Race One: The Symphony Group Heritage Handicap - Class Two - Five and a half furlongs - Runners: 22

The much anticipated start of the Ebor Festival would get underway with its recognisable schedule throughout the four days. The curtain raiser would be this class two heritage handicap over the rarely used five and a half furlongs which gives an opportunity for five furlong and six furlong sprinters to battle on a level battleground. The cavalry charge has been won in the past by plenty of much loved Northern based speedsters such as York legends Copper Knight and Dakota Gold. Twelve months ago, it would be one for Lambourn as the Charlie Hills-trained Equilateral made a rare start in handicaps and the Group class sprinter used his talent to win under Jamie Spencer. 
This calibre of race attracts many returning stars to York and the majority of runners have already stepped on the hallowed turf of the Knavesmire at some point in their career. Last year's winning owner Fitri Hay would be represented by the top weight Democracy Dilemma, a four year old who has a good record at Chester, but was narrowly denied in the Epsom Dash earlier in the season. He was last seen finishing third in a listed contest here in July. The remarkable Jordan Electrics has been a winning machine for the Jim Goldie stable and his last five successes have all come at Hamilton this year. He was upped in class at Ascot recently but still ran with credit. The five and a half furlong trip would be ideal for a horse like Silky Wilkie, who has smart form over five and six furlongs. He has gone winless so far this season but Karl Burke's gelding finished second behind Jordan Electrics recently in the Scottish Steward's Cup. The progressive three year old Pilgrim won for the first time last October at York and has made into a smart sprinter. David and Nicola Barron's grey was last seen winning a large field handicap at Royal Ascot in June. Another to be heading the right way would be Holkham Bay, who is delivering on his promise. William Knight's four year old won smartly over six furlongs before romping home over five furlongs at the recent Shergar Cup meeting at Ascot. The Andrew Balding-trained Speed Cop won a competitive handicap at Newmarket during the Guineas meeting and has run in some high profile handicaps over longer trips subsequently. He ran a solid race in defeat when dropped to five furlongs last time. The rapid Tees Spirit would represent the Adrian Nicholls stable and contested the Group One Nunthorpe Stakes this time last year. When on song he is hard to pass, as shown when winning at Newmarket and Sandown this year. Shagraan joined the shrewd Mick Appleby stable at the start of the season and has been a consitent type this year. The three year old gained a deserved win at Glorious Goodwood last time out. Squealer is a former course and distance winner in the past for the in form trainer Nigel Tinkler and has gone close to added more successes with a pair of narrow defeats recently. The locally trained and owned Pocklington looked to be a bright prospect with a pair of all-weather novice wins at the start of the year and was fast-tracked into Group company this summer. His latest run came at Royal Ascot at Group One level. Archie Watson's Kyllian was a very fast juvenile last year who won a listed race, but has struggled at times this season. He posted a better effort when second at Ascot recently on first start since being gelded. Richard Fahey's five year old Vintage Clarets seems to improve for the Autumn and landed a valuable handicap at York in September. His form has been modest so far, but he could be entering his time of the year. The Kevin Ryan-trained Bergerac landed this race back in 2022 which was also his last win on turf. He has shown a liking to the all-weather recently and won the Gosforth Cup at Newcastle in June. Another three year old would be We Never Stop for the Kevin Ryan yard. He placed at York as a juvenile but was back in winning action at Redcar when dropped to five furlongs. He possesses plenty of speed. The more experienced One Night Stand ran here for the Scott Dixon stable and was a dual winner at class two level on the all-weather in the early stages of this year. The John and Sean Quinn stable are adept with sprinters and their JM Jungle finished third i this race last year as a three year old. This season however has seen its ups and downs on the track. Another Malton challenger would Tropical Island, a three year old filly for Richard Fahey. She was impressive when winning here last September and finished just out of the frame in hot sprint handicaps. The first Irish raider would be Bold Optimist for the Daniel McLoughlin stable. The four year old has won twice this year and got up in the final strides at the Curragh last time out. The Ben Haslam-trained Wen Moon is another with past success at York and has been running back into form after placing in his last three starts. Karl Burke's Looking For Lynda has a good record on the Knavesmire and was successful here almost exactly a year ago. The four year old has gone close in some very competitive handicaps so far this season. Never Dark would be another runner here for Scotland and Iain Jardine's seven year old has a patchy record this year, but was an easy winner at Nottingham at the start of July. York's resident legend Copper Knight has won seven times on the Knavesmire, including this race in 2021 and despite his aging legs, remains capable of winning more. Tim Easterby's ten year old won at Chester in June and weakened gradually last time on this course.

Winner: JM JUNGLE (#16) (Bungle Inthejungle x The Shrew) - J. Hart - J & S. Quinn

After months of waiting and plenty of debates leading up to the meeting, the Ebor Festival of 2024 would burst into life as the stalls opened for this valuable handicap. The field would get away to a relatively even break and once the horses had settled into their rhythm after a few strides, it would become apparent that the far side would hold the pace advantage. The speedy Democracy Dilemma was always going to be in the firing line and led the opening stages on the far side rail. He would be joined up front by plenty of others who were drawn low, including JM Jungle, Looking For Lynda, Never Dark and Copper Knight. The two groups would contain eleven horses each and on the near side, the big noseband of Tees Spirit was in the driving seat under Mia Nicholls and had Silky Wikie, Wen Moon and Desert Cop amongst overs for company.

Approaching the final stages, the race would be determined by those on the far side. Democracy Dilemma's fuel gauge began to flash and he was flanked by JM Jungle and Looking For Lynda inside the final furlong. Jordan Electrics would make up ground from the mid pack and flashed home to challenge JM Jungle. In a driving finish, the race would stay in Yorkshire as JM Jungle stretched his neck out furthest to hold off Jordan Electrics and Looking For Lynda, with Democracy Dilemma and the fast finishing Shagraan on their tails. 2022's winner Bergerac did best of those on the unfavoured stand's side as he took home sixth, just ahead of Vintage Clarets and the eyecatcher Pocklington.

Sprint handicaps at York are often a lottery to solve with varying pace angles and draw biases. The quick ground and tail wind would be beneficial to those drawn low and the first five home were all boxed in stalls 6, 3, 7, 8 and 2. It is entirely possible that if the race was rerun ten times, there would be a different winner so the future form should turn out to be strong. The winner JM Jungle was a progressive gelding this time last year after a win at Glorious Goodwood before finishing third in this race last year. He then enjoyed a winter holiday in Bahrain where he passed the post in first in a handicap, but would be subsequently disqualified for a banned substance. Returning to Britain, the four year old has competed in some tough handicaps so far this season and hadn't disgraced himself. After a winless spell, he arrived at York rated 4lbs lower than last year, which would provide the helping hand to return to winning ways here.

Race Two: The Tattersalls Acomb Stakes - Group Three - 2-Y-O only - Seven Furlongs - Runners: 11

The first of the high quality juvenile races would kick off the Group action as the ever-valuable Acomb Stakes took place for 2024. Run over seven furlongs, the race's history has seen a handful of future "Classic" winners, such as 2023's Guineas winner Chaldean winning this race in 2022 and Phoenix Of Spain winning this contest in 2018 before landing the Irish Guineas a year later.  Those two followed in the hoofprints of winners such as Bijou d'Inde and King's Best from the nineties. Last year saw an arguably substandard renewal, but it would see an all-the-way winner for the Eve Johnson Houghton stable as Indian Run galloped on strongly to win. 

With such a depth of talented two year olds, this would be a race to saviour. Much of the focus is on next year's Classics and this contest had the potential to provide a Guineas or Derby winner in nine month's time. The big spending Amo Racing often aim big with their horses and would be represented by Diabo Rojo, a colt by Pinatubo who made an impressive start to life with a wide margin Redcar novice debut win. The combination of Andrew Balding and owners Juddmonte combined to win this race in 2022 with future Guineas winner Chaldean and would be back together again with Jouncy. The colt comes from the distant family of Frankel so is regally bred, despite taking three attempts to land his first win. Ralph Beckett's stable has been in great form all year and arrived at York with plenty of big chances during the week. Mr Chaplin would be his runner here and after struggling at Royal Ascot, he returned to winning ways in last gasp style in a nursery handicap at Glorious Goodwood. The Richard Hannon-trained Our Terms is a son of a Lowther winner so had the breeding to succeed at the Ebor Festival and looks to be a promising sort in his own right. The colt built on his debut promise to win a decent novice at Ascot last time. The Michael Bell stable rarely have debut juvenile winners unless they are potentially high class, so Rajeko must be held in good regard. The son of Kameko won comfortably at Windsor before finishing a close fourth at this level over six furlongs.  The first of the very big names in the lineup would be Ruling Court for the Godolphin operation. The son of Justify cost plenty at the sales and breezed through his debut race at Sandown last month; powering well clear of his rivals and announcing himself as the favourite for next year's 2000 Guineas. He would be joined by the equally exciting The Lion In Winter. Aidan O'Brien's colt made the racing world sit up and take note of him with a very easy debut win which left him rated alongside some of the stable's very best. The son of Sea The Stars is already at the head of the Epsom Derby betting and would provide a titanic Coolmore versus Godolphin battle of the juveniles. Hugo Palmer's The Waco Kid has raced exclusively over six furlongs so far, but has shown ability to date. After a promising debut, he won smartly at Newbury before running credibly at Goodwood, with a far from ideal experience on the undulating track. Another to put his unbeaten record on the line would be Richard Fahey's Urban Sky. The colt looked green on debut at Hamilton, but still rallied to win close home and showed a good attitude. The dual purpose yard of James Owen would saddle Wimbledon Hawkeye, who is held in high regard and brings Group race form to the equation having finished third in the Superlative Stakes at Newmarket last month.  The Yorkshire-born and Newmarket based trainer William Haggas geared up for a big meeting this week with a runner here. Yaroogh hasn't looked back from a modest debut run at the start of the season and has now won two novice contests. A place in this race showed the regard he is held in. 

Winner: THE LION IN WINTER (#7) (Sea The Stars x What A Home) - R. Moore - A. O'Brien

This mouth-watering contest would possess Royal Ascot levels of quality and by the end, a new star would emerge. Under bright sunshine, the juvenile Group Three got underway and the early leader would be the two tone blue silks of The Waco Kid, who ensured a decent gallop. The famous Tabor silks carried by The Lion In Winter raced alongside the leader and Godolphin's Ruling Court shadowed the pair in third. The likes of Diablo Rojo, Urban Sky, Yaroogh and Jouncy would race a shade keenly and show their inexperience. Navigating the dog leg bend into the home straight, the horses began to feel the speed boost of the tailwind. Ryan Moore nudged his mount into a narrow lead and the race would be between those who raced prominently. The yellow silks of Wimbledon Hawkeye moved menacingly into second, in tangent with Ruling Court and the main protagonists were suddenly fighting it out for the win. Ryan Moore needed to work hard on The Lion In Winter entering the final furlong, but his colt dug deep and found more. With plenty of power in his back end, the son of Sea The Stars kept galloping and began to pull clear of his rivals. Crossing the line a length and a half to the good over Wimbledon Hawkeye, he would remain unbeaten and very exciting. The race clock would stop at 1:21.58, a new course record over seven furlongs for two-year-olds.

It would be a rare success in the race for Aidan O'Brien, who doesn't usually target this race with his better juveniles. The increase in prize money clearly opened the option and the Yorkshire racing fans got the chance to see a potential Classic winner. The Lion In Winter made his debut a month ago, but impressed many with his abundance of stamina shown and the performance would be rated as the second best for a debutant in recent times. There would be a question mark regarding the suitability of York's speed favouring track, but The Lion In Winter had the master Ryan Moore in the irons for assistance. The son of Sea The Stars remains highly regarded and cemented his position at the head of the betting for next year's 2000 Guineas and Epsom Derby. The latest superstar to roll off the Ballydoyle talent conveyor belt.

Race Three: The Sky Bet Great Voltigeur Stakes - Group Two - One MIle, Four Furlongs - Runners: 5

The most recognised trial for the final "Classic" of the season, the St Leger, would take place at York under the banner of the Great Voltigeur Stakes. Just like the Dante and Derby connection earlier in the year, the Great Voltigeur has produced the most subsequent winners of the St Leger out of all the trials. Therefore, the entries here would need close inspection ahead of a prospective trip to Doncaster. Since the year 2000, Milan, Rule Of Law, Lucarno, Logician and most recently Continuous have all achieved the famous double. The race isn't confined to the St Leger though, future stars such as Cracksman, Youmzain, Postponed and Pyledriver all have this race on their CV. Last year, under a patient Ryan Moore ride, the Aidan O'Brien-trained Continuous stayed on strongly to win here before adding the St Leger in comfortable style. 

Last year's winning stable would be represented by two runners this time around. A late addition to the Voltigeur picture would be the Irish Derby winner Los Angeles, who was rerouted here from the Juddmonte. The classy colt lost his unbeaten record when third in the Derby, but was back to his best in the Irish Derby last time out, but would give weight away to his rivals. Royal Ascot winner Illinois, who was strong at the finish over a mile and six furlongs to win the Queens Vase. He would carry a penalty for that success however, but ran a bold race when second in the Grand Prix de Paris last time out. Euphoric would be the third runner in this race for Aidan O'Brien and won on debut at the end of last year. He was spoken of as a Derby prospect, but was placed in the trial events and down the field in both English and Irish Derbies. King's Gambit was held in high regard at the start of the year and won the London Gold Cup on his seasonal return. He was arguably given too much work to do last time when tasting defeat at Royal Ascot over ten furlongs before confirming his ability in the York Stakes. William Haggas would be solely represented by Space Legend, who was one of many purchased by Wathnan Racing before Royal Ascot. He would place at the Royal meeting, but found the small field in the Bahrain Trophy against him when last of four. 

Winner: LOS ANGELES (#1) (Camelot x Frequential) - R. Moore - A. O'Brien

The withdrawal of Epsom Derby fourth Deira Mile on the morning of the race reduced to five, but the contest would remain a very competitive one as Aidan O'Brien's trio took on the best of British in this category. 

With a small field, the race was always going to be tactical. The lesser fancied O'Brien runner Euphoric would set off into the lead and for the opening stages it would appear like a private Ballydoyle gallop session. Illinois would race in second with the favourite Los Angeles settled in third. The British hopes Space Legend and King's Gambit were happy to sit back at the rear and watch as the field made their way around the Knavesmire. With little change in the order for the first half of the race, Declan McDonagh began to increase the pace on leader Euphoric coming off the home bend and the race began to take shape. His stablemates Illinois and Los Angeles moved in unison to overtake the early leader, but it would be Los Angeles and Ryan Moore who were travelling much better. King's Gambit and Space Legend weren't out of it either and the race would turn into a four way battle and produce an exciting finish. Los Angeles bagged the overall leader but had to wrestle to hold on to it. Illinois wouldn't back down and King's Gambit was staying on well at the first attempt at this trip. The line would come just in time for the brave Los Angeles and history would repeat itself from last year with a win for Moore and O'Brien. Illinois lost nothing in defeat with a second and King's Gambit rounded out the top three, just ahead of Space Legend. A length and a half would cover the first four horses.
It would be another success this season for Los Angeles, who has been arguably underrated for a stable filled with outstanding talent. The son of Camelot won nicely on debut just under twelve months ago and would go on to win a Group One in France on his next start. This year, he showed his battling qualities in a key Derby trial at the Curragh before lining up at Epsom. He showed signs of restlessness on the big day, but still ran very well to take third behind two high class horses City of Troy and Ambiente Friendly. He then moved onto the Irish Derby in which he was back to his best with a power packed finish to win a Classic in his own right. A win here would also be a landmark victory as he became the first horse in over 30 years to defy the 5lb penalty carried by Group One winners in this race. The most logical step would be for Los Angeles to compete in the oldest Classic, the St Leger in September, but options remain fluid as he possesses the quality to line up in a race like the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. 

Race Four: The Juddmonte International Stakes - Group One - One Mile, Two Furlongs - Runners: 13

York's biggest race of the season has been the scene of many world class performances during its illustrious history and this year's renewal was all set to create memories once again. Officially rated as one of the top ten most valuable races in the world, the ten furlong contest is watched by millions in the horse racing world. The memory of Frankel's demolition job in 2012 is just one of many iconic Knavesmire moments. A clash of generations and gender is often an exciting prospect as the very best of the Classic crop take on their elders as well as against the best fillies and mares in the world. Last year, a high class quartet of Paddington, Nashwa, Mostahdaf and The Foxes took to the stage and it was Mostahdaf who firmly cemented his place as one of the best in the world. 

This year's running of the £1,250,000 contest attracted the very best from the world stage. International raiders have been a sporadic sight in the Juddmonte, but the prize money and allure of this famous race attracted many overseas runners to take on the very best of British. The home challenge was led by the five year old Alflaila, who is a two time previous course winner for Owen Burrows and represented last year's winning owners Shadwell Racing. He would cement his place in the field after a hard fought repeat win in the York Stakes. Next up for team Britain would be the improving Docklands, a former Britannia Handicap winner who has progressed through the ranks and finished an excellent second in the Queen Anne Stakes. This would be his first attempt at ten furlongs. The beautifully bred Israr has yet to break through at this level, but remains a smart horse. John and Thady Gosden's colt was a classy winner at Royal Ascot when dropped to listed level. Another classy older horse would be William Haggas's Maljoom, who hasn't seen much racing since his German Guineas winning season. He also made the frame in the Queen Anne and stepped up in trip for the first time. With racing fans watching from around the world, there would be a local runner as Yorkshire based trainer Karl Burke ran his stable star Royal Rhyme. The four year old has risen through the ranks over the past two seasons. The high class filly would be Bluestocking, who deserves a top level success following her narrow defeats in the Irish and Yorkshire Oaks and made an emphatic winning return to action over course and distance back in May She then landed an elusive Group One at The Curragh before running very well against the colts in the King George. Epsom Derby runner up Ambiente Friendly travelled powerfully for most of the biggest race of the year and remains a quality sort despite dropping down in trip. Clive Cox's Ghostwriter went unbeaten as a juvenile which included a Royal Lodge Stakes success. He has finished fourth in the English and French Guineas this year before stepping up to this trip with a good third to City Of Troy in the Eclipse.

The sole Japanese entry caught the eye as the Japanese St Leger winner Durezza boarded the plane to Yorkshire. The four year old was last seen in the famous Tenno Sho over two miles and was aiming to provide his country with another major victory on the global stage. The French flag would be waved by two runners in this international contest. Zarakem improved through the grades last year and landed the Group Two Prix d'Harcourt at the start of the season. He then posted a lifetime best when chasing home the brilliant Auguste Rodin. The three year old Calandagan was gelded at an early stage of his career but has improved greatly in recent starts. The Aga Khan-owned runner was an exceptional winner at Royal Ascot by six lengths and his ceiling remains unknown. The Irish contingency would be dominated by record breaking trainer Aidan O'Brien, who was responsible for the prodigious talent City Of Troy. The son of Justify was rated one of the best juveniles ever last year and would be an emphatic winner of the Epsom Derby back in June. The four year old Hans Anderson is a smart sort in his own right but has been used as a pace setter in recent starts and his presence could be beneficial to his stablemate. 

Winner: CITY OF TROY (#12) (Justify x Together Forever) - R. Moore - A. O'Brien 

The pre race discussions and weeks of waiting would come to an end as the final horse stepped into the gate and a quiet hush descended over the racecourse. The race of the year was about to set off.

A slow start for both Docklands, Maljoom and Alflaila would make any race plans go to pieces as they would lose a bit of ground to their rivals in a race where every stride counts. The running of the race would be fascinating as well with the expected leader to be Hans Andersen, the pacemaker for Aidan O'Brien. An O'Brien horse would lead early, but not the one many expected. Hot favourite City Of Troy would dictate the pace under Ryan Moore with the yellow colours of Royal Rhyme and Ambiente Friendly running in close proximity with Hans Andersen in fourth. The pace would be a relatively strong one with the sectional times living up to average. As the field rounded the bend and entered the home straight, they remained largely on the far side rail as the crowd began to warm up with each passing second. The group began to fan out and there would be a host of chances at the two furlong pole. City Of Troy was sticking to the task and to his right, Ghostwriter emerged as a surprise contender along with the filly Bluestocking. The pulse of Japan would begin to rise as their hero Durezza was in the firing line. The eyes were also drawn to the near side as the Aga Khan silks of Calandagan travelled strongly into the race to set up a grandstand finish. City Of Troy found plenty for Ryan Moore inside the final furlong and began to pull clear of Ghostwriter, but Calandagan showed the same turn of foot that shot him to prominence at Royal Ascot. The French gelding looked set to overturn City Of Troy, but the leader gained encouragement from the charging Calandagan and found extra in the final yards to pull clear again. There would be a big gap back to the third Ghostwriter, while Bluestocking justified the decision to run here by finishing fourth. Another course record would fall as the timer clocked 2 minutes 4.32 seconds, which eclipsed the record held by another outstanding horse, Sea The Stars.

In a race for the ages, a true champion would come out on top. The three year old colt City Of Troy has now silenced the last few remaining critics he may have had with a dominant victory in his toughest test. Aidan O'Brien has always shown his adoration for the horse since his debut win last season, calling him the best he's ever trained; a line that would be taken seriously considering the galaxy of superstars who have been in his care over the past three decades. The son of Justify was rated a pound lower than Frankel as a juvenile last year following a season which saw him win the Superlative Stakes and Dewhurst Stakes in wide margin style. Starting this season in the 2000 Guineas, defeat seemed unthinkable. However, nothing in racing is guaranteed and City Of Troy blew out at Newmarket, returning in ninth. With his reputation dented, a few weeks passed before the Epsom Derby, where the real City Of Troy turned up with a high class performance at Epsom, running away at the finish. He regained his superstar status and was next seen at Sandown for the Coral-Eclipse. Soft ground would prove a tricky factor, but City Of Troy had to be brave to overcome a very talented older horse despite not pleasing the eye. With the Breeder's Cup Classic on dirt now a likely possibility, City Of Troy could become a legacy maker on both turf and on dirt. A stallion prospect worth millions, he has the "Galileo" effect for Coolmore. He will continue to stamp his mark on the track and as a sire in decades to come. 

Race Five: The Sky Bet Stayers' Handicap - Class Two - Two Miles - Runners: 16

After the excitement and fallout began to settle from the Juddmonte International, the racing action continued with the first of three very competitive handicaps. This one would take in a lap of the Knavesmire in this two mile contest and often sees challengers from both sides of the Irish Sea. In 2022, the grey Alfred Boucher powered clear to win this race before returning to York three days later and get beaten a nose in the Ebor Handicap. Last year, there would be a local winner as Kevin Ryan's Forza Orta showed aptitude for the step up to this distance with a hard fought victory. 

The responsibility of carrying top weight would go to the Gordon Elliott-trained Samui. The five year old ran to a good standard over hurdles but has been reinvented on the flat with two wins and a second. The latest of those wins came at Killarney by an incredible seventeen lengths. The Harry Eustace stable would be in for a big week at York and saddled the mare Divine Comedy, who has blossomed as a stayer. She was last in action at Royal Ascot when chasing home the winner in the Ascot Stakes over two and a half miles. Zoffee was third in this race back in 2022 and has since developed into a useful dual purpose horse. He would provide a big local success for this trainer Higo Palmer in the Chester Cup back in May, but has finished down the field in two more valuable staying contests. Alan King's Tritonic has achieved the holy grail of winning on the flat, over hurdles and over fences and has been a warrior for his connections. He has raced at all of the big summer festivals, but yet to win over two miles. The very well bred Evaluation is a former York winner in the past and has run in strong races for most of his career. Now trained by Grand National-winning trainer Lucinda Russell, the six year old dropped into class four company to win again and seems to have a bit of confidence back. Another for the David O'Meara stable would be Get Shirty, who is so often seen finishing just outside the top three on a regular basis in long distance races. He would be searching for a first win since 2022, a year in which he won four good quality handicaps. The gelding Ensured began his career in Britain before spending a spell in Hong Kong. He then returned to these shores and has settled back home. He made a winning debut for the Richard Newland and Jamie Insole stable where he looked strong at the finish at Newmarket. The Richard Hannon-trained Great Bedwyn has been progressing nicely and still has a few miles on the clock. After scraping home in front at Newbury, he went close when third in a Glorious Goodwood handicap. Charlie Johnston's Knightswood has gone through this year without success so far, but he has gone close in handicaps at this level. He was last seen finishing fifth behind a rapidly progressive stablemate at Glorious Goodwood. Another Irish runner would be Extensio, who has emerged from humble beginnings and arrived her in the form of his life at the age of seven. The gelding has provided the O'Donnell family stable with plenty of memories, including the Ladies' Derby at the Curragh in 2022. Andrew Balding's Spirit Mixer would be a logical winner on this card with two Juddmonte winners for parents and the six year old is a smart type in his own right. He has finished well into minor placings recently over two miles. Last year's winner Forza Orta returned for the Kevin Ryan stable, but his form this year has been a shadow of what he is capable of. A glimmer of hope would come in the Northumberland Plate when sixth in June. Iain Jardine's Bringbackmemories is a versatile type on the turf and all-weather and after finishing third over course and distance last month, was back in the winner's enclosure a few days later at Ayr. Karen Jewell's Red Flyer was another to contest this race two years ago and ran well into fourth. Since then, he has posted good efforts over two miles on the all weather and his latest start back on turf came after a long break so would be excused for the poor showing. Robert Johnson won five times last year prior to finishing down the field in this race last year. This season, he has moved to the Tracey Waggott stable and continued his good form without winning. Ed Bethell's Quantum Leap remains fairly lightly raced and was quickly moved up to staying distances after winning on debut. Recently, he has finished in the top four on all three starts this year, albeit over slightly shorter trips. 
Winner: EXTENSIO (#11) (Xtension x Entino) - J. Sheridan - P. O'Donnell

The field would be reduced by one as the locally trained Iron Lion would find the ground too quick for his liking, but there would still be a talented group of sixteen to go to post. 

The race to be overall leader at the first bend would be just as well contested as the finish as the likes of Bringbackmemories, Robert Johnson and Divine Comedy all took turns to lead the first two furlongs before Tritonic settled the argument and held the lead for most of the race. The Irish trained Extensio and last year's winner Forza Orta were also close up as the pace would be an even one. The running order would remain largely unchanged for most of the contest, but halfway down the home straight more challengers would make themselves known. The well fancied Samui crept into contention under Jamie Spencer and found himself on the heels of the leaders and going well. Great Bedwyn and Knightswood were two more to make a big move approaching the final furlong but they would both run out of stamina quickly. Up front, Tritonic was still battling hard to hold his lead as Extensio joined him up front. Samui came with a good run as well and the race would be fought out between the Irish raiders. It would be a case of David versus Goliath as the Pat O'Donnell trained Extensio would pull clear Samui for the established trainer Gordon Elliott and landed a memorable victory for connections. Early leader Tritonic ran a great race to hold on to third while the lightweight Quantum Leap did his best work at the finish and came home fourth.

It would be a big day for the O'Donnell stable, a small scale family run operation with just a handful of horses in their care. Trainer Pat O'Donnell would purchase Extensio for £800 as a yearling with little idea of the journey he would take them on. After winning his first race back in 2021, the son of Xtension progressed at a steady rate over middle distances, but his first big achievement would come in the 2022 Ladies' Derby at the Curragh where he would be successful under Sylvia O'Donnell, daughter of the family. The career progression ramped up further last year by winning over hurdles and finishing third in the Cesarewitch Trial at Newmarket last September. This season, he would land a conditions race at Fairyhouse on his previous start, again under Sylvia O'Donnell, which set up this trip to York. The seven year old is in the form of the life and has plenty of staying races to aim at for the rest of the year. 

Race Six: The It Pays To Buy Irish FIllies' Heritage Handicap - Class Two - Five Furlongs - Runners 14

Next up would be the turns of the flying fillies and mares with this class two handicap over the minimal trip of five furlongs. With a healthy prize purse up for grabs, this would be a lucrative opportunity for owners and trainers as well as providing a stepping stone for progressive horses. The first running of the race in 2020 was won by Karl Burke's Lady In France and more recently, John Butler's chestnut filly Designer has landed the last two renewals of this race in 2022 and 2023. 

The top weight would go to the John Butler-trained Designer, who was looking for an unprecedented hat trick in this race after winning the last two renewals. In 2022, she would be a comfortable winner before returning here last year for a last gasp victory. The Middleham Park Racing-owned Got To Love A Grey landed a listed race over course and distance last year for trainer Karl Burke and the three year old added a second pattern race to her CV at the start of the year. She returned to form last time when second at Glorious Goodwood. Roger Varian's Azure Angel was progressing through the ranks nicely with four wins from her first six starts. Her form has stalled slightly, but she has taken part in some classy races recently and made a first start over five furlongs. Jack Channon has enjoyed a great season so far and would be represented by Miss Attitude. After missing the whole of 2023, the filly has returned to racing at the top of her game with a win and four placings so far, the most recent of those by the narrowest of margins at Goodwood. Pepsi Cat has been the star of Steph Hollinshead's stable with six wins over the course of twelve months. She wasn't beaten far in a listed race earlier in the year and has a likable profile. The halved silks of owner A E Oppenheimer were on show with the Charlie Fellowes-trained Gutsy Girl, who has raced exclusively at six furlongs but her latest win saw a big move two furlongs out which offered hope for this new trip. David O'Meara's Star Of Lady M has been a busy and brave filly over the past two seasons and after a string of solid placings, returned to the winner's enclosure at Newmarket last time out. The Tom Clover-trained Jumbeau was a smart juvenile in 2022 and started this year in form with a win and two placings. More recently, she has struggled in much tougher races. Another from the Karl Burke stable would be Harvanna, who landed a maiden here last year and remains a speedy sort. After winning at Doncaster on penultimate start, she was below par on her latest run at Haydock. Royal Ascot winning trainers David and Nicola Barron would be looking for more festival success here with Profitable Edge, a filly who has won twice this season and travelled powerfully on both occasions. Harry Eustace saddled the improver Boadicia, whose two wins have come at a lower level, but she appears to on the right path after winning at Doncaster last time out. Richard Fahey's Midnight Affair was a useful juvenile last year, but has taken time to find her form. She would produce her best run of the year last time out when narrowly denied at Nottingham over six furlongs. A mare in form would be Roger Teal's Alcazan, who has found a jolt of improvement at the age of six. The mare won at Ascot at the end of July before making it back to back wins in a competitive Brighton contest last time out. Hurt You Never has been played a major role in the education of Mia and Jack Nicholls's careers as she has won numerous times with the siblings. A potential win here would be a great family success for trainer Adrian Nicholls. 

Winner: STAR OF LADY M (#7) (Havana Grey x Abraj Dubai) - D. Tudhope - D. O'Meara

The emphasis would quickly switch from stamina to speed and this handicap over the minimum trip would produce an electric performance. 

Just like in the opening contest, there would be a split in opinions of where to be in the race. A group on the far side was shadowed by one on the near side, but the advantage would remain on the far side. The speedy Profitable Edge would be the overall leader from her low draw and she was joined by the grey Star Of Lady M, Pepsi Cat and Hurt You Never. In the larger group on the near side, the pace would be set by Jumbeau, Harvanna and Designer. The gallop would be strong and within seconds, the race was nearing its completion. The two groups blended together and approaching the final furlong pole, Dan Tudhope pressed the accelerator on Star Of Lady M and his filly rocketed away from the race, soon opening a big gap to Profitable Edge who was chasing in vain. On the near side, Gutsy Girl emerged from the pack, but would be facing clear air as the winner crossed the line a very impressive four and a half lengths to the good. Gutsy Girl held on for second over Jumbeau, which gave hope for those drawn high in future races and the early leader Profitable Edge would take home fourth place.

It is rare to see such a tightly packed handicap won by such a wide margin, but the quick ground and fast pace proved to be the perfect combination for David O'Meara's grey Star Of Lady M. Now a four year old, the daughter of Havana Grey was a useful juvenile in 2022 by winning her first two starts and the Hilary Needler Trophy at Beverley. She then placed in listed company at the end of her first season which saw her rating shoot up. She would struggle for form throughout last year, but dropping down in class, she returned to the winner's enclosure on a more regular basis. Last time out, she would finish strongly to win narrowly at Newmarket on a rare start over six furlongs and her performance here would be her tenth career win. There hadn't been an easier win in her career before today. 

Race Seven: The Sky Bet Nursery Handicap - Class Two - 2-Y-O Only - Six Furlongs - Runners: 17

The finale of day one of the Ebor Festival would be the turn of the younger generation with this ultra competitive nursery handicap. Despite the class two status, the race has seen some classy types line up in this race since the first running in 2013. Three years ago, Flaming Rib enjoyed a productive first season which involved a win in this race and subsequently a listed race win before placing at Group One level a year later. Twelve months ago, Zoulu Chief made every yard of the running for Heather Main, beating the classy Starlust who placed at Group One level subsequently and won twice at York this year. 

It Ain't Two went in many Royal Ascot notebooks with an impressive debut success in April, but the filly was unable to reach that standard. Hugo Palmer's juvenile has finished second at listed level and would carry top weight here. Richard Fahey is regularly represented in these contests and saddled Moving Force, who made a good impression when winning on debut but has fared no better than midfield in a pair of Group Two events. Richard Spencer's speedily bred Sex On Fire was an early season winner at Southwell back in March and was kept on well at the finish in a similar event at Glorious Goodwood. The Royal runner Handcuffed opted for this race instead of the Group Two Lowther Stakes the following day and Andrew Balding's filly won in taking style on debut. She then found Group Three competition a little too much last time out. Winners from the Mick Easterby yard are always a popular one and the yard saddled unbeaten filly Scatter Penny, who defied a penalty in impressive style to make it two from two at Pontefract recently. The Wathnan Racing silks would be carried by Karl Burke's Artagnan, who broke his maiden in a very competitive nursery handicap at Goodwood three weeks ago. Richard Hannon's Cayman Tai had suffered a bout of seconditis before getting off the mark at the fourth attempt, but the grey was back to the silver medal spot behind Artagnan. Another from the Hannon stable would be Invited, wearing the Amo Racing silks. The colt remains a maiden, but has bumped into some very promising winners along the way. Yes I'm Mali would be another from the Richard Fahey stable to make a perfect start to his career by winning on debut. He then coped well with a rise to six furlongs when fifth at Goodwood last time out. The Eve Johnson Houghton stable have enjoyed multiple successes at York this season and would be looking for more with Rokuni, who broke his maiden tag on his fourth and latest start. The Mick Appleby stable landed a big juvenile contest at the Glorious Goodwood festival recently and were represented by the maiden Clover Time. The colt's best result was a close second at Thirsk a few weeks ago. Bryan Smart's hopes would be placed with Managing Director, who carried the silks of the late Reg Bond, a popular figure in the area. The colt comes from a talented family and has run well in all three starts to date. John Butler has enjoyed Ebor Festival success in recent years and would send up Number from his Newmarket base. The newly gelded runner has shown promise so far and was a contender. Kevin Ryan's East Tyrone landed a lower grade nursery over course and distance at the John Smith's Cup meeting so looked a natural for this contest. He was unable to land a blow last time out on the all-weather however. The field would be completed by Richard Fahey's Peninsula Power, a colt from a speedy family but has been slightly underachieving.

Winner: YES I'M MALI (#9) (Sands Of Mali x Yes Indeed) - J. Fanning - R. Fahey

The gates sprung back and the finale would be underway. The unbeaten Scatter Penny would miss the break and have work to do as the field opted to race as one down the centre of the track. Clover Time would show his customary early speed and led the group towards the stands as Yes I'm Mali and Artagnan would flank the leader on each side. The likes of Peninsula Power, Handcuffed and East Tyrone were all close to the pace as Scatter Penny, Rokuni and Number would all be held up in the first part of the race. As the leader Clover Time began to retreat through the field, the Wathnan silks of Artagnan took over the narrow lead as the Royal silks of Handcuffed and Far Above The Law also made headway. In an exciting finish, it would be Yes I'm Mali who found the best change of gear and nosed in front of Artagnan and would cross the line first under Joe Fanning. It would be another race where the outcome would be determined by the early leaders as Artagnan, Handcuffed and Far Above The Law all remained in the top four crossing the line.

It would be a second win for Richard Fahey's Yes I'm Mali, who is a son of the Gimcrack and Champions Sprint winner and first season sire Sands Of Mali. The colt would make a fairly impressive winning debut at the nearby Wetherby where he overcame trouble in running to get up close home. He then disappointed at Nottingham in another novice contest, but proved that run to be all wrong by returning to form in a very competitive handicap over six furlongs at Glorious Goodwood. He would prove his stamina at the trip with a close up fifth behind the reopposing Artagnan. He would reverse the form in this contest and could progress further as a likely sort for sprint handicaps in years to come.