Sunday 10th September

The very popular and often well attended Family Funday took place on the Knavesmire on its usual early September slot in the calendar. After the first meeting in 2008, the one day event has grown in popularity with plenty of activities for the whole family and quality racing action on the track. There was also an assortment of races for punters to mull over with races for juveniles, sprinters, stayers and even the next generation of riders in the Pony Club series. The card was headlined by the six furlong listed Garrowby Stakes, which has seen many smart names win over the years. In recent times, future Group One winner Starman broke onto the scene with a win at this meeting. 

PRA Pony Races - 1 Mile, 2 Furlongs 
Race One Winner: Seal The Deal (#1) - Lowan Cruise Mills
Race Two Winner: It's Fatherted (#9) - Mason Paetel.

There was something a little different for the early arrivals to the course as two races were held for the Pony Club. The series may not be as well known to racing enthusiasts, but is a training ground for potential stars of the saddle in later years. An impressive tally of 185 apprentice and professional jockeys currently riding on the British and Irish racing scene graduated from the pony series which gives hope and inspiration for the latest generation. The likes of Hollie Doyle, Tom Marquand and even Ruby Walsh all started their racing careers on ponies as well as the latest wonderkids such as Benoit de la Sayette, Billy Loughnane and Taylor Fisher. 

The first race over a mile saw drama at the start as favourite Mr Marshall refused to line up, which left a field of eight to compete. The outcome would be a one sided affair as pony and riders would finish at long intervals. Seal The Deal would make most of the running and come home in splendid isolation by seven lengths. It would be a winner for Lowan Cruise Mills, who was coincidentally celebrating his thirteenth birthday.
Race two looked a more competitive affair and it produced a much closer finish. Race one winner Lowan Cruise Mills was on the scene once again, but in a driving finish, the series leader Mason Paetel was stronger in the finish on It's Fatherted. The pony had won all of his four previous starts so was a star in the series, but Paetel and Cruise Mills are two names to follow in the future, should they reach their goal of being a jockey.

Race One: The Irish Incentive EBF Novice Stakes - 2-y-o Only - Class Two - Six Furlongs - Runners: 7
Winner: THE COFFEE POD (Acclamation x Ethel) (#7) - PJ McDonald - R. Hannon 

The fully grown thoroughbred action got underway with an above average novice race kicking off the card. Run over six furlongs, the contest attracted newcomers and others who had shown promise in the their first few races. Historically, the race has produced some useful handicappers for the following year including the likes of Squealer and Seantrabh filling out the podium places in last year's running.

This year, the best of form on display would be from the Premier Yearling Stakes race from the recent Ebor Festival. Ziggy's Condor chased home a potential high class type in Dragon Leader and returned to the Knavesmire for a quick compensation. Just behind the Middleham Park Racing-owned colt, Pilgrim has shown plenty of ability and should win races in the future. Plenty of leading Northern stables had interest in this race with representatives from the Burke, Fahey, Smart and Ryan stables all involved. Assembly Call showed promise with a fifth on debut for Tom Dascombe while Classy Boy has finished third on both his starts so far. Of the newcomers, there was plenty of interest in the locally owned Bondy, a son of high class filly Best Terms, and Rebel Icon for Kevin Ryan, a half brother to a pair of smart types in Germany. In a race which a case could have been made for all of the runners, The Coffee Pod brought up a strong rear gunner for Middleham Park alongside Ziggy's Condor after finishing a narrowly beaten third on both starts to date. 

From the moment the gates opened, there was a divide of opinions as five horses raced in a group down the centre of the track while the two Middleham Park runners had their own race closer to the near rail. The Coffee Pod was the fractional leader overall with Ziggy's Condor tracking him in the slipstream. In the main cluster, Pilgrim, Rebel Icon and Classy Boy all showed early speed. Entering the final furlong, The Coffee Pod was joined in his lane by Pilgrim and the pair commenced battle. The Richard Hannon colt was receiving weight from all of his rivals and that soon told as he began to pull away from Pilgrim and win his first race. Ziggy's Condor ran another solid race in defeat under almost ten stone, while Bondy caught the eye with an encouraging debut.
The winner is evidently well regarded having raced exclusively in class two events previously. A staying on third at Nottingham, he was pitched into stakes company at Ripon for the Hornblower Conditions Race. He finished third again that day, but beaten inches by the winner with a big gap to the fourth that day. With a seemingly uncomplicated running style, The Coffee Pod could one to follow in the future. 

Race Two: The John And Judith Marshall Memorial Handicap - Class Three - One Mile - Runners: 6
Winner: FLORIDA (No Nay Never x Balankiya) (#5) - C. Fallon - W. Haggas.

A competitive looking handicap restricted to three year olds only came up next and once again, the Ebor Festival form would provide a key for the leading contenders. Both Catch The Paddy and Bajan Bandit were placed in a similar race two weeks ago and returned to do battle once more. Plenty of in form rivals and lightly raced opponents took their place in the line up and it made for informative viewing. 
 The Richard Hughes-trained Real Gain put his unbeaten record on the line after two wins on the all-weather, but top weight and a first start on grass were large obstacles to overcome. The Nigel Tinkler-trained Theme Park had shown potential in the early part of the season, but connections were hoping for a first win for the gelding now back at a course he likes. There was a strong challenge from Newmarket as the Haggas and Crisford stables saddled Florida and Tajawal respectively. Both horses had shown ability and were both well bred. Competing the eight strong field, James Horton's Harlem Nights and Richard Fahey's Reidh added plenty of interest into the mix.
The withdrawal of Harlem Nights before racing reduced the field to seven, but moments before the start, Tajawal was also deemed a non runner on advice from the vet. The remaining six produced a good race though and two talented three year olds battled it out in a driving finish. With no guaranteed front runner, the early pace was muddling and the sextet hacked through the opening stages behind Bajan Bandit. The William Haggas-trained Florida was always in a handy position alongside Real Gain and as the pace heated up, they were the first to take over in front. From the rear, Theme Park had crept closer and the long straight at York suited him well and the Nigel Tinkler-trained gelding threw his hat into the ring. Theme Park and Florida settled down to fight out the final half furlong, but Theme Park never looked like going past Florida, who gamely held on to the lead. Real Gain posted a promising effort on his first attempt on grass while Bajan Bandit weakened into fourth.
The only runner of the meeting for the William Haggas stable, Florida landed his second win of his light career and first on turf. A third on his first attempt at a mile last time, the gelding seemed to enjoy this distance and could have more to offer on both surfaces. 

Race Three: The Fine Details Vehicle Valeting Handicap - Class Four - Two Miles - Runners: 3
Winner: YORKINDNESS (Nathaniel x Yorkidding) (#1) - J. Fanning - C. Johnston. 

The action moved to the staying division with a well contested handicap over the full length of the racecourse. As a somewhat dampener on an otherwise competitive racecard, the class four event attracted just four runners which proved to be a disappointment for this level. Nevertheless, the York crowd were guaranteed a Yorkshire winner as the quartet of horses were based in all four corners of North Yorkshire. 
In another trend of the race, the four starters had all been to York at least once before this season. Hailing from Malton, Gibside won a race back in July here over a mile and four furlongs for trainer Tim Easterby, but was in need of proving his stamina over this new venture. From Middleham, the leading stable of Charlie Johnston saddled recent dual winner Yorkindness who has won twice since his last visit to the Knavesmire and finished a close third over an even longer distance at Pontefract last time. From Nawton, David O'Meara was represented by Tendentious, who skipped an engagement at Thirsk the previous day to run here instead and finally from Catterick, the popular grey Red Force One won here twice last year for Phil Kirby and was close to full race fitness now following a break from flat racing. 
The already small field was reduced further as Red Force One was withdrawn in the pre-parade ring leaving a field of three horses to compete for the £20,000 prize. From the start, there was no surprise to see a Charlie Johnston horse lead early and Yorkindness cut out a sensible pace ahead of Tendentious with Gibside holding onto the rear. In a thoroughly uneventful race, Joe Fanning kicked for home at the two furlong pole and his filly responded well to move further clear in front. Tendentious weakened out of the race for second and Yorkindness landed what was probably the easiest win of her career. Gibside inherited second place, some eight lengths behind the winner.

To give credit to the winner, Yorkindness was the in form horse in the race. Since finishing seventh here in late July, the four year old won twice at the formidable Pontefract over two and a quarter miles. The uphill finish there is unforgiving, so Yorkindness's stamina reserves were guaranteed. A third win in four starts for the filly means she could improve further.

Race Four: The Edge Windows Nursery Handicap - 2-Y-O Only - Class Three - Six Furlongs - Runners: 6

Winner: TROPICAL ISLAND (Inns Of Court x Kodi da Capo) (#3) - W. Buick - R. Fahey

The focus was back on the juveniles as this valuable nursery handicap took place over six furlongs. The useful filly Secret Angel landed the inaugural running of this contest and this year's renewal had plenty of class in it.

With six previous race winners in the line up, the quality was potentially above the average for this kind of race. The top weight Watch My Tracer has won twice so far, sandwiching a seventh in the Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot. He had the unenviable task of carrying ten pounds more than his rival due to his double success. Elsewhere, Tropical Island won on her debut before showing high class form behind two very promising juveniles. Nazalan took part in the Premier Yearling Sales race at the Ebor Festival when last seen and has been highly tried in group races since his first win. Recent winner Batal Zabeel, the returning Taygar and the maiden Sennockian made up the numbers in a race which featured more quality than quantity. 

With plenty of front runners, the pace for the six runner race was decent and it produced an impressive winner in the end. From the outset, Sennockian led early on for the Johnston stable as Watch My Tracer was slightly awkward from his gate. Batal Zabeel and Tropical Island were two more to chase the pace as Taygar found things happening too quickly from an early stage. Approaching the final furlong, Will Buick had plenty of horse underneath him as the pair travelled smoothly into the outright lead. Pressing the go button at the furlong pole, Tropical Island showed a good turn of pace to leave her rivals trailing. Winning by two and a half lengths over Batal Zabeel with Watch My Tracer and Nazalan holding on to the minor placings.
It was a relatively easy win for the Richard Fahey juvenile who impressed on her first start at Ripon back in July. A decent effort at the Glorious Goodwood was followed by a short head defeat by Government Call in the Hornblower Stakes at Ripon. It would be the same race in which race one's winner The Coffee Pod was third in, so the clues were there for all to see. With three potentially smart horses in that race, the pair of Tropical Island and The Coffee Pod as well as Government Call are ones to look forward to.

Race Five: The BetGoodwin Garrowby Stakes - Listed Race - Six Furlongs - Runners: 8
Winner: COMMANCHE FALLS (Lethal Force x Joyeaux) (#1) - C. Beasley - M. Dods
The feature event on the card was a six furlong event which is the regular highlight each year at this meeting. Modified from a handicap to a pattern level race back in 2007, the race has some very classy names take the prize over the years. The race also comes at a valuable stage in the calendar as it provides a bridge for improving handicappers taking the next step on the ladder as well as being an easier assignment for more classier types who had run in higher grades of races. Former winners of this listed event include 2021 July Cup winner Starman, who won this back in 2020, high quality sorts such as Lucky Kristale and Limato have also won here as well as York's stalwarts such as Dakota Gold and Gale Force Maya.

The class of 2023 looked to be a highly talented bunch while more than a few taking a steep drop in class. Former Group One winner Emaraaty Ana was the biggest name on the lineup and was a high profile addition to this classy race. The tough and consistent Commanche Falls has continued his rise through the ranks and had enjoyed his best season yet for the Michael Dods stable. The three-year-old fillies were also an in-form group with Rage Of Bamby stepping up in grade following her runner up spot at the Ebor Festival. Perdika had gained plenty of air miles with racing abroad this year, but she was another consistent filly for George Boughey. A regular at higher levels, Diligent Harry was another to try this easier grade and the Wokingham Handicap third Juan Les Pins was looking to make his way up the ladder into Group races. 

With a high quality of sprinters, the pace throughout the race was strong and the Clive Cox-trained Diligent Harry took the field along under Rossa Ryan. Emaraaty Ana, Desert Cop and Juan Les Pins were quick enough to help force the pace and as the race entered its final stages, it looked at one stage that Diligent Harry would make all the running. As plenty of chances queued up, Emaraaty Ana took over inside the final furlong along with Juan Les Pins. The pair of experienced sprinters battled it out, but from the rear, Commanche Falls burst through from last to first to nail the leaders and take home the win in a great finish.
The superlatives to describe the six year old are beginning to run thin as the legend of the Michael Dods stable gained another big race victory with his trusted partner Connor Beasley. Once a smart handicapper, Commanche Falls has not looked back since his uncharacteristic unseating at the start of last year's Wokingham Handicap at Royal Ascot. Since that day last June, the six year old has finished out of the first four just twice. Winning the extremely tough Stewards Cup Handicap for a second time before moving up to pattern races this year. A third in the Duke Of York Stakes in May set up his exploits for this season, winning the Jebel Ali Dash Stakes in Ireland and Group Three Hackwood Stakes at Newbury. Michael Dods is a master of training sprinters and landed this race for the third time in four years, following Dakota Gold and Gale Force Maya. His patient approach and ability to retain talent in his horses even at any age reaps rewards each season. 

Race Six: The Hanson Springs Handicap - Class Four - One mile, Two furlongs - Runners: 13

Winner: ANJO BONITA (Harry Angel x Cape Mystery) (#10) - J. Peate - R. Fell & S. Murray. 

Despite the class four level, this handicap for three-year-olds and older looked a competitive event with plenty of course regulars making the trip to the Knavesmire once again. Last year, the inaugural running of this race was won impressively by the locally owned Eetee, who provided his syndicate with a memorable first York winner.

The five year old gelding, trained by David O'Meara, returned once again to defend his crown having previously finished unplaced in a stronger event at the Ebor Festival. Shouldered with top weight, he faced a tricky task to retain his title. The Newmarket raider, last time out winner Mathematician, appeared to be the biggest danger in the field but there was plenty of Yorkshire rivals in the line up. It took Anjo Bonita eleven attempts, but she gained her first career win last time out while plenty of potentially well handicapped runners were scattered amongst the field including the likes of King Triton, Highwaygrey and Feel The Need. 

As so often is the case at York in long distance races, it paid to race handily and the race provided the most exciting finish of the day. Despite their wide draws, King Triton, Bosc Girl and Anjo Bonita were keen to move across to the running rail as soon as possible before the first bend. The trio managed to do so in quick fashion and the remainder of the field jockeyed for position. Entering the home bend, there was little change in the order but at the two furlong pole, Jonny Peate began to unwind his filly Anjo Bonita down the long straight. The outsider Award Dancer joined the three-year-old up front and the pair eyeballed each other in the final stages. From the rear, the lightly weighted Mathematician had made steady progress throughout the race and was the last to challenge. The trio were locked in battle with noses going up and down in a rhythm. Crossing the line, the front three were together and a three-way photo finish was called for. The print determined that Anjo Bonita's nose had narrowly crossed the line in front.

The winning filly has started to find her feet now following a first win on her previous start. Previously, she had often found one or two rivals too strong with seven podium placed finishes in a row. Moving from Micky Hammond's yard in Middleham to the Roger Fell and Sean Murray stable in Nawton has had a positive effect and the daughter of Harry Angel showed a great attitude to bravely win for a second time in a row. It was also a very good ride by champion apprentice Jonny Peate to time his challenge perfectly. 

Race Seven: The Brian Taylor 50 Not Out Apprentice Handicap - Class Three - Five furlongs - Runners: 18

Winner: LOOKING FOR LYNDA (Unfortunately x Designated) (#8) - S. Feilden - K. Burke

The finale of the meeting was yet another tricky puzzle to crack with a three-year-old only handicap over the flying five furlongs. Races of this kind for three-year-olds have been in short supply at York this year so connections will have been eyeing this race up for a long time as their horses struggle against older horses through this season. This valuable contest, worth a useful £13,000, also provided the younger generation of jockeys to showcase their skills to a somewhat less clued up crowd. The Nunthorpe winning jockey Sean Kirrane was back in apprentice company following that dream day at the Ebor Festival two weeks ago while the likes of Will Pyle, Jonny Peate, Oli Stammers and Ryan Sexton have all enjoyed a breakthrough season this year. Amongst the equine talent, the line up was hotly contested with last year's meeting winner Squealer and listed race winner Pillow Talk heading the weights. The talented Brooklyn Nine Nine was lightly raced and enjoyed a break prior to this race and he was joined by the likes of Match Play, Honour Your Dreams and Profitable Edge, all of whom had tasted success in recent starts. 

In such a competitive race, tactics were always likely to be key to the outcome of the race and it would see an all-the-way winner in the form of Looking For Lynda. Bursting from the stalls, the filly took up her usual position in the lead under jockey Sam Feilden as Grace Angel and Squealer attempted to keep tabs on the leader. The likes of Pillow Talk, Wen Moon, Match Play and Spirit Of Applause were all close to the generous pace. Entering the final furlong, many of the apprentices were pushing away on their mounts, but Sam Feilden was still content on the leader and he received the support of his horse once the accelerator was pressed. Looking For Lynda kept on well in the final stages and despite challenges from the strong finishing Wen Moon, Pillow Talk and Brooklyn Nine Nine, she would hold on to win for the third time in her career. 

The Karl Burke-trained filly was a typical example of a smart juvenile struggling with their rating as a three-year-old. Last year, Looking For Lynda won twice and finished in the frame in listed races. It meant she started this season rated 98 and she ultimately lost form in the early stages of the season. In recent times, as her rating dropped, she began to finish closer and on her previous start, she showed her bright early speed against older horses at the Ebor Festival over half a furlong longer. Her rating here would be 84 which proved to be perfect for the daughter of Unfortunately who was quite impressive in the end.