Race One: The Sky Bet Strensall Stakes - Group Three - One mile, Two furlongs - Runners: 6

Winner: SPIRIT DANCER (Frankel x Queen's Dream) (#4) - O. Orr - R. Fahey
On York's biggest day in terms of the community and racing action, Ebor Day 2023 began with a competitive Group Three over a rarely used nine furlong trip. Aimed at those who stay a mile very well and would benefit from a slightly longer trip and those who lack the required stamina over a furlong longer at a mile and two furlongs, the race sees some real distance specialists turn up in this race.

Last year saw the rapid progression of Alflaila begin to take shape. Arriving at York on the back of a Pontefract listed race win, he really impressed with his finishing burst to win this race before landing the Joel Stakes at Newmarket and the York Stakes on his seasonal reappearance last month. The all blue silks of the Godolphin operation do particuarly well in this race and have landed the prize with some old favourites such as Real World, Rio de la Plata and Echo Of Light. The winner of the John Smiths' Cup often performs well in this pattern level race with past winners Green Destiny and Mullins Bay completing the double.
This year's line up had a highly talented and classy feel to it with some exciting prospects looking to get their careers back on track. Nostrum, owned and bred by Juddmonte, was a leading juvenile last year and was expected to take high rank in the Classics until injury set him back. Very highly regarded, he was denied in the mud at Goodwood but was a well received inclusion to the lineup. Elsewhere, course specialist Spirit Dancer has been in brilliant form recently and deserved a crack at Group company with much in his favour. Royal Ascot winner Jimi Hendrix was another name in the lineup of six and the veterans Chichester and El Drama had previous with each other. The Karl Burke-trained Flight Plan was a winner last year and even contested the 2000 Guineas at the start of the season, but failed to show much this year. 

On track, the race failed to follow the script as hot favourite Nostrum trailed home in last with Ryan Moore looking after his mount, pulling up slightly lame. It was another injury setback for the talented colt, but thankfully he returned in one piece. The race itself was an interesting tactical affair. The six strong field was led by Flight Plan under Dan Tudhope and Spirit Dancer kept close tabs in second alongside El Drama. Chichester, an occasional front runner, was held up this time. Turning for home, Tudhope opted for a solo run down the centre of the course as his five rivals switched to the stand's side rail. It would be a matter of where the best ground was, but the larger group had guessed right. From the lead, Spirit Dancer would keep up the gallop under Oisin Orr and was determined to hold on to his advantage. El Drama kept him on his toes, but it would be a third win for Spirit Dancer at York. The race may not have been a thrilling watch, but the star of Richard Fahey's stable gained a first Group class win and made it a hat trick in the process, following wins in handicap company at York and Windsor in the space of a month. 

Race Two: The Sky Bet Melrose Heritage Handicap - Class Two - One mile, Six furlongs - Runners: 13
Winner: MIDDLE EARTH (Roaring Lion x Roheryn) (#5) - O. Murphy - J & T. Gosden 
The "Mini Ebor" took its regular spot as a warm up act for the big handicap later in the afternoon. Run over the same fourteen furlong distance, winning connections are rewarded with an automatic spot in the following year's Ebor Handicap, were they to make it that far. The usual suspects in the staying handicap division were present with the likes of Prescott, Balding, Beckett, Haggas, Johnston and Gosden all being represented by runners. The lineup for this class two handicap was very strong and made for a great spectacle.

Last year, the William Haggas-trained Soulcome posted a remarkable display to win by a wide margin under Hollie Doyle. Ridden cold at the rear throughout, it seemed that Soulcombe was picked up by invisible hands and placed into the race at the two furlong pole, given the way he travelled easily. The way the son of Frankel won, it gave great excitement for the future until he was sold to race in Australia shortly afterwards. High class stayers of this year have also landed the Melrose on their way up the ladder. Future Gold Cup runner up Coltrane won this in 2020 while Hamish added another York win to his CV in this race.

A field of thirteen stayers took the start and last year's winning stable were represented by Lordship, a winner of his two previous starts who showed big improvement for moving up to this trip. The Goat won in extraordinary fashion by twelve lengths at Goodwood when the rain was pouring down and ground bottomless, it would be interesting to see in the Andrew Balding-trained three year old could follow up on different conditions here. There would be a throwback with Frankie Dettori riding in the colours of former employers Al Shaqab Racing onboard the top weight Davideo. 

The pace early on seemed decent as the Charlie Johnston runner Edge Of Darkness made the running just like many of his stablemates do. The chasing pack were headed by Goldenstatewarrior along with True Legend and The Goat. Turning for the home, the majority of the field opted for the stands side once again but the William Haggas-trained Alhambra Palace drifted violently to his left. Ending up on the far side rail, all the pre race plans had gone out of the window. As the pace began to pick up at the two furlong pole, the likes of Fox Journey, Denmark and Middle Earth all made their move. The stamina reserves began to kick in and it would be Middle Earth who ground out the victory. It would be a poignant win for connections as the colt is a son of the much loved and much missed Roaring Lion, who also ran in the same colours. Middle Earth had beaten Baeed's brother Naqeeb in a valuable maiden at Newmarket last time and looks to be laden with stamina. A half brother to the classy Kihavah, who has also won at York in the past, it wouldn't be a surprise to see Middle Earth contest the big staying races next year. Back in second, Denmark ran a mighty race on his first start since April and Fox Journey also plugged on into third 

Race Three: The Sky Bet City Of York Stakes - Group Two - Seven furlongs - Runners: 11

Winner: KINROSS (Kingman x Ceilidh House) (#4) - F. Dettori - R. Beckett

The quality of action continued to ramp up with a popular race which has grown in stature in recent years. With an added boost in prize money, the City Of York Stakes has cemented its position as a favourite on the calendar and some very smart types have won this Group Two in recent times. 
The seven furlong division has developed into one of the most hotly contested division in racing and many star names were present in the line up this year. Last year, the winning machine Kinross added to his swollen list of achievements with an easy win under Frankie Dettori to follow on from Space Blues and Expert Eye in recent years. 
The defending champion returned on the back of a win at Goodwood and was joined by the likes of seven furlong specialists Al Suhail, Pogo, Sandrine, Jumby and Sacred. The Brian Meehan-trained Isaac Shelby had also won at this level in the past following his July Stakes and Greenham Stakes wins and was a classy name on the racecard. The John and Thady Gosden stable was doubly represented by the five year old Audience and promising three-year-old Covey, whose bubble was burst at Royal Ascot. 
It would be the beginning of "Frankie Hour" as the outgoing Italian provided the York crowd with a memorable performance on what would be his last day of riding on the Knavesmire. The early pace of the race was strong with plenty of front runners. Audience took the field along with Mutasaabeq and Isaac Shelby helping to force the pace. The eleven strong field then split into two groups with six opting for the centre and the remainder choosing the stands rail. In a difference of opinions, the centre group had chosen right. Audience was still there bravely defending his lead, but the eye was drawn to the strong travelling Kinross under a motionless Dettori. It was a position the six year old gelding has been in before and many knew it would be a matter of time before the race would be sealed. On either side, the favourite faced strong challenges. The mare Sandrine was running a big race and threatened to upset the odds but once Kinross engaged top gear, he began to assert and draw away. It prompted a salute to the crowd by Dettori as the pair crossed the line and a great round of applause returned from the crowd. 
It was a victory made to look easy thanks to the horse's sheer class and consistency. One of the best seven furlong specialists around, Kinross has now won seven times in Group One and Group Two company. He is one of Frankie's favourite rides as he knows the horse is high class and often returns home in front. 

Race Four: The Sky Bet Ebor Heritage Handicap - Class Two - One mile, Six furlongs - Runners: 22

Winner: ABSURDE (Fastnet Rock x Incroyable) (#9) - F. Dettori - W. Mullins

The most popular race of the week had finally come around, the flagship Ebor Handicap; the race the Festival revolves around. The handicap is seen as one of the biggest of its kind in the world and can call only the Melbourne Cup as its main rival. Worth over a million pounds to the winner, the quality of competitor has improved greatly in recent years and this year sees the new initiative of the winner gaining an automatic spot in the Melbourne Cup in November, the race that stops a nation. Names of former winners are proudly displayed around the racecourse as tributes to the race's history from the likes of the great Sea Pigeon, Further Flight, Sergeant Cecil and Brown Jack. The race still remains a challenge to punters and finding the winner of this great race is still difficult. The likes of Mudawin, Mutual Regard, Litigant and Moyenne Corniche all winning at large odds. Last year, Frankie fever was in full flow as he gave a brilliant front running ride on Trawlerman in the Godolphin blue. Prior to that, consectutive Irish St Leger winners landed the Ebor in the form of Sonnyboyliston and Fujaira Prince.
The high class field of handicappers saw a full allocation of twenty two horses and riders aiming to etch their name into the history books. The imposing Sweet William has really found his feet in recent starts and arrived as a main contender for John and Thady Gosden while the lightly raced Real Dream for Sir Michael Stoute meant there was a threat of the race returning to Newmarket. With challengers from three countries; England, Scotland and Ireland, there was plenty of interest nationwide. The Willie Mullins battalion aimed to win the race for a second time with Absurde and Jackfinbar while Jessie Harrington sent over her strong contender with Yashin, a giant type who landed a listed race earlier in the season. There was also plenty of staying handicap form of this year to digest with winners of the Northumberland Plate, Queen Alexandra Stakes and Bet365 Trophy all aiming to follow up. Frankie Dettori would have his final ride at the Ebor Festival with Absurde who was a lightly raced dual purpose type from the Willie Mullins yard which has won all before them. The popular Scampi has taken his owners to all the biggest stages this season over a range of trips and the previous York winner was looking to run well again. The old boy Euchen Glen, Get Shirty, Enemy and Tashkhan had all visited York on many occasions before. 

As the heartbeat raised and nerves began to set in ahead of the big race, the last thing all twenty two riders and horses needed was a delay. Previous race winner Frankie Dettori held up proceedings as his saddle slipped on Absurde and resorted to walking his horse to start. Once he arrived, the loading process was quick and precise and within no time, the Ebor Handicap of 2023 was underway. The pair drawn widest of all, Real Dream and Absurde, decided to keep straight for the duration of the back stretch, in no rush to track across the course to join the rest. As the group converged into one, the jostling for position began to heat up. Real Dream joined Berkshire Rocco in the lead while the likes of Live Your Dream and Caius Chorister were amongst those racing prominently. Held up as usual, Euchen Glen was readying himself for a big run alongside the favourite Sweet William. In the home straight, the well fancied Sweet William and Absurde began to travel well and picked rivals off one by one. They both joined Live Your Dream at the front and the trio settled down to battle. In a carbon copy of last year's ride, Frankie Dettori threw the kitchen sink at Absurde and his mount responded to every urging. With the rail to help, it would Absurde who landed the Ebor and give Frankie a perfect send off on his final York ride. Success at the highest level comes to no surprise for legendary National Hunt trainer Willie Mullins and he was winning the race for the first time since Sesenta in 2009. Absurde was purchased by his owners this season and had been lightly raced in France. Given the daunting task of chasing Vauban home at Royal Ascot, it was still an eyecatching run and the five year old warmed up over hurdles at the Galway Festival. He now receives his plane ticket to the Melbourne Cup and alongside Vauban, he will give his trainer a great team to attempt winning the biggest race in Australia. 

Race Five: The Sky Bet Constantine Handicap - Class Two - Six furlongs - Runners: 17

Winners: ALBASHEER (Shamardal x Mutebah) (#14) - H. Doyle - A. Watson   &
              SUMMERGHAND (Lope de Vega x Kate The Great) (#5) - D. Tudhope - D. O'Meara

Sitting amongst a festival steeped in history, this race is a very new face to the racecard after its inaugural running last year. Built as a rival to the Wokingham Handicap at Royal Ascot and Stewards' Cup at Glorious Goodwood, this six furlong heritage handicap is a welcome addition to the calendar. The honour of winning the first running of the Constantine Handicap went to Summerghand, the highly popular veteran who went on to add the Ayr Gold Cup to his achievements which includes the Stewards' Cup and Abernant Stakes.
There was no surprise to see the David O'Meara-trained nine year amongst the entries for this year, but he faced a strong challenge for his crown. His stablemate Aberama Gold has proven to be a revelation since joining the Nawton stable. Winning the Sky Bet Dash at the previous meeting here, the seven year old followed up in the Stewards' Cup at Goodwood and in his current mood was expected to run well again. The Julie Camacho team sent their classy handicapper Tactical up the short drive from Malton. This year's new recruit has both performed well since moving to his new surroundings. There would be plenty of formlines from the Stewards Cup and Wokingham Handicap with many of the runners in those races reappearing at York for this contest. The likes of Mums Tipple, Mr Wagyu and Fresh have all enjoyed days out at the biggest festivals. Mondammej ran once again at York this week, just three days after running in the five furlong handicap on the first day of the meeting. 

There would be a thrilling finish to this ever competitive handicap and as one familar face nudged ahead of the pack, another would join him on the line to force a dead heat. The blinkered Mr Wayu ran in his traditional front running place as his rivals tagged along to the decent pace. The grey silks of Summerghand were easy to spot in midfield, but he still needed racing room. In his slipstream, Albasheer was travelling just as well as Summerghand, but had nowhere to go. Hollie Doyle had to sit tight and wait for a gap to open, but she followed Summerghand through and challenged him in the final strides. Under a brilliant ride, Albasheer joined Summerghand on the line and the prize would be shared. For Albasheer, it would be a first win since his debut in 2020, but he was a high class prospect at two-years-old. Beginning life with Owen Burrows, he would be second in the Champagne Stakes and sixth in the Dewhurst before missing the entire season of 2022. Moving to the Archie Watson stable, he has found himself very well handicapped from a rating of 95 which was at one stage 110. It was a brilliant Sole Power-esque ride by Doyle who would have been relieved to share the prize for her efforts. As for Summerghand, it would be yet another big handicap win and a second win in this race. There is little more to say about this very tough nine year old and the gelding had threatened to strike with a close second in Ripon's feature race, the Great St Wilfrid Stakes. A legend of the handicap scene, he has won the likes of the Stewards Cup and Ayr Gold Cup in recent years to go with his Group Three win. 

Race Six: The Julia Graves Roses Stakes - Listed Race - 2-Y-O only - Five furlongs - Runners: 10
Winner: INQUISITIVELY (Ten Sovereigns x Ballyalla) (#4) - W. Buick - K-P. De Foy 
From the stamina sapping conditions of the Ebor, the action moved to the rocket heeled youngsters in the Roses Stakes. A listed race for juveniles, the race is often fast and furious with plenty of speed in the lineup. The race is a valuable race for owners and breeders who all have the same dream of breeding or owning a pattern race winner. Some smart names of the past have won this five furlong charge including the likes of Captain Gerrard, Mujadil and Hot Streak, all of whom went on to win at Group Two level. 

The race often goes to a tough and well experienced type and that was the case with Irish winner Treasure Trove. The filly had been placed in similar races leading up to York and won this race on her seventh start. Festival form from earlier in the year was on display with many of the runners having enjoyed a day out at Royal Ascot, Newmarket or Glorious Goodwood. Aidan O'Brien's sole runner came in the form of Alabama, who had yet to win a race but shown quality form including a placing at Royal Ascot. Baheer finished fourth in the Molecomb at Goodwood which looked strong form behind Big Evs along with Purosangue, the runner up that day. Boardroom looked a smart type on second start for local trainer Geoff Oldroyd and joined debut winners Sketch, Mon Na Slieve and World Of Darcy in an interesting contest. Making his debut for the Kevin Phillipart de Foy stable, Inquisitively hadn't been seen since a third in the Windsor Castle Stakes at Royal Ascot and remained one of the highest rated maidens in Britain. 
The drama before the race would involve the strongly fancied Baheer, who reared in the stalls and got his legs on top of his gate. Under current laws, the horse was withdrawn and the field was brought to ten. The speedy Mon Na Slieve burst out of the stalls and began to lead in the early stages. In a race which not many got into contention, the likes of Sketch and Purosangue chased the leader. Approaching the final furlong, Inquisitively took over in the lead and to the delight of his crowd, he landed this listed race in style. It would be first time Inquisitively crossed the line in front having finished second  to the smart Chief Mankato before taking part in the Windsor Castle Stakes at Royal Ascot. He ran a brilliant race to finish just behind Gimcrack runner up Johannes Brahms and Nunthorpe runner Big Evs. Since his big day out, Inquisitively left his previous stable of Ollie Sangster and this was a dream debut for the Kevin-Philippart de Foy stable. A maiden no more, connections can look forward to the rest of this year 

Race Seven: The Sky Bet Finale Handicap - Class Two - One mile, Two furlongs - Runners: 14
Winner: ASTRO KING (Kingman x Astroglia) (#1) - W. Buick - D & C. Kubler.
The Ebor Festival of 2023 ended in similar fashion to how it began, with a valuable and competitive handicap. Raced over the John Smiths' Cup distance of a mile and two furlongs, the contest is well supported by leading stables saddling their up and coming three year olds against more established elders. Last year saw the James Horton-trained Phantom Flight make a mockery of his rating by winning by five lengths in front of some useful types.  Lincoln Handicap winner Migration, Winter Derby winner Forest Of Dean and John Smiths' Cup winner Pivoine are all recent winners of this informative contest. 

Form from July's feature race was represented in this race with narrowly beaten Astro King returning to York along with the third placed Haunted Dream and Marie's Diamond too. There would be a strong three-year-old presence in the race with Obelix, trained by the Gosdens, Killybegs Warrior for the Johnston stable and Oviedo for Ed Bethell. Obelix looked promising as a juvenile and ran his old rival Killybegs Warrior close in a handicap at Newmarket's July Festival. The Charlie Johnston-trained Killybegs Warrior pulled that performance out of nowhere and disappointed on his latest start, akin to his all or nothing profile. Oviedo ran in last year's Acomb Stakes at this meeting and landed the Zetland Gold Cup at Redcar earlier this year. Have Secret had shown high class handicap form without winning, but a win here wouldn't be a surpise. Previous course winner Eetee, Kevin Ryan's Thundering and recent York runner up Box To Box all added depth to the field and it made for a tricky "getting out race".

As the field got off to a level break, the early pace was very quick with the free going Marie's Diamond charging along under Jason Hart. The strong pace was always going to suit the closers and halfway down the home straight, many began to make their move. On the far side rail. the Kevin Ryan-trained Thundering arrived on scene travelling like a dream on this drop back in trip. However, once Josie Gordon asked for an effort, the response was minimal and the horse stopped to a near walk. Elsewhere, the likes of Oviedo, Haunted Dream and Astro King scythed through the pack and would go on to fight out the finish. The old rivals Haunted Dream and Astro King briefly challenged each other, but the Dan and Claire Kubler-trained gelding found the better turn of speed. Crossing the line a length and a half to the good over Oviedo, it was valuable compensation for the horse after going so close to winning the John Smith's Cup in July. He had also finished strongly here back in May so this high class handicapper clearly loves the track. 
As the horses returned to their stables following the final race, it brought down the curtain to the Ebor Festival. The Lambourn racing hub had on the first race and last race of the meeting and there have been many highlights in between. From Mostahdaf's brilliant front running display in the Juddmonte, Warm Heart's gutsy Yorkshire Oaks win, Live In The Dream's blistering Nunthorpe and Kinross's high class City Of York Stakes, the equine talent on display has been on a high level. The human success and emotions have been fantastic to watch too. The celebrations of Ropey Guest's win on Thursday to Frankie Dettori signing out at York by winning the biggest race of the year, the smaller stables enjoyed their first taste of glory such as Dylan Cunha and Adam West. 
Horse racing can divide a crowd, but on days where talent and emotion shine through, the sport cannot be beaten.