The prestigious Ebor Festival at the nearby York racecourse would be just a week away now, but an even bigger event for Beverley racecourse would take place on this midweek raceday as their annual Ladies Day took place. The raceday would see a large crowd descend on the Westwood to make most of the sunshine and warm weather whilst enjoying all the fun of the races. The meeting would also be sponsored by Porsche and plenty of horse power would be required for success on track. The feature race would be a tight looking class four handicap, but elsewhere there would be a pair of informative maiden races and low grade contests which would be hotly contested.

Race One: The All-Electric Macan EBF Maiden Stakes - Class Five - Five Furlongs - Runners: 11
The first race of the day would be over the minimum trip and had the potential to unearth an above average sprinter for years to come. Since the race's first edition in 2019, there has been a modicum of talent to take this contest with the highest profile of the former winners being Ed Bethell's Eidikos, who won on debut in 2021 before finishing third in two listed contests subsequently. The race has been unsurprisingly dominated by Northern trainers and the likes of Richard Fahey, Michael Dods and Kevin Ryan have all landed this prize. Twelve months ago, the race split into two divisions. The first would see Midnight Lir take advantage of his experience to gain a first win, while in division two, the Newmarket based Ed Dunlop made another successful to Beverley with Hint Of The Jungle.

This year's running saw plenty of local stables represented with some leading trainers from further afield also in the mix. Ascrisus would line up for the popular Mick and David Easterby stable and the gelding's family is well known to connections. On his third and most recent start, he led early before getting overhauled in the final furlong by Forager over course and distance. The gelded Beerwah represented the John and Sean Quinn yard and has already offered plenty of encouragement on debut just over a week ago, where he stayed on nicely into third at Thirsk. Craig Lidster's Bella Love is already a well followed horse given her links to the Good Racing Company syndicate and the filly has shown race winning potential so far. She chased home a more experience winner at Thirsk last time, finishing just ahead of Beerwah. Next up would be the Tim Easterby-trained Bern Rossetti, who made his debut last month at Redcar and following a slow start, did his best work at the finish into fourth place. Ismail Mohammed's Fear And Fast is a son of a very talented mare, but has yet to transfer the ability into his own just yet and looked one for the future. The Richard Fahey stable often enjoy success at the course and would saddle Kamara Queen in this contest. The daughter of Kameko was never involved on debut at Carlisle last month. Nigel Tinkler's Lady Roxby showed encouragement on debut when chasing home the promising prospect Northern Ticker at Newcastle last time, albeit beaten by five lengths. Kevin Ryan has won this race in the past so is often respected with his representatives and this year he would saddle Montana Girl. The filly managed sixth in a deep field at Ripon on debut, but looked ill at ease on the undulations. Last year's winning trainer Michael Dods would aim to produce another juvenile winner at Beverley with Novamay, who showed plenty of promise with a late burst into third over course and distance in July. Another Newmarket challenger would come from the Terry Kent stable as Prosperitas lined up here. The colt comes from a smart family and defied greenness to finish a close third at Thirsk on debut. Bryan Smart is another trainer to follow at Beverley and he would introduce newcomer Sole Spirt, a distant relative to the brilliant sprinter Sole Power. 

Winner: LORD ROXBY (Soldier's Call x Miami Breeze) (#3) - R. Scott - N. Tinkler

As often is the case at Beverley, it would pay to race prominently and from the outset, two of the most experienced runners in the field made good use of their early speed. Bella Love was eager to race when leaving the paddock before the race and during the contest, she would be just as keen. She would be pestered on the inside by Ascrisius and the pair jostled for the overall lead. Further back, the well backed Prosperitas was slowly away from his gate and had work to do from the rear, alongside the other slow starts Kamara Queen, Sole Spirit and Novamay.

Approaching the rising ground of the final two furlongs, it seemed that the two leaders would have the race between themselves. With little being able to make up ground from the rear, it was down to Lord Roxby to swoop over the top and overhaul Bella Love and Ascrisius to win on the line. Bella Love would settle for a third runner's up spot while it would be a case of deja vu for Ascrisius as he was headed close home once again into third. Fourth place would go to Fear And Fast, who produced his best run to date ahead of a likely switch to handicaps. 

The winner Lord Roxby was gelded before his debut, but despite this, Nigel Tinkler's juvenile made his debut at Newcastle just twelve days earlier. He would race keenly that day over six furlongs, but still kept on well into second where he was beaten five lengths by the potentially above average Northern Ticker. With that experience under his belt and a drop back to a stamina favouring five furlongs at Beverley, Lord Roxby would finish best of all and get off the mark at the second time of asking. His immediate family have already looked limited on track, but the gelding is a distant relative to Eddie Jock, a classy sort at his best during the late 2000's and winner of a Britannia Stakes.

Time will tell whether this was a strong maiden race or not, but the style of Lord Roxby's win and his natural progression should see him run well at a higher level, whether it be handicaps or even further up the ladder.

Race Two: The New 911 EBF Maiden Stakes - Class Four - Seven Furlongs - Runners: 9

The second of the two juvenile contests looked to be the more intriguing, as there would be potential to discover over longer distances. Plenty of leading stables have won this race in recent years and the best of the former winners would be Pythagoras, who went on to win a listed race for Richard Fahey later in the same season. In 2023, Roger Varian's Magsood led home a 1-2-3 of Newmarket trained runners with a comfortable success.

Dr Richard Newland and Jamie Insole's joint venture has seen a good level of juvenile success this year and they were represented by Amor Cordis, who stepped up from his debut to take third last time out. The first newcomer would come from the Adrian Keatley stable. Cools Gold would have plenty of support from his Ontoawinner syndicate of owners and is a granddaughter of a talented racemare. Richard Fahey's Far Ahead comes from a high class family and looked promising in his own right when finishing strongly into fourth in a good novice at York recently. The Karl Burke stable has enjoyed plenty of juvenile success this season and would be represented by the once raced Gentle Warrior. The colt was very green on debut here last time so connections were hoping he can only improve on that. The Newmarket based Great David ran for the James Tate stable and showed a hint of talent at Epsom, despite not handling the unique track. The locally trained Gungnir represented the Tim Easterby stable, but the gelding weakened out of contention on debut at Catterick last month. One of the better bred newcomers in the race would be Charlie Johnston's High Season, whose pedigree includes some high class performers. Another well bred debutant would be the colt King's Hand for trainer Sir Mark Prescott. The stable can produce the occasional first time out winner. A leading contender would be the Ralph Beckett-trained Stanhope Gardens, who stayed on powerfully into third on debut at Sandown and finished behind a hugely exciting winner that day. 

Winner: STANHOPE GARDENS (Ghaiyyath x Pure Art) (#9) - R. Ryan - R. Beckett

The pre race line up held the potential of unearthing a very smart prospect and those in attendance at Beverley will likely be remembering the winner for the future.

In a similar outcome to the previous race, the place to be early on would be at the front of the field. The newcomer King's Hand made a sharp getaway and would hold a narrow lead. He would soon be joined by the odds-on favourite Stanhope Gardens, who had tracked over from his wide stall under Rossa Ryan. The ones to struggle from the outset would be Cool's Gold, Gentle Warrior and Gungnir, all of whom still showed signs of inexperience. 
As the field began to climb the hill towards the final stages, the keen going antics of King's Hand began to take its toll and the newcomer began to weaken away. That would leave Stanhope Gardens in front with clear air ahead of him. The chestnut colt responded well to pressure and opened a big gap to his rivals. From further back, Charlie Johnston's High Season had initially been caught off guard when the pace increased, but soon chased the leader down. Far Ahead would be another to make good late headway, but it would all be in vain. Stanhope Gardens galloped on stoutly to win as an odds-on shot should and would be eased down to score by two and a half lengths. There would be a further six lengths between second and third, which adds more credit to the winner's performance.

Ralph Beckett's flashy chestnut catches the eye on appearance and he gained a few admirers in the sales ring as a yearling. Selling to high profile owner Marc Chan for £210,000 as a yearling, it wouldn't be a surprise to see him held in good regard. The colt is a son of first season sire and Juddmonte winner Ghaiyyath and in turn provided his sire with a first ever winner, four years on from his brilliant win at York. Stanhope Gardens is a half brother to Inspiritus, a progressive two time winning handicapper this year. He made his debut at Sandown at the end of July which is usually a warm contest. Held up towards the rear, his late surge into third caught the eye and the winner of that race would be the Godolphin-owned Ruling Court, who is held at a very high regard and could be a potential superstar. There wasn't any horses of that calibre at Beverley, but the style of win for Stanhope Gardens will see him aimed at more lucrative races. 

Race Three: The New Porsche Taycan Handicap (Div I) - Class Six - Seven Furlongs - Runners: 8
The first of the open age contests on the racecard would see this basement level contest over the intermediate trip of seven furlongs. The race was first run last year and would see the Middleham-based stable of Liam Bailey return the winners with the eight-year-old How Bizarre.

The top weight would go to the Ruth Carr-trained King Sharja was once well thought of when trained elsewhere in his early days, but his form went backwards. The four year old has gradually found more confidence with this stable and landed an overdue first win in a similar contest over course and distance last time out. Kevin Frost's Back From Dubai has been another to run mostly on the Tapeta of Southwell and Wolverhampton, but he is also a three time winner on turf; including a race here last year. After mid-season break, he finished down the field on his latest start at Doncaster.  Mark Wainwright's mare Elettaria won twice last year for her owners and has returned in decent form this season with a brace of solid efforts in defeat over course and distance.  A mainstay of the Geoff Harker yard has been the nine year old Rum Runner, who made it seven career wins at the start of July over course and distance Ann Duffield's Clotherholme landed his most recent win at Beverley, but that was back in 2022. Last time out, he was denied by the smallest of margins in a similar event here. The five year old mare Cherry Tree Dawn didn't make her debut until May this year, but the Brian Rothwell-trained runner has shown signs of quirkiness in her four career runs, including here where she violently shifted left and unseated her rider. John and Sean Quinn's three year old filly Alice's Impact came with a strong late run to deny the more experienced Clotherholme in July, but was left trailing by the winner next time at Carlisle. Another runner from the Tim Easterby stable would be the experienced three year old Chat Up Line, who gained her sole win last year but has finished behind some of her reopposing rivals in recent starts. David O'Meara's Big Blue Boy has an inconsistent look to his profile and has finished third over five and seven furlongs to showcase his versatility. His latest run would be a poor one though.

Winner: KING SHARJA (Kingman x Sharja Queen) (#1) - J. Sullivan - R. Carr

From the excitement of the juvenile maidens to the more modest talents of this class six contest, the crowd would be treated to a good finish between some course regulars.

The initial early pace would be no more than a modest one, but yet again there would be competition to be overall leader in the opening exchanges. Tim Easterby's Chat Up Line would be quickest to react to the gates opening and was soon able to grab a handy position on the running rail. Back From Dubai was another with good reaction times and tracked over from his wider draw to join Chat Up Line at the head of the pack. There would be a fair amount of keen going runners in the group too, such as Alice's Impact, King Sharja and Elettaria, who were all hoping for a stronger pace.

Chat Up Line would still have a target on her back as the field made their way towards the final two furlongs. The three year old was then headed narrowly by Alice's Impact and it would look like John and Sean Quinn's filly would make it two wins at Beverley. There would be chances from all angles however. Rum Runner began to plug on at the same pace while Elettaria made a threatening move on the outside. On the inside, King Sharja had patiently waited for room, but once the gap opened up, the four year quickened up well to burst into the lead inside the final furlong. Alice's Impact and Elettaria had nothing left in response and it would be a course and distance double for King Sharja. Alice's Impact settled for second once again while Elettaria's effort flattened out into third. Fourth would go the way of Rum Runner.

The return to form of the winner King Sharja has paid testament to the skill and patience of current trainer Ruth Carr. The gelded four year old's family stretches all the way back to the outstanding miler Dubawi, but there are some quirky relations closer to home. King Sharja has shown his own quirks and was required to go to the start early, but his fortunes have improved recently. After going winless for eleven previous starts, King Sharja was able to land a win for the first time ever in a similar contest over the same course and distance. With the new found confidence, the gelding was able to repeat the feat and could even go further. 

Race Four: The New Porsche Taycan Handicap (Div II) - Class Six - Seven Furlongs - Runners: 9

The low grade handicap would be split into two divisions due to an oversubscription of entries, but this second division looked the weaker of the two contests.

Top weight would belong to the Adrian Nicholls-trained Tees George, who has run well without winning this year and has picked up a handful of placings. One of those would come at Beverley behind Rum Runner back in July. Another consistent runner in the contest would be Twilight Jazz for the dual license stable of James Clutterbuck and Peter Charalambous. The four year old filly has already made a successful raid at Beverley this year where she made all to win at the start of July. Tim Easterby's Queen Street Revue has performed well at Beverley on numerous occasions and broke her maiden tag two starts ago where first time blinkers worked the oracle. Pearly Star would run here for the small stable of Mike Sowerby and although her recent form wouldn't inspire confidence, she has run well in the past with a small amount of placings. The seven year old Clotherholme has gained plenty of racing experience over the years and Ann Duffield's gelding has run well in defeat all season. The former course winner was unlucky to not win here last time out. The three year old Entrecasteaux has looked limited for the Roger Fell and Sean Murray stable and has finished towards the rear in all seven starts. The gelding was in action as recently as the previous weekend. Similar comments would apply to the Filey Beach, who began his career with Charlie Johnston but failed to show improvement for a switch to the Jason Ward stable last time. Tim Easterby's second runner would be another three year old in the form of Marston Heads, who was also in action over the weekend. He has a mixed bag of form, but his best run came here recently when third over course and distance against older horses. The final runner in the lineup would be John Wainwright's Amerigo Vespucci, a winner for his previous stable as recently as April, but has been well beaten two starts for current trainer. 

Winner: QUEEN STREET REVUE (Pastoral Pursuits x Revue Princess) (#3) - D. Allan - T. Easterby

While the race is unlikely to win acclaim for highest quality contest of the year, there would still be an exciting finish to this race which helped to shine the spotlight on the grassroots level of the sport.

The initial early pace in the race would be no more than a steady one as Filey Beach strolled into a brief lead before getting overtaken by  a keen going Amerigo Vespucci. The three year old would then repeat the antics of his previous start here by going into a clear lead against the will of his rider Gina Mangan. The remainder of the group opted to ignore the clear leader and raced in a tight bunch. Twilight Jazz would lead the peloton around the bend as Filey Beach had been relegated to third. Queens Street Revue was also in the firing line approaching the rising ground as Pearly Star and Entrecasteaux would race further back. The early leader Amerigo Vespucci soon fizzled out and weakened back through the pack as Twilight Jazz inherited the overall lead. The in form filly looked set to add another win to her tally until she was joined by Queen Street Revue, who made up ground with each stride. The pair would be locked in battle throughout the final furlong and approaching the line, it would be Tim Easterby's Queen Street Revue whose neck reached the furthest at the line. Twilight Jazz lost nothing in defeat and there would be a small gap to the third placed Pearly Star and fourth placed Clotherholme, who both stayed on from the rear.

It would be a second win in her last three starts for Queen Street Revue who showed her liking to the course with a strong finish up the hill. Tim Easterby's filly is the latest of a whole host of "Revues", who are all owned by S A Heley. Her half sister East Street Revue won ten times for the stable and was a talented sort. Three year old Queen Street Revue had some decent performances at Beverley in the past, most notably when third a month earlier. She would then be fitted with blinkers on her next start at Leicester which made the desired effect by winning for the first time. She would be below form on her previous run, but horses at this level often bounce back. The filly can potentially be a nice sort for further races at this venue.

Race Five: The Jill Willows Handicap - Class Four - Seven Furlongs - Runners: 7

The feature contest of the afternoon would be this class four contest which saw plenty of well known faces and regulars at this level. The seven furlong handicap which is open to three year olds and older, was initially dominated by the "Classic" generation with three year olds winning the first three renewals of this race. Last year, Geoff Harker's Mudamer snapped the streak and scored for the older generation.

The top weight Orbaan has been operating at a higher level for most of his time with David O'Meara and was in recent winning action when dropping to this grade at Carlisle. On his latest start in the Golden Mile at Goodwood, he was one of many to endure traffic issues. The Middleham yard of Johnston Racing has won this contest twice since the first running with both Mark and Charlie landing a race each. This year, Urban Sprawl lined up for Charlie Johnston and was a tough juvenile a few years ago, but his two starts this year have been average at best. Darryll Holland's Pearl Eye made a winning seasonal debut this year at Pontefract, but has also won at Beverley in the past. This would be the four year old's first run since a gelding operation. Havana Blue won two handicaps at Newmarket last season for another stable and made an interesting switch to the shrewd Julie Camacho stable at the start of the year. The grey has gotten closer with each run this season and could strike soon. Last year's winner Mudamer returned to the scene of his latest win in last year's running, but this season has been slightly quieter so far. The Godolphin-owned Olympic Candle looked to be a bright prospect last year by winning two novice contests, but after some low key efforts he has now been gelded and finds himself at a lower level than originally hoped for at the start of the year. The gelded three year old Respectful looked a nice prospect at the end of last season with two victories, but this year he has yet to prove he has trained on. After two heavy defeats, he has now joined the Richard Newland and Jamie Insole stable and completed the field.

Winner: HAVANA BLUE (Havana Grey x Exrating) (#4) - R. Sexton - J. Camacho

With stables and horses running here with experience of higher grade races, this looked a fascinating contest and it would culminate with an exciting finish. 

The all blue silks of the Saeed bin Suroor-trained Olympic Candle would be the early leader under locally based rider Sean Kirrane, but the pace would be a relaxed on. The veteran Orbaan was slightly awkward from his stall which lead to him losing ground on his six rivals. The first of the greys Havana Blue would move forward to race alongside Olympic Candle as the majority of the field raced keenly in the opening stages. Approaching the final climb of the last three furlongs, Sean Kirrane began to raise the pressure onboard Olympic Candle and the pace quickened. For a few brief moments, it looked as if Olympic Candle would be a topically named winner due to the recent sporting events in Paris, but Havana Blue gave him a challenge all the way up the hill. Inside the final furlong, the four year old nosed in front of Olympic Candle and began to assert to win by a comfortable half length. Back in third, last year's Mudamer was always well placed but weakened inside the final stages and the slow starting Orbaan did his best work at the finish to take fourth.

It would be a third career win for the grey Havana Blue and first since swapping Newmarket for Malton at the start of the year. Trained previously by Clive Cox, he would win twice at the home of flat racing in similar handicaps to this one before finding the opposition tough enough on his final two starts of the season. He would then join the highly progressive stable of Julie Camacho in an eye catching transfer, but life this year had been a series of near misses. Havana Blue would compete in some competitive handicaps around the country and gradually finished closer to the front with each start. On his latest effort at Sandown, he gradually weakened in the final furlong over a mile, so the drop back in trip looked a good move. His handicap rating slipped with his lack of form during the season which contributed to this winning effort. Now with his feet on the ground and a bit of confidence under his belt, it wouldn't be a surprise to see Havana Blue progress the right way throughout the rest of the season.

Race Six: The Clearanswear Call Centres Handicap - Class Five - One Mile, Two Furlongs - Runners: 8

The action would move to the longest race of the day as this middle distance class five handicap saw a competitive line up for the grade. This race is a more regular fixture on this raceday than other contests and has seen high profile trainers from the North and South land their share of renewals. The likes of Sir Michael Stoute, David O'Meara, Ian Williams, Mick Easterby and Daniel Kubler have all seen their horses pick up this prize in recent years. Twelve months ago, the race would go to John Wainwright's mare Dandy's Angel, who flew up the hill to win at Beverley for a remarkable fifth time. 

Top weight would be carried by the Charlie Johnston-trained Bohemian Breeze who is well bred, but has managed just three wins to date at this level. He would run a brave race in defeat over a slightly longer trip at Catterick last time. Next up would be Kevin Frost's Sisterandbrother, who has enjoyed a good spell since joining his current stable with a pair of wins and with the exception of a below par run over further, he has been very consistent. The four year old Dumfries ran in some useful races as a younger horse, but after losing his way he is now trained by Ruth Carr. He has shown glimpses of promise recently and stepped up to ten furlongs for the first time. The lightly raced three year old Risen Again would have the most improvement to unlock as James Ferguson's gelding stepped up to this trip after racing keenly at Pontefract last time. Glistening Nights represented the defending leading trainer at Beverley, Richard Fahey and would take a while to win for the first time, but quickly made it two in a row at Doncaster in June. Since then, he has struggled against his new rating. Ed Dunlop's Palazzo Persico's two career wins came last year, but the three year old has gone close to adding to the tally with a brace of seconds recently, including last time over this trip. Mariner comes from a very talented family, but finds himself at this lowly level. Jess Macey's three year old finished second twice earlier in the year before finding a longer trip against him last time. Hugo Palmer's It's Not Risky has improved as a three year old this season with three wins over middle distances, but struggled in a Racing League contest recently.  

Winner: GLISTENING NIGHTS (Night Of Thunder x Lily Passion) (#5) - O. Orr - R. Fahey

This class five contest would continue the theme of exciting finishes and close calls with a regular name emerging victorious on the trainer's board.

The experienced bunch of eight runners got away to a level break and the order would be quickly determined after a few strides. Glistening Nights would move into an early lead under Oisin Orr and began to dictate the pace. The gallop would once again be a steady one and most runners would race keenly. Lightly raced three year old Risen Again joined Glistening Nights at the head of the field as Dumfries, Mariner and It's Not Risky were all anchored at the rear. Approaching the final stages, there would be little change in the order but the race began to develop into a sprint finish. Glistening Nights had to get his elbows out to fend off all challengers, including Risen Again, the grey Bohemian Breeze, Palazzo Persico and Sisterandbrother who was attempting to sneak up the rail.  In the finish of the afternoon, all five horses were in with every chance but it would be Glistening Nights who gamely found extra to hold on for the win. Risen Again would perform admirably in second after racing very keenly early on and he gained the verdict for second, just ahead of Bohemian Breeze. Just a length and a half would cover the first five finishers. 

This summer has seen Glistening Nights blossom as well as showing the effect confidence can have on a horse. The gelded son of Night Of Thunder had gone winless in his first ten starts, but had a few placings along the way. A breakthrough win came at the start of June and he then bookended the month with a successive victory at Doncaster. He then suffered two fairly heavy defeats in a competitive handicap at York and then when returning to Doncaster on previous start. It appeared he may have been struggling against his handicap rating which went up six pounds for the two wins. He has since dispelled that theory with a return to form and showed a great attitude to win.

Race Seven: The Hits Radio Handicap - Class Five - Five Furlongs - Runners: 9

The finale of the afternoon would be a tough looking handicap exclusive to  three year olds with the emphasis on speed over the five furlong trip. The Easterby family have monopolised this race in the last three seasons with Mick and David landing 2022's renewal, sandwiched between two successes for Tim in 2021 and 2023. Last year, Hardy Angel got up in the closing stages to win this race for Tim Easterby and Duran Fentiman.

Top weight would be carried by Karl Burke's Restless Prince, who gained his first win at Catterick earlier in the season over five furlongs and although he has suffered heavy defeats, they have come over six furlongs. The David O'Meara-trained Scoops Ahoy has plenty of experience, but holds his form well. His previous two starts here have resulted in a pair of seconds. The gelding Biographer got off the mark at the fifth attempt for the Andrew Balding yard and has joined the Mick and David Easterby yard since then. His first start over five furlongs last time would see an improvement of fortune. Michael Dods is a trainer who often finds success at Beverley on a regular basis and saddled Taygar, a gelding who returned to winning ways at Ayr recently. Grant Tuer's Back Before Dusk showed promise as a two-year-old by winning his second start, but this year he has struggled in a pair in races. Declan Carroll's Willolarupi remains winless, but has run well in defeat, including when second here back in May. Secret Command has won twice at a lower level for the Adrian Nicholls stable but was hindered by a wide draw here on his latest start. Northerner would be a well named winner in Yorkshire and Brian Ellison's filly had shown early promise before a disappointing run last time out. The Paul Midgley stable often find the key to their sprinters and after looking limited previously, Silky Robin posted his best run to date last time.  Nigel Tinkler's Sergeant Mayer began to put a string of good runs together recently and finally gained an overdue first win last time out under regular rider Faye McManoman. 

Winner: WILLOLARUPI (Camacho x Moving Waves) (#7) - Z. Wheatley - D. Carroll

There would be drama ahead of the finale before the race had even begun as Taygar was scheduled to canter to the start early, but reared up and unshipped jockey Connor Beasley upon exiting the parade ring. There would be a degree of concern on the faces of many, but thankfully Beasley was able to walk back to the weighing room, albeit holding his arm.

The race would get underway after a short delay and the keen going Biographer made the best start of all to bag the early lead under Billy Garritty. The free-sweating Silky Robin kept the leader in his sights in second while at the rear, Willolarupi would miss the kick and lose a little ground on his rivals. The field began to storm towards the final stages and as soon as he had taken the lead, Biographer had weakened out of contention. As the leader retreated backwards, it caused a domino effect for those behind. Secret Command drifted slightly to his right which in turn caused the favourite Sergeant Mayer to check up on the rail and was lucky to not be brought down. That would cost all chances for favourite backers, but the action would take place down the centre of the track. Scoops Ahoy had kept clear of any trouble on the wide outside and came through to challenge under Dan Tudhope, but emerging with a big late run would be Willolarupi, who had made plenty of ground throughout the race and the momentum took the gelding to the top step of the podium for the first time. Scoops Ahoy would finish second for the sixth time in his career and Secret Command rounded out the top three, just ahead of Silky Robin.

Declan Carroll's winner had a mixed look to his form figures, but had shown in the past he was capable of winning. The son of Camacho had been placed five times in twelve starts previously, including at the May Day meeting here when finishing behind Brummell. Since then, slow starts had hampered his progress in recent starts although he shaped with promise on his previous run at Pontefract where he kept on into fifth. A repeat of that run on a similarly stiff track contributed to the three year old having his turn in the spotlight and is a maiden no more.