Tuesday 9th July 

Racing action would return to West Yorkshire as a standard midweek meeting at Pontefract would be given a boost in interest with black type action for the racegoers to sample. 
The feature race would be the Pipalong Stakes, a listed event for fillies and mares which will prove valuable in the breeding careers of those involved in the first three. A class two handicap over six furlongs would also be on the card and the classy entries will need to stay every yard of the testing track. Elsewhere, there would be a maiden and handicaps over a range of distances to add to the mix. 

Heavy rain throughout the morning of the meeting would batter the course and quickly change underfoot conditions to soft from an originally advertised good to firm, but thankfully the amount of non runners was kept to a minimum. 

Race One: The Atlas Leisure Homes Ltd Nursery Handicap - Class Six - 2-Y-O Only - Six furlongs - Runners: 8

The midweek racing would get underway with a low grade nursery handicap for juveniles. The contest is an opportunity for the lesser abled horses who have previously struggled in novice company to find life easier at this level. There may not be any stars of the future here, but there would be some potential improvers. Last year, the Mick and David Easterby-trained Keep Warm would win for the first time before returning to the course to win again on next start.

The midweek racing would get underway with a first race headed by two runners from the Amo Racing operation. David Loughnane's Off The Bench carried top weight on her handicap debut. The colt hadn't been seen since the start of May, but ran decently enough in a trio of novice contests. The more experienced Lady Dorchester would also carry the all-purple silks of her owners, this time trained by their in-house trainer Raphael Freire, who is in the infancy of his training career. The filly had looked exposed in novice company despite finishing third twice. She was last seen trailing home last in listed company last time out in May. The Charlie Johnston-trained Elladora Black has raced over three different distances so far and connections still appear to be experimenting. She was last in action over course and distance a few weeks ago when last in a race that could work out well in the future. George Scott's filly Griselda has a best finish of fourth, but was still beaten a long way that day and has since faired no better than midfield in a pair of subsequent starts. The Nigel Tinkler-trained Bobby Jones made his handicap debut after four novice starts but had improved with each run. Despite finishing a best of fifth, he kept on nicely in a big field last time. Kevin Ryan's Love Games carried the silks of last year's winning owners and was looking to provide them with another trophy. The youngster has looked to be a work in progress so far, but ran his best race at Redcar when sixth last time. David Evans saddled Bank On Kent, who had yet to threaten so far in three starts so far, including in a selling race at Chester. He would have experience of unique tracks though. The field was completed by the grey filly Toota, who represented the Tim Easterby stable. She is another to hint at improvement now handicapping and wore a first time hood.

Winner: GRISELDA (Kodi Bear x Geizy Teizy) (#4) - C. Rodriguez - G. Scott

As the early morning rain began to ease up, the first race would get underway to a pretty level break. It would be the two drawn furthest wide, Bank Of Kent and Off The Bench who would be ridden forward and crossed over to take the early lead, along with Griselda who had the advantageous inside rail draw. Love Games, the second Amo Racing runner Lady Dorchester and Elladora Black would all be close to the pace as the slow starting pair of Toota and Bobby Jones brought up the rear. 
As the field began to climb the famous rise of Pontefracts final two furlongs, Bank On Kent began to turn up the pressure as Griselda tried forcing her way through a gap. The two early leaders would continue their battle to the line and in a great finish to the opening contest, it would be the filly Griselda who landed the victory. From the rear, Toota and Bobby Jones would keep on well to complete the top four and weren't beaten far by the winner. 

It would be a first win for the George Scott-trained filly as she benefitted for the switch to this low grade handicap. Her best effort came at Leicester when fourth behind Blewburton in a class two novice, but was still beaten fifteen lengths that day. After her debut, she would compete in another class two novice at Newmarket which hinted at the regard she was held in. On her latest start, she would be too keen at Carlisle and failed to last up the hill. There is talent in her pedigree as the juvenile is a distant relative to the classy Irish horse New Energy, who finished runner up in an Irish Guineas two years ago. There should be scope for Griselda to progress from this and she should continue to pay her way.

Race Two: The Remember Paul "Stan" Stansfield Maiden Stakes - Class Five - One Mile, Two Furlongs - Runners: 11

Next up would be a maiden race with a mixed bag of horses lining up at the ten furlong starting point. Races of this nature attract expats from the national hunt sphere, horses with plenty of experience and even late developing debutants. Despite the low key status of this race, it has been won by the Gosden, Stoute and Haggas stable in the past five runners. John Gosden's Harrovian won this in 2019 before developing into a listed level horse while in 2023, Star Ahoy would win this for William Haggas and Cheveley Park. In the process, the filly defeated the smart hurdler Wonderwall and talented handicapper Iron Lion.

The in form stable of Brian Ellison saddled their seven year old Hardy Bloke in this contest and he has won over hurdles in Ireland in the past. He struggled on his flat debut at Doncaster, albeit over a longer trip. The Rebecca Menzies-trained four year old Masterkey was unraced for Godolphin before showing a degree of promise when third in a bumper. He would make his 'proper' flat debut here. Another National Hunt recruit on show would be Mighty Bandit, who was an exciting hurdling prospect at the end of last year. Since moving to the flat for Warren Greatrex, he stepped up recently on second start to finish a close second. Leading trainer Sir Michael Stoute relied on the thrice raced James Webb, who has been second on his last two starts and bumped into some useful types in the process. The Newmarket yard of James Ferguson sent up Kildare Legend, a gelding who ran respectably in a good-looking novice on debut. The Ben Brookhouse-trained Redhot Whisper remains one of the best maidens in training having contested a Group One last season and placed in an Epsom handicap on Derby Day. He would be looking for an overdue first win. The Ed Dunlop-trained Trip To Venice is bred for stamina as a half brother to the stable's Gold Cup winner Trip To Paris and has understandably struggled over shorter distances. Ed Bethell's once raced Valued comes from a good family of winners but quickly weakened out of the picture on debut and was now equipped with blinkers. The third and final newcomer would come from the William Haggas stable with the gelding Yosemite Gold. The three year old is bred for a stamina test in time. Fellow Newmarket trainers Simon and Ed Crisford sent up Cakewalk, with the services of Will Buick deployed onboard. The twice raced filly made progress at halfway before weakening over a longer distance last time. The field was completed by Charlie Johnston's grey filly Wadacre Tivoli, who has shown promise with a pair of third placings so far.  

Winner: MIGHTY BANDIT (Order of St George x Akalara) (#3) - E. Greatrex - W. Greatrex

The field would be reduced by two after Cadarn was an early non-runner on his proposed debut and fellow newcomer King Kev would be withdrawn shortly before the start of the race. It left an eleven strong field but the leading protagonists were still on display. 
At the stalls, the national hunt migrants were understandably more concious of the gates and briefly caused issues for the handlers, but they all walked into their stall and the race got away to an even getaway. Hardy Bloke would be a few strides slower than his rivals and was already playing catch-up. There would be a dash for an early prominent position ahead of the first bend and it would be Redhot Whisper who bagged the early lead as the newcomer Yosemite Gold showed early speed to challenge him for the lead. The lowly drawn Mighty Bandit and James Webb were also just behind the pace as the keen going Wadacre Tivoli, Trip To Venice and Masterkey were all trapped out wide.
There would be little change in the order approaching the final two furlongs until Yosemite Gold moved into the lead rounding the home bend. He would show inexperience though which gave the chance to Mighty Bandit. It would be the four year old who found plenty for pressure and despite the challenge of Kildare Legend on the outside, the win would go to Mighty Bandit in game style. Yosemite Gold showed plenty of promise in third as Redhot Whisper could only manage fourth. 

It would be a welcome return for the once exciting Mighty Bandit, who won by a wide margin on debut over hurdles in November for Gordon Elliott. He would feature in a high profile disposal sale by his owners and joined the Warren Greatrex stable in February. The son of Ascot Gold Cup winner Order Of St George found his limitations exposed at a higher level over obstacles, but connections opted for a flat campaign. After looking inexperienced when sixth on debut at Windsor, he looked much better on his previous start at Chepstow. That day, he would battle back into second which gave optimism in this sphere. Connections have mentioned valuable handicaps could be on the agenda in the future for Mighty Bandit and he has the profile to do well on the level. 

Race Three: The Weatherbys ePassport EBF Pipalong Stakes - Listed Race - One Mile - Runners: 8

The feature race of the day would be this listed race which is named in honour of the Tim Easterby speedster Pipalong, who progressed through the ranks in the late 1990's and early 2000's into a Group One performer. The highest profile winner of this race would be Red Bloom, winner of the Group One Fillies' Mile as a juvenile two years prior and would then return to the highest level for Sir Michael Stoute. Last year's renewal would see the trophy landed by Ireland as the Gavin Cromwell Dha Leath finished best of all to gain a valuable win.

This year's lineup saw plenty of talented handicappers, lightly raced types and others dropping in grade for this intriguing contest. Pam Sly's Astral Beau loves soft ground and won at this level on her favoured going last season at Doncaster. She finished second in the same race this year and has also finished fourth at Group One level. Jack Channon's Caernarfon started the season strongly in 2023 when making the frame in the 1,000 Guineas and Epsom Oaks, but her form has levelled off recently. She has been comfortably held in a trio of Group events this year. One of the best bred fillies in training would search for black type as Doha is a daughter of two winners of the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. Ralph Beckett's four year just held on to win at Royal Ascot, but travelled like a very smart horse and pulled clear from the field with the runner up. David O'Meara's Dora Milaje won here on her debut in 2022 and won for a third time on her latest start when flashing home after traffic issues to get up on the line. That race would be a class four handicap however and this was a step up in grade. Ed Bethell's Elim remains lightly raced and was going the right way at the start of 2023. She ran credibly behind Doha at Royal Ascot when just out of the frame. The John and Thady Gosden-trained Naaey made her debut in late 2022 and has raced just twice in two years. She hadn't been seen since winning her maiden eleven months ago. The four year old Strong Impact has run well at a lower level and her connections will be hoping for a good effort at a black type race for this nicely bred filly. The sole Irish raider would be Villanova Queen, representing the dual purpose yard of Jessie Harrington. The mare was successful at last year's Royal Ascot meeting and would run well this year on her return visit. 

Winner: CAERNARFON (Cityscape x Royal Ffanci) (#2) - T. Marquand - J. Channon

The rain had played its part on this race as the ground had softened dramatically. It would mean that this mile trip would need plenty of stamina, which is what the winner held in abundance. 

Former course winner Dora Milaje would bag the early lead under Dan Tudhope, but raced a shade keenly in the opening stages. Astral Beau would join her up front before going forward to lead outright on the gradual rise to home. The well fancied Doha and Elim were well placed just behind the leaders as Naaey and Caernarfon were held up at the rear. Rounding the home bend, Dora Milaje regained the lead and was soon joined by Elim. The four year old Caernarfon made her move under Tom Marquand to go clear in the final stages. Doha gave chase to the leader and as Caernarfon drifted left, their paths crossed briefly. Doha needed to switch right which lost momentum, but Caernarfon would have the race sealed by three-quarters of a length. Ed Bethell's Elim would take third, just ahead of Dora Milaje in a race which not many others were able to land a blow.

The 14-1 starting price for Caernarfon looked very big given her past achievements and she returned to winning ways back over a mile. Jack Channon's filly had a busy juvenile campaign with seven starts, but it culminated in a listed race win in 2022, her previous win before today. She would improve vastly last year with a fourth place in the 1,000 Guineas and third in the Epsom Oaks, but would fail to match that form afterwards. This year, she emptied quickly at York over ten furlongs and was tailed off over twelve furlongs at Haydock last time so this drop back to a mile proved fruitful. With plenty of options over a mile, especially back at the top level, there should be more to come for Caernarfon.

Race Four: The Northern Commercials Iveco Handicap - Class Two - Six Furlongs - Runners: 7

The competitive action didn't stop with the listed race as this class two handicap for three year olds and older was set to bring battle hardened sprinters against each other on this testing uphill track. Last year would see the younger generation pick up the prize as three-year-old Kitai was always well positioned to strike for trainer Charlie Johnston. 

The top weight Coachello won a couple of useful handicaps on the all-weather just before Christmas for Gordon Elliott but then switched to the David Loughnane stable. He would run well with a midfield finish in the ultra competitive Wokingham Handicap. The filly Flaccianello has a likable profile with three wins as a juvenile and has since trained on to finish second in a good quality handicap at York last time. The Ralph Beckett-trained Matters Most had a relatively busy two-year-old campaign but won twice. He was last seen towards the rear in a Royal Ascot handicap. Kevin Ryan's Room Service was a smart juvenile and landed a valuable sales race at Doncaster's St Leger meeting. That would be his final run of the year and this season has seen the colt run well in Pattern races. The Karl Burke-trained Silkie Wilkie is a rapid sort on his day as shown when narrow runner up in the Epsom Dash and numerous placings in listed contests and has continued to run well in defeat recently. Ben Haslam's Wen Moon enjoyed an Indian summer with success in September last year before making a promising comeback over a furlong shorter here in April. He would finish close up at Chester last time out. The Michael Dods-trained Woven has only a trio of wins in his career, but is a smart sort when closing from a strong pace. After a fourth at the Dante meeting, he weakened over seven furlongs back at York last time out. 

Winner: ROOM SERVICE (Kodi Bear x Tamara Love) (#3) - T. Eaves - K. Ryan 

The sun made a welcome appearance and briefly provided conditions worthy of summer racing. The field would be reduced by one following the withdrawal of Roman Dragon on the morning of the race, but the seven-strong line up remained classy. 

The three year old Matters Most was able to grab the early lead on the inside rail as Silky Wilkie tracked across from his wide draw to join the leader. There would be plenty of runners close to the pace such as Wen Moon, Woven and Flaccianello, but Coachello would be always outpaced from the start. Favourite backers would be given warning signs as Room Service would be pushed along at an early stage, but the three year old responded well to join contention at the start of the home straight. Wen Moon was another to challenge Matters Most, but it would be the classy Room Service who quickened up best of all to win this good contest. Wen Moon posted a good effort in second as Matters Most held on for third. The filly Flaccianello would weaken into fourth but still ran with credit.

It would be a third career win for Kevin Ryan's Room Service and this win showed how useful he is when on song. After winning on debut last year as a two year old, the son of Kodi Bear finished third in a Beverley conditions race and nursery handicap at York's Ebor Festival. He rounded out 2023 with a comfortable win in a valuable sales race at Doncaster's St Leger Festival before moving into pattern races this year. On his reappearance, Room Service would finish midfield in the Greenham Stakes, a trial for the 2000 Guineas, before running well into sixth behind Elite Status at listed level. This would be a drop in class for the lightly raced colt and he would defeat some talented handicappers here. A return to stakes level looks to be on the cards for this progressive sprinter. 

Race Five: The New Atlas "Avanti" Holiday Home Handicap - Class Five - One Mile, Four Furlongs - Runners: 8

The next contest would see the turn of the stayers with this class five handicap over twelve furlongs. The unique nature of the Pontefract course can often produce course specialists and that would be the case as Tim Easterby's Carrigillihy would win for the fifth time at Pontefract. 

The four year old Evening Story has raced just twice on turf, but he won for the first time over a mile here last August. He has since run well over a variety of distances for current connections. Ed Dunlop's consistent Free Speech has finished in the silver and bronze medal positions in all six starts this season and was looking for a deserved second career win.  It's All About You won at the end of 2022 for his former trainer before joining the Jennie Candlish stable. The four year old has run well this year including second last time over two miles. The Ollie Pears-trained Kaaress won three low grade contests in a row last year before winning again in May. The three year old has since gone close to winning over hurdles and returned to the flat here. The four year old Natzor won for the first time in his career back in May and with the exception of his latest start, he has run decently for the David O'Meara stable. Phil Kirby's Polar Princess built on some improvement on the all-weather to win at Newcastle in February, but after a break she hasn't been in the same form recently. Toronto Raptor raced in the colours of Amo Racing but has possibly disappointed connections in four starts. A switch to handicaps didn't spark any immediate improvement last time.

Winner: FREE SPEECH (Masar x Lady Liberty) (#8) - R. Ryan - E. Dunlop

The longest race of the day would get underway with the majority of the field getting away from the stalls without issue, although Kaaress would be the one who was slowly away. As the field navigated their way downhill and around the first bend, it would be It's All About You who would lead early, but the race would keep with the day's tradition of having another a duel for the lead. Natzor would move forward to ensure It's All About You didn't have his own way up front while the halved silks of Free Speech took up a prominent position on the outside. The pace would be no more than ordinary and the likes of Polar Princess and Evening Story would race keenly in the opening stages. 
Approaching the final two furlongs, Natzor won the argument to be leader as It's All About You started to retreat. It would also leave Free Speech in a good position and straightening up for home, Ed Dunlop's filly kicked on for the line and opened up a healthy gap. She would gallop on strongly to seal the race a good distance away from the line and would win by over three lengths. The Amo Racing silks of Toronto Raptor made up most ground from the rear as he stayed on into second, but it would be Free Speech's day. 

The success for the three year old filly would be deserved as she has been largely consistent since her previous win back in October last year. The daughter of Derby winner Masar had been a regular on the all-weather where she placed at Southwell and Kempton and she also finished second and third at Windsor back in May. She had shaped like a stayer who grinds it out instead of having a turn of pace and the slower ground conditions also suited her. A first run with cheekpieces helped to sharpen her up and all of these factors proved to be a winning formula for Ed Dunlop and Rossa Ryan. 

Race Six: The Charles Stewart & Co, Steve Evans Memorial Handicap - Class Five - One Mile - Runners: 9

The action would return to the bottom corner of the track with this class five handicap over a mile. The contest for three year olds and older would be won last year by the Ed Bethell-trained Lerwick, who was winning for the first time in the process.

There would be a competitive field on display and little to separate the runners on ratings. Mick Appleby's Ardbraccan has been running well all season and was in action at Doncaster recently where she finished second. Bateman would enter handicaps for the first time for trainer Gemma Tutty and has been doing his best work at the finish over shorter distances. Amy Murphy's Coolree was a stylish winner at Beverley in May which confirmed his good form at the time. Since then, the five year old has finished fourth including here last time out. John Mackie's gelding Distinction won two races in a row at Beverley last month and showed he still remained in form with a solid fifth last time. Ben Haslam's five year old Do I Dream enjoys Pontefract with three wins in the past and has remained consistent in his recent starts. Ruth Carr's mare Hostelry has been consistent this season and stayed on well into second at Pontefract back in May. She would continue her form with a third at Doncaster last time out. The Marco Botti-trained Invincible Aura went close on his sole start here last year before getting off the mark earlier this year. Since then, he has run in slightly stronger races than this. Mulciber has improved over the winter with a pair of wins on the all-weather. The gelding since joined the upwardly mobile Dylan Cunha yard and ran well enough at Newcastle recently. Tim Easterby's Poet's Dawn is a regular at Beverley, but has also placed at Pontefract in the past. The nine year old made a return to the frame at his beloved Westwood last time out. Adrian Keatley's Shamardal Star was initially aimed at the national hunt scene where he finished second in a bumper. Switching to the flat, he finished a promising second but the five year old's form has taken a few steps back.

Winner: DISTINCTION (Kodiac x Tajbell) (#6) - C. Beasley - J. Mackie

The field would be reduced by two following the morning withdrawal of Carolus Magnus and just before the start, Diddy Man would bolt heading down to the stalls and was out of control as he charged straight past the gates and was withdrawn. 

Following an even break, the early leader would be Mulciber but he would have the likes of Coolree, Hostelry and Poet's Dawn all in close proximity. The pace would be modest in the early stages, but approaching the rising ground, David Egan would begin to increase the speed from the front. His rivals would be quick to react though and Poet's Dawn, Bateman and the improving Distinction were all in the right place. Just as it appeared that Mulciber had slipped the field, the three year old Bateman challenged for the lead. The eye was also drawn to the outside as Distinction came there with plenty of space to aim at and he would have the best finishing kick of the lot. There would be a thrilling three way battle for the win and crossing the line, it would be the blinkered Distinction whose neck was outstretched to win. Mulciber would have to settle for second while Bateman was just a nose away in third. 
The win for Distinction would be a continuation of good form for the John Mackie-trained six year old. The son of Kodiac is a regular at this level, whether it would be on the turf or all-weather. This win would be the fourth of 2024 following one in January and a quickfire double at Beverley, which is a similar layout to Pontefract. Last time out, he would finish gradually weaken into a close fifth at Newcastle a fortnight ago, but regained the winning thread under a well judged ride by Connor Beasley. 

Race Seven: The Sarah Smith 50th Anniversary Handicap - Class Five - Five Furlongs - Runners: 9

The action would finish back where it started with a sprint handicap, but this time for the more experienced horses. This would be a new race to the fixture but it would be no less difficult to solve in finding the winner.

The gelding Cavalier Approach would be successful at class six level at the previous meeting here last week and was looking for a quick double for the Ed Bethell yard.  The five year old Emperor Caradoc has suffered a case of seconditis recently and Paul Midgley's runner has filled the frame here three times without winning. Tracey Waggott's eight year old Ghathanfar is a former course winner with plenty of experience and had been running well this year until competing in a stronger contest at York last time. The quirky Imperiousity developed a dislike for racing when last seen by refusing to race on three successive starts. Now trained by Shaun Harris, the focus would be on him at the start.  Tom Tate's three year old Lettuce Leaf had shown no more than minor promise in her earlier starts, but lost all chance at the start last time out by slipping just after the stalls opened at Redcar. The seven year old Newyorkstateofmind has been quite busy during his stint with Ruth Carr but was winning for the second time this year at Hamilton two starts ago. He then showed up well in a competitive contest for this level last time. The second Liam Bailey runner would be Protest Rally, who has found a bit of improvement recently. The four year old ran well here last week to share second behind Cavalier Approach. The four year old Sound Reason was last successful almost a year to the day, but despite a falling handicap rating he has yet to threaten the judge. The final race lineup would be completeted by the Peter Winks-trained Dunnington Lad, who was quite highly campaigned as a juvenile and won three times. He would win for the first time in two years recently at Ripon, but his one start here was disappointing.

Winner: EMPEROR CARADOC (Siyouni x Tribune Libre) (#6) - D. Nolan - P. Midgley

Even before the race had begun, Imperiousity would prove troublesome going to post and tried throwing Mark Winn off plenty of times. The pair would make it to the stalls and even walked into the gate, which was one challenge overcome. 

The race would get underway and Imperiousity was on his best behaviour by leaving the stalls for the first time in four starts. It would be Sound Reason who was the one with a slow getaway and he would be playing catch up already. The pace was fairly decent as early Dunnington Lad brought the field back home along with recent winner Cavalier Approach and Ghathanfar. The race was already entering its final stages within seconds and Protest Rally was spotted travelling well under Billy Garritty. The veteran Ghathanfar would nose into a narrow lead, but he had Emperor Caradoc also finishing well on the outside. The race had changed complexion approaching the finish line but it would be Emperor Caradoc who gamely held on to his lead despite the fast and late challenge from Lettuce Leaf. The pair would briefly bump into each other, but it wouldn't be enough to affect the result. 

Just like in the stayers' race earlier in the afternoon, the winner Emperor Caradoc gained a deserved win having been knocking on the door recently. Since joining the Paul Midgley stable from Bryan Smart's yard earlier this year, the five year old has been redesigned as a sprinter. Finishing second on his last three starts, including over course and distance a month earlier. The soft ground conditions also played to his strengths as it brought his stamina into play, which was guaranteed after placing over seven furlongs a couple of seasons ago. He is the type of horse to continue progressing and will undoubtedly be kept busy by his trainer.