapped if things went his way. Travelling smoothly through the field, he was able to strike close home; setting up another probable busy spell back on the all-weather during the latter months of this year.

Race Three: The Hanson Springs Stayers Handicap - Class Four - Two Miles - Runners: 12

The action would go from speed to stamina as the stayers took their place on stage with this two mile test of attrition. This contest would see an intriguing battle with flat trainers taking on their National Hunt counterparts, with a few horses who showed classy form over obstacles. Last year, this contest was run as a class three event and saw the mare Rock N Roll Pinkie land a second win at York of the year, getting the better of a thrilling three-way finish and producing a local winner for the Ivan Furtado stable.
The six year old Shadow Dance hadn't been at his classy best of late, but this was a drop in grade for Rebecca Menzies's grey. He was a winner at the Ebor Festival two years ago, but struggled in a valuable contest here last month and tried this distance for the first time with. Legendary trainer Sir Mark Prescott is famed for his outsmarting of the handicapper and his horses are always feared over staying distances. He would saddle the former French-trained filly Pinatique, who ran well enough on her UK debut at Newbury and remained unexposed for this new test. A potential successor to Sir Mark Prescott's crown could be James Owen, who is equally adept at placing horses to good effect. He was represented by two runners here, the first of them being Percy Shelley. The seven year old had run well since joining the yard in 2025, winning over hurdles and finishing second on a number of occasions; including last time out at Newmarket. He would line up once again against his stablemate High Fibre; another seven year old. The gelding finished third on stable debut here in June before winning a valuable contest over hurdles next time. He successfully reverted to the flat last time by beating Percy Shelley comfortably at Newmarket and looked to confirm that form. The nine year old Call My Bluff had plenty of experience to rely upon and showed smart form a few years ago for the Dominic Ffrench Davis yard. He caused a surprise by winning very easily at Newbury in April, but was unable to reproduce that form in his next two starts. Last year's winner Rock N Roll Pinkie returned to York to defend her crown in this contest. Ivan Furtado's mare had largely struggled this season since her win twelve months ago, but lined up here on a lower rating this time around. The dual license holders Graeme McPherson and David Killahena are more recognised with National Hunt horses, but had a rare flat runner with Moon Chime. The eight year old landed a Grade Three hurdle back in May to confirm his ability in that sphere, but was sharp enough to win on his latest flat race at Kempton; also in the month of May. Jim Goldie would be doubly represented in this race, with both horses being no stranger to the Knavesmire. Trojan Sun was a smooth winner at Carlisle back in June and also finished third here a month later. The six year old is a solid type and finished third once again on her latest start at Musselburgh. An eye catching runner in this company would be Florida Dreams, also trained in Scotland by Sandy Thomson. The eight year old may have started on the flat late into his career, but won a Grade Two bumper at Aintree a few years ago and showed useful form over hurdles. He ran three times in quick succession earlier this year to gain a rating and now moves into handicap company for the first time on the flat. Tim Easterby is another trainer who has won similar races at York in the past and he would be represented by the tough Marbuzet. The seven year old had been placed at York on a number of occasions in the past and lined up here on the back of a win at Beverley in which the front two pulled a long way clear of the rest. There would be more interest from north of the border as Iain Jardine sent down Newport for this contest, in the pink and yellow silks of Ursa Major Racing. The six year old had found form earlier this year, winning over hurdles and then on the flat this summer, but he faded away over a slightly longer trip at Musselburgh last time out. Completing the line up would be a second runner for the Jim Goldie stable, Furhaan. The exuberant four year old often leads early and held on to a placed finish over course and distance in the summer, so should be the likely source of pace in this contest.

Winner: MOON CHIME (#7) (Pether's Moon x Bella) - C. Hutchinson - D. Killahena & G. McPherson

Once again, there would be no amendments to the racecard and all twelve runners took to the start in this intriguing contest. As the gates opened, Newport would make a perfect start and gained half a length on his rivals from the flag fall. Furhaan was another sharply out of the blocks and as the field settled into their rhythm in front of the stands, it was the recognised front runner Furhaan who moved forward into the lead. The four year old was ridden with a little more restraint than on previous starts by Lauren Young, but still held a lead of a length to his stablemate Trojan Sun and the keen going pair Pinatique and Newport. In behind the front wave of horses would be Call My Bluff, Marbuzet who had recovered from a slow start, Moon Chime and James Owen's pair High Fibre and Percy Shelley. Entering the back straight, the order was brought up by Rock N Roll Pinkie and Florida Dreams, who both had more horses ahead of them than behind.
The pace would be just an average one set by Furhaan, given the slower conditions. There would be little change in the order as the experienced geldings and mares ticked off furlong pole by furlong pole and soon found themselves halfway down the home straight. Furhaan was asked for more effort by his rider, but he laboured with his response. Trojan Sun took over where his weakening stablemate left off by inheriting the lead, but it would be a brief stay in front. Pinatique would take over at the two furlong pole and was sent for home by her rider Dylan Hogan as the stamina doubts began to rise. The race would change complexion once again as Moon Chime began to unwind on the far side rail and gradually moved closer to the leader. The gelding nose in front of Pinatique and started to extend his advantage inside the final furlong. The eight year old was home and dry, despite the efforts of a plugging on High Fibre, to win by a comfortable two lengths. High Fibre would achieve his best possible placing with a second while Pinatique faded into third; a place ahead of Percy Shelley, whose stamina also seemed to elapse.
2026 has been a very productive year for the talented dual purpose gelding Moon Chime, who was winning his third race of the year. The son of Pether's Moon is better known for his exploits in the National Hunt discipline, where he showed promise from an early age after winning multiple bumpers and novice hurdle races as well as placing in a listed race at Cheltenham. He developed into a useful handicap hurdler for the David Killahena and Graeme McPherson yard last year, winning twice and then suffering a bit of bad luck in a valuable contest at Aintree's Grand National festival. Towards the end of the season, Moon Chime turned his attention to the flat, but struggled to land a blow on a number of occasions. This year however, Moon Chime has returned to his best. After a warm up on the flat at Southwell in April, he caused a surprise at Haydock in May by winning the Grade Three Swinton Handicap Hurdle; finishing best of all for a narrow success. Not finished there, he then lined up on the all-weather at Kempton over two miles in a similar race to this one and pulled clear for a decisive victory there. His latest appearance was back over hurdles for the Summer Handicap Hurdle at Market Rasen, one of the course's most valuable races. He could only manage sixth that day, in a race that was ironically won by High Fibre, the horse that chased Moon Chime home here. The eight year old is in top form now and although it is a much more competitive race in October, connections could be tempted into planning for a tilt at the Cesarewitch Handicap at Newmarket over two and a quarter miles. 

Race Four: The Saltmoore Collection Handicap - Class Three - One Mile, Two Furlongs - Runners: 15

The quality handicap contests would continue here with this middle distance event taking place from the Juddmonte International starting point of ten furlongs. This class three contest is open to horses aged three and older and twelve months ago saw a good field for the level. The win would go the way of course specialist Zain Blue from the John Butler stable who was landing a third win at York.
This year, top weight was carried by Nesthorn from the George Baker stable in Epsom. The four year old was progressive towards the end of last year, winning in France and Dubai, but since moving to Britain he had raced too keenly in his races. If he is able to settle, he has shown he has the ability to feature in a race like this. Tuscan Hills was a listed race winner at the end of 2024 and started last year with Classic dreams. He lost his way slightly, but has returned to form of late since moving to Nigel Tinkler stable. His three recent starts have all been good ones and he moved back up in distance for this contest. Andrew Balding's horses can never be ruled out at York, but Teumessias Fox arrived here with plenty to prove. The seven year old has a better record on the all-weather and had run poorly on turf on his latest two starts. Have Secret is a regular visitor to York for the Richard and Peter Fahey stable, but his form has stalled of late. The six year old won in better company at Pontefract in April, but had been out of form ever since; including at the Ebor Festival last month. The Michael Bell-trained Let's Dream won the final race of 2025 at York over course and distance and continued his progress on seasonal reappearance by winning at Chester in May. Since then, he has had excuses for his defeats recently, but a return to this venue could suit. David O'Meara is another trainer who enjoys a winner at York and this time would be represented by Duke's Command. The five year old was last successful in a better race last December, but hadn't been at his best when last seen earlier this year. He finished down the order last time out here in May. A second runner for the Richard and Peter Fahey stable would be Castle Stuart, who also has plenty of passport stamps at York. The four year old saves his best for the Knavesmire with a string of finishes in the minor placings, including in the John Smith's Cup and last time out in a more competitive contest at the Ebor Festival. One of the most unexposed and exciting runners in the field would be the beautifully bred Besieged. Harry Charlton's three year old looked set for bigger things when getting off the mark at the third attempt last time out with a dominant fourteen length win at Salisbury. This would be a good test of his ability on handicap debut. Kevin Ryan's Dark Moon Rising rolled back the years by bolting up over course and distance in June, but he took advantage of a lower grade that day. The seven year old is another who does well at York and ran with credit here last month when sixth in a class two contest. The eight year old Dhahabi was once a smart type earlier in his career, but failed to live up to his half brother Golden Horn's level. Now with the Ian Williams stable, the gelding had been running poorly of late and had plenty to prove. The Grant Tuer-trained Empire Of Light built up a good run of form by winning three times in a row between the end of 2025 and start of 2026. He lined up in a similar contest over a slightly shorter distance back in June, but produced a very poor effort and hadn't been seen in action since then. Tim Easterby would also be represented in this contest by the once useful Wahdan. The five year old's last win came back in 2024, but was running with credit this year since joining his current stable. He placed twice at York over a range of distances, so was seemingly versatile. A second runner for the Tim Easterby stable would be Double Parked, who built up a reputation as a Redcar specialist. The four year old would win for the first time away from the seaside by landing a lesser race over course and distance in June, but struggled in better company last month and this didn't look any easier. Another former French based runner in the field would be Wanderlust, who was successful on his final start in Europe before joining the Iain Jardine stable this year. Since then, he has quickly shown smart form at this sort of level and distance, so looked to be an interesting runner here from a low weight. Another former course and distance winner from earlier in the season would be the three-year-old Pearl River for the Richard Hannon stable. The colt ran as well as he could since his win in May, with defeats coming over longer distances than this. Completing the line up would be Stoneacre Donny, who renewed rivalry with Pearl River. The pair met back in May where Stoneacre Donny took third behind Pearl River, but Tim Easterby's three year old gelding found the going too quick last time when finishing tailed off in July. 

Winner: STONEACRE DONNY (#17) (Japan x Iromea) - D. Fentiman - T. Easterby 

Some of the intrigue in the race would be taken out in the build up as the likely race favourite Besieged was deemed to be a non-runner due to the change in ground conditions. In his absence, fifteen runners over varying profiles would go to post with a whole host of previous experience at York.
The action would get underway on the far side of course as the runners emerged from their stalls and began to turn left into the short straight. The two Tim Easterby-trained geldings Double Parked and Stoneacre Donny would show up well in the opening stages as the first named Double Parked dictated the pace. The favourite Castle Stuart settled into an ideal position just behind the leader, alongside Nesthorn, Duke's Command and the three year old Pearl River. The quirky Teumessias Fox was slow to break from the stalls, as was Tuscan Hills and they would both bring up the rear, chasing a pace that was no more than an average one. 
Halfway down the home straight, the field began to bunch up and there would be a lot of horses in with a chance. Two furlongs out, Double Parked was headed by his stablemate Stoneacre Donny who arrived on the scene travelling powerfully under Duran Fentiman. The three year old was going much better than his rivals and it was a matter of when not if for Stoneacre Donny. With his rivals hard at work, Stoneacre Donny breezed into a clear lead inside the final furlong and was eased down approaching the line to win by a cosy length and a half. The form line with Pearl River from earlier in the year was comprehensively reversed as Pearl River chased the winner's shadow in second, finishing in turn clear of the third placed Castle Stuart who placed at York once again. It would be a close call for third place as Have Secret missed out on the podium by a nose, settling for fourth instead.
This would be an emphatic return to form for the three year old Stoneacre Donny, who had promised a performance like this earlier in the year. Tim Easterby's gelding won once as a juvenile last year, but was bred to make into a better three-year-old. He started his campaign with a third at Doncaster over twelve furlongs in March and remained at that distance in May for a three year old handicap here at the Dante Festival. He plugged on into a respectable second place on that occasion, but appeared to be in need of a shorter distance. Just a fortnight later, he would line up at York once again, this time over ten furlongs. He would race keenly behind a steady gallop and weakened into third behind the winner that day, Pearl River. Another respectable effort would follow at Redcar with another second place, but the gelding had competed in three races within a month. After a mini break, Stoneacre Donny lined up against older horses for the first time in a similar contest to this one in July, but he was badly tailed off. That race took part during the nationwide heatwave and a post race examination found he was suffering with heat stress, so he was rightly given time off to recover. Freshened up here, he returned to the level of promise shown earlier in the year and landed a first win of the year. With similar races around the region before the season's end, there should be plenty of winnable opportunities for the gelding. 

Race Five: The Starman At Tally Ho Stud Garrowby Stakes - Listed Race - Six Furlongs - Runners: 9

The feature contest of the afternoon came in the form of the Garrowby Stakes, a listed race which has been the headline act on this card since 2012. The six furlong contest is postitoned awkwardly on the calendar as it comes a day after the Group One Sprint Cup, held on the other side of the Penines at Haydock. Despite this, the contest has gone the way of subsequent Group One winners such as Limato and Starman, with popular and tough winnings like Dakota Gold and Quinault. Last year, this contest was shrouded in drama. The William Haggas-trained Elmonjed furthered his liking for York by winning this contest, but a horrific fall mid race for Almeraq and Tiger Bay overshadowed the finish. Both horses thankfully survived and Almeraq has made a big impression in 2026, winning two Group One races in excellent style. 
This year's renewal looked to be a strong one and those involved were looking at Almeraq for inspiration to make their impact at the highest level in the future. The well thought of Behike has been transformed since dropping to six furlongs this year and George Scott's three year old headed the field. After a blip at Royal Ascot, he returned to his best with a listed race win in France, so had experience at this level. A second three year old in the line up would be Dickensian from the Kevin Ryan stable. The smart colt made a winning seasonal debut at York back in May as he won a listed race over five furlongs, but has remained at this distance throughout. He had been outclassed at a higher level, but this would be a first try over six furlongs. Double Rush switched to the Andrew Balding stable this season and improved massively, winning three handicaps in a row; culminating in the ultra competitive Wokingham Handicap at Royal Ascot. He wasn't disgraced in the July Cup last time, his first attempt at Group One company, so this was a chance to regain the winning thread. The old boy Regional is still sharp enough to feature at this level and Ed Bethell's eight year old began this season brightly with a third in a Group Two over course and distance. Since then, the gelding has had excuses for his defeats, but won a Group One race only three years ago. Another veteran of this discipline would be Karl Burke's Spycatcher. The eight year old famously performs best on softer ground, so the rain that fell would have helped his cause. The former Group Two winner has been worryingly below his best so far this season, but dropped back down to listed level. Another three year old on the rise would be Extremely Zain, who lined up for last year's winning trainer William Haggas. The colt burst onto the scene at York in June with an impressive handicap success over seven furlongs, but he was below his best when only seventh in a Group Two contest last time out. This would be a drop back to six furlongs for the first time since his debut. The grey filly America Queen finished second in the Lowther Stakes last year and began this year with plenty of excitement around her. She hit some bumps in the road this season though but was back to her best last time out at Pontefract with an emphatic success in a similar contest. Another mare in the field would be the returning Nariko, who made a belated seasonal reappearance in this contest. Hugo Palmer's five year old looked progressive last year, winning a couple of handicaps, but was found out at this sort of level towards the end of the year. Completing the nine strong field would be Lam Yai, who showed plenty of solid form as a juvenile last year for Karl Burke. The filly won at this level eleven months ago at Doncaster, but pulled too hard early on here over seven furlongs last month. 

Winner: EXTREMELY ZAIN (#6) (Hello Youmzain x Alone) - C. Fallon - W. Haggas

The intrigue around this feature contest would rise as the nine very talented sprinters stepped out of the parade ring and cantered towards the end of the home straight for the six furlong starting point. The experienced speedsters entered their stall without issue and the runners and riders stared towards the grandstands and winning post in the distance in the brief seconds before the gates opened.
There would be a fairly level break and the initial pace came from the filly Lam Yai, who was keen to get on with things under Sam James. There would be plenty of front runners in the field as Extremely Zain, Regional, Spycatcher, Behike, America Queen and Nariko all latched onto the heels of the leader in the first few furlongs. Double Rush was slightly awkward for a stride or two after leaving the stalls, but settled at the rear of the pack with Dickensian. Approaching the boiling point of the race, Lam Yai's time in the lead came to an end as Regional took over, still moving with plenty of enthusiasm. Extremely Zain stalked Regional approaching the final furlong and used his slipstream to quicken into a narrow lead. Over on the far side of the group, Double Rush made his move at the same time, but Extremely Zain had gained first run. The pair moved past Regional and began to fight out the finish. Extremely Zain was given a strong challenge by the favourite, but had the measure of Double Rush and held on for a half length victory. Dickensian was produced late and ran very well on first try at this distance, finishing a close up third with Regional fading into fourth with just two lengths seperating the top four and a gap back to the rest.
It would be a return to form for the highly touted colt Extremely Zain, whose progress had stalled briefly recently. The son of Hello Youmzain made a sparkling first impression on his debut at the end of 2025 when romping home by seven lengths at Newcastle over six furlongs. He was then away from the track for four months before returning at Newbury for another novice contest, this time over seven furlongs. He held on in game style that day, but it would be his next start which showed his potential. Lining up on the Knavesmire for a class two handicap over seven furlongs, Extremely Zain would face an altogether different test to what he was used to and faced a wall of horses approaching the final furlong. He produced a very sharp turn of gear and went from last to first in a matter of strides, pulling clear at the line to win impressively. He held Group race entries at that point, but remained in handicap company next time at Ascot for the competitive International Handicap. He raced keenly early one and his finishing kick wasn't as potent this time as he lost his unbeaten record in fourth; but was far from disgraced. His latest outing would be a first try at pattern company in the Group Two Hungerford Stakes, back at Newbury. Held up once again and racing keenly, he trailed home in a low key seventh. Reverting to six furlongs for this contest, his change of speed was prevalent once again and he was able to return to winning ways in this good contest. He would provide William Haggas with a second win in this race in a row, a day on after stable star Almeraq's stunning Sprint Cup victory at Haydock. Extremely Zain has the potential to rank even higher next season over six furlongs, possibly taking over from where Almeraq left off and providing more sprinting glory for the Newmarket stable. 

Race Six: The Eboracum Security Handicap - Class Three - Seven Furlongs - Runners: 15

The racing action would begin to wrap up with this penultimate contest, another tricky looking handicap but this time over seven furlongs. This would be a new addition to the card for this year as it replaced a fillies and mares handicap over nine furlongs, so there would be a closely bunched field of horses looking to put their name on the trophy for the first time.
Top weight would be carried here by the Wathnan Racing-owned He's A Monster. The six year old originally began is career in Britain and ran to a smart level, winning a few good handicaps back in 2023. He then spent time in France with moderate success, but since returning to Britain with Hamad al Jehani, he has regained form; winning on the all-weather at Deauville on his last appearance a year ago. The course specialist Northern Express is a very smart handicapper at this distance and has won at a higher level in the past. Michael Dods's seven year old finished strongly to win over this course and distance back in July before confirming that form with a close up third in a stronger race at Thirsk over a mile. Middleham Park Racing would have a runner here in the form of the grey Bobby Bennu. The five year old is a very capable performer in handicap company and went very close in a higher graded race back in June on the all-weather. He finished down the order last time out at Goodwood, but found a wall of horses in front of him with nowhere to go. William Haggas often does well in races like this with relatively unexposed horses and he would run Power Fizz in this contest. The four year old was progressive last season and continued his rise by winning at Newcastle in March, but recently he produced two very poor runs back on turf. Another Newmarket-based trainer with a runner here would be James Owen with Houquetot. The four year old was a smart performer in his native France, winning a Group Three two years ago, so looked to be an eye catching recruit for the shrewd trainer. He would keep on into fourth at Newmarket when last seen in action in July. The nicely bred four year old Great Dream was highly tried at times last season for his previous trainer and hacked up in a minor contest at Ffos Las two starts ago. He has since joined the Malton based yard of Seb Spencer and looked to give the yard a big winner at York. He struggled from this new rating in a similar contest at Southwell last time out. Another runner who showed smart form in previous seasons would be Khafiz, who has shown flashes of promise recently for the Roger Fell stable. The four year old has gone over a year without a win, but took fourth in a handicap which has worked out nicely at York in July. He had an excuse for last time out's poor showing as he reverted to six furlongs. Stuart Williams is a trainer capable of finding improvement with new recruits and would have two runners in this contest. The first of them would be Utmost Good Faith, a three year old who has won by big margins three times this year for previous connections, but has raced too keenly in his two starts for this yard recently. His stablemate Humam won a similar race over course and distance in June last year but has shown inconsistent form of late. The four year old has finished third twice in his last five starts, but they have been surrounded by other poor showings. Another three year old taking on his elders would be Mr Noble, trained by Karl Burke. The son of Starman had yet to finish out of the top three coming into this contest, including two placings here earlier in the season. He returned to winning ways in good style at Southwell last time out. There would be more previous winning York form in this contest, courtesy of Our Havana. Richard and Peter Fahey's five year old seemingly goes well when fresh and made a winning seasonal comeback in June, but had been well beaten on his next two starts. The Tim Easterby-trained U Sure Do is a capable sort at this level and his performances suggest that he should have more than the three wins he has collected to date. He was successful when dropping to six furlongs at Ripon recently, but this looked a stronger contest. The remarkable Woohoo had been a model of consistency for the Jim Goldie stable but has found winning elusive this summer. The mare has finished second in each of her last six starts, including in a stronger contest at the Ebor Festival and she lined up here hoping to get her nose in front this time. Richard and Peter Fahey would be another stable with multiple interests in this contest as they also saddled the three year old First Time. The gelding joined the Malton yard at the start of this season but had been given some tough asks at times. He showed potential when third in two starts during the summer, but could only manage a lowly fifth in a small field at Doncaster last time out. Completing the field would be another course specialist, Tim Easterby's Quest For Fun. The seven year old has won twice at York during his career, with a number of placings in similar company. He would run well once again last time out in July, taking third in the race he had won the previous year at York.

Winner: POWER FIZZ (#4) (Wootton Bassett x Cristal Fizz) - C. Fallon - W. Haggas

There would be drama at the start as jockey Robbie Downey struggled to remove the blindfold from Bobby Bennu, which led to a compromised start for the grey. The pair trailed the field by many lengths as their fourteen rivals charged towards the home straight. The early pace would be a strong one with a number of front runners in the field. Perennial bridesmaid Woohoo would set the fractions early on, but she was pestered by the keen going He's A Monster and Utmost Good Faith. Race favourite Mr Noble sat just behind the leaders, racing alongside Northern Express, Khafiz and Our Havana as the field made their way to the halfway point. At the top of the straight, Utmost Good Faith nosed into the narrow lead but was soon surpassed by He's A Monster as the lead changed hands three times within a matter of furlongs. 
Approaching the second half of the race, Woohoo had wrestled back the lead but still looked vulnerable with a host of horses behind her. The action remained on the far side of the course as those held up such as Quest For Fun suffered trouble in running. The race changed complexion once again at the final furlong pole as Woohoo lost the lead for good this time as Mr Noble took over in front. First Time was running a much a better race this time and nipped through a gap on the rail to challenge the new leader. It looked set for a battle of the three year olds, but Quest For Fun had found daylight and began to charge home. Three horses would go head to head, Quest For Fun, Mr Noble and First Time, but the drama wasn't over yet as the dark silks of Power Fizz emerged from nowhere to grab the three of them and steal the race on the line. Power Fizz had timed his challenge perfectly to deny the unlucky Quest For Fun with Mr Noble caught in the closing stages in third. Just half a length covered the first three with a small break to First Time in fourth.
It would be a dramatic conclusion to this competitive handicap, but the completion of a hat trick for the William Haggas and Cieren Fallon combination. The son of Wootton Bassett looked to have a bright future during 2025, breaking his maiden tag in comfortable fashion at Newcastle in late January before developing into a progressive handicap during the spring, winning twice on turf at Newmarket and Ascot, his season was cut short after May where he finished fourth at Goodwood; again in good company. Starting his 2026 campaign where 2025 began at Newcastle, he returned with a bang by winning a similar level contest over six furlongs, but quickening away from his rivals to suggest seven furlong is much more to his liking. Another short break followed, but it would be supported by disappointment. Back at Newcastle and up in grade, the gelding received a bump at the start and lost confidence early on, finishing tailed off as a beaten favourite. His latest effort would come at the tight and twisty Chester, remaining over seven furlongs. He would race wider than ideal that day, but still had no response when the question was asked, finishing a distant last. The four year arrived here with plenty to prove all of a sudden, but he looked happier in a big field with a strong pace to aim at. He still had plenty of work to do in the final furlong, but landed the spoils with a last gasp victory. It would cap an excellent day for connections and it will be interesting to see if Power Fizz can keep the winning trait going after this confidence booster.

Race Seven: The Coopers Marquees Apprentice Handicap - Class Four - One Mile - Runners: 19

The final contest of the afternoon would be a view to the future with this competitive looking contest over a mile, restricted to apprentice jockeys. On a day where some of those in attendance might be learning more about the sport of horse racing, this would be an opportunity for the riders to showcase their skills. Last year, the race saw a well fought out finish and Scott Dixon's Canvas returning successful after making all of the running that day under Sam Feilden.

Top weight would be carried here by Mister Richard, who has run well at York in the past and had shown consistent form earlier this season. The seven year old has recently rejoined the Middleham stable of Ann Duffield, but produced a low key effort at Southwell last time out. The improving four year old Inspired would line up here for the Karl Burke stable and had a likeable profile coming into this contest. The gelding ran well in big field races earlier in the season, but won twice in his last three starts on a range of ground conditions, so is clearly versatile. Lir Speciale is another regular to the Knavesmire and finished in the frame twice at York within the space of 24 hours back in June. Brian Ellison's seven year old finished third in this race last year as well and clearly likes these surroundings. Roger Fell's Alpha Capture had been a model of consistency this summer with a number of placings and a couple of wins this year. The only recent blip came in handicap company here in July, but he had otherwise been in good heart of late. Another horse who ran well in last year's running would be Rajapour from the David O'Meara stable. The former French-trained gelding finished second twelve months ago but had become more settled in this country this year. The six year old won twice at Redcar leading into this contest, showing no ill effects of a scary fall here in July. Proud Nation won the opening maiden contest on this card last year for the Richard and Peter Fahey stable and looked to make a winning return to York. The colt hadn't seen much racing since last year's win and remained unexposed over this mile distance with a stronger pace on offer. King Casper would be another Yorkshire runner in this contest as he lined up for the Antony Brittain stable. The four year old looked to be going places at the start of last year, but his form plateaued out in good handicaps in the summer. He moved to Yorkshire this season, but struggled in two starts for his new connections. Dwindling Funds would make the journey down from Scotland for the Jim Goldie stable and caused a bit of a surprise when winning over a mile here in July. The five year old wasn't winning out of turn that day, but was unable to back that form up next time at Hamilton when down the order over nine furlongs last time out. Son has remarkably stayed on one career win, which came three years ago, but he has shown potential for more since joining the Tim Easterby stable. The five year old has run well at York in good quality handicaps over seven furlongs and a mile and lined up here on the back of a third at Carlisle recently. The lightly raced Melvin Udall looked to appreciate the softer ground conditions when winning on stable debut for Grace Harris at Doncaster in March. Since then, the gelding had struggled in better company and on quicker ground, so it would be interesting to see how he fared back on slower conditions. A second runner for the Tim Easterby yard would be Daydreama, who had built up plenty of experience for his young age. The three year old had run well at York in the past over seven furlongs, but found himself outclassed in a better race over a mile at the Ebor Festival recently. Yet another three year old in the line up would be Advance Twentyfive, a second runner for the Richard and Peter Fahey stable. The gelding was another to have run well at York in the latter part of last season, but remained a maiden until his eleventh start. He finally gained a first win at Chester, but was disappointing over a mile at Ripon last time out. A totally unexposed runner in the field would be Ed Bethell's filly Callisto Dream. The four year old filly took part in some good contests last year, but made nice return to action by holding on for the win at Pontefract in May. She hadn't been seen since then, but seemed to be ground dependant. The three year old division would be well represented here as Illy's Roo lined up for the Classic generation and the Gemma Tutty stable. The gelding benefitted from a strong pace to win over course and distance in July and had run only moderately on his next two starts at Ascot and Redcar. Ian WIlliams's six year old Be Frank is a regular in this kind of race and was last successful in the spring of 2025. He never featured on his only start of the year at Chester in June. Last year's top three in this race would all return for another shot at victory as the defending champion of this race Canvas took his place in the field. Scott Dixon's four year old had been campaigned over a range of distances since his last win, which suggests this race could have been his target all year. Substance began his career in Ireland with moderate success and had moved to North Yorkshire with the Mark Walford stable. The colt still had a bit of potential to improve based on his second place at Redcar last time out. Yet another representative for the Tim Easterby would be Barley, whose last win came over two years ago, but had hit the crossbar on a number of occasions in the meantime. The seven year old had finished in the first four in his previous six starts and would be a worthy winner if getting his nose in front this time around. The field would be completed by the veteran Empirestateofmind, who would be a trusted partner for his inexperienced rider. Now an eight year old, the gelding is a past winner at York with a liking for softer ground, but his form had been very poor in the build up to this contest and had plenty to prove.

Winner: INSPIRED (#2) (Dubawi x Worth Waiting) - T. Moore - K. Burke 

All nineteen runners and riders would go to post as advertised for the finale, which was run under totally opposite conditions as the opener as the sun shone down with a warm glow.
As the gates opened, last year's winner Canvas had the quickest reactions of all and soon found himself in front under Mikkel Mortensen. Next to follow him would be Son, who did well to quickly track over his wide stall and sit in second place after a furlong. Advance Twentyfive, Dwindling Funds and Barley would take the sweeping bend in a share of third place with the likes of Inspired, Master Richard and Callisto Dream not far away. Further back in the field, Proud Nation slipped briefly leaving the stalls and found himself further back than ideal as the pack made their way into the home straight at an even pace.
Mikkel Mortensen would then take the field down the centre of the course on Canvas and attempted to slip away at the front. He would fend off the attentions of Son approaching the final furlong and was still the one to catch, but he began to drift off a true line. As the leader Canvas hung to his right, it opened the door for Inspired, who took over the lead at the final furlong pole. The race outcome would be between just two runners as Inspired gained the upper hand and drew clear under Toby Moore, winning by almost two lengths over the game Canvas. There was a three length gap back to third where Melvin Udall was doing his best work at the finish, keeping on into the final step on the podium. Be Frank was another to be held up early and flashed home to take fourth on ground conditions he likes.
Inspired was all the rage in the betting ahead of this contest and the four year old would justify the support with a popular success in the finale. His trainer Karl Burke rarely leaves York empty handed and ensured he got his name on the winner's board with this progressive four year old, who could develop further. The son of Dubawi is the first foal of a Group Two winner over nine furlongs and has a likeable profile. After finishing second on debut in January 2025, Inspired wasn't seen until eleven months later where he scored for the first time at Newcastle in December. This year however, the four year old has made up for lost time and has yet to finish lower than sixth to date. Finishing in the placings on a number of starts and running well in competitive handicaps at York earlier in the season, Inspired's winning spell began at Hamilton in July, landing a small field contest over a mile. His next start came at Haydock in a good contest where he faced an uphill task on ratings, but exceeded expectations with a second behind a runaway winner. On his latest start at Goodwood, he coped with slower ground and a higher graded race by returning to winning ways. This was a slightly easier task for the in form Inspired and it showed that he has the potential to land one or two more races before the year is out, even in better company.