The grand finale of another season of racing on the Knavesmire had arrived as the curtain began to descend for its traditional and popular October meeting.

Run over the course of two days, racegoers could be excused for feeling superstitious with the first day falling on Friday 13th, but optimism was high for some good luck. On the track, there was a competitive card with plenty to dissect and a variety of race types. The newly created sales race which debuted last year is worth £100,000 to the winner and understandably attracts runners from leading stables. There is also a view to the future with a three-year-old only handicap over the Ebor distance of a mile and three quarters. It had the potential to produce a horse to follow in all the valuable staying handicaps next year. Elsewhere, a useful looking novice event for juveniles was followed by the return of plenty of familiar faces in the class two handicap over a mile. The sprint handicap for older horses has been renamed in recent times to celebrate Copper Knight and the winning-most horse at York was back in his own race along with plenty of old rivals.

Saturday's meeting was expected to be well attended as the locals had their final chance to catch some thoroughbred action before the flat season closed for another year. The focus was all about speed with the listed Rockingham Stakes headlining the card. The race has seen many smart juveniles win over the years and this historic race saw yet another talented field. Following the Rockingham, the action stayed at six furlongs with a class two handicap that attracted the customary large field, returning faces and a competitive race in prospect. 

2023 has been no different to any other year with a long list of star names of the turf season featuring at York at some point. From the likes of Soul Sister winning the Musidora Stakes before following up in the Epsom Oaks, to Quickthorn winning a listed event prior to his Group One demolition at Goodwood. Plenty of on track memories have been made through the year as well, namely during the Ebor Festival. The likes of Live In The Dream's giant killing in the Nunthorpe to Frankie Dettori's final races at York which proved victorious; even in the Ebor Handicap itself.

A year to remember for many reasons and there will be more to look forward to next year, where it all begins again in May 2024.