Saturday 25th May 2024

The sound of thundering hooves and excited atmosphere made a quick return to the Knavesmire, just a week after the final horse crossed the line in the last race at the Dante Festival.

This standalone meeting is the first Saturday meeting of the year at York and the added bonus of a post race concert gave a boost to those attending. The meeting is a fairly new addition to York's calendar, but its location on a bank holiday weekend provides a great social opportunity for racegoers new and old. The feature race would be a valuable Group Three for fillies and mares over the stamina sapping fourteen furlongs, while on the other end of the spectrum there would be plenty of speed on display with handicaps over five, six and seven furlongs. 

Race One: The William Hill Keep Your Raceday Positive Handicap - Class Four - Six Furlongs - Runners: 21

The afternoon would begin with a fiercely contested handicap in which winning claims were reasonable for the majority of the field, such is the unpredictability of York handicap races. Last year, the race was run over seven furlongs but saw Doctor Khan Junior victorious at a big price in the silks of Reg Bond.

The weights were headed by Roundhay Park, who has been a reliable sort at this level and was course and distance winner last summer. The nine year old appeared to be running back into form. The pink and yellow Battenberg silks were on display with Champagne Sarah. The filly has a likable nature and ran well in defeat twice this season. The John and Sean Quinn-trained Zaman Jemil started his career with promise, but has been disappointing recently. The Mick Easterby stable tasted success at the Dante Festival last week and were aiming for more with their recent recruit Royal Pleasure, who caught the eye in defeat last time out. Strong Johnson won three times last year for Paul Midgley and finished a close third at Newcastle last time out, two months ago. Holkham Bay has had issues in the past, but is starting to live up to his promise. William Knight's four year old finished strongly to take second at Ascot, just ahead of Champagne Sarah. Tim Easterby's Mattice has good form at York in the past and began his season with a second at Beverley. He then followed up with a win at Ripon last time out. Jack Channon's Tiriac won for just the second time on his last run, but both wins came on heavy ground; something which was the total opposite to the ground he faced here. The well travelled Gulliver is now a ten year old but is still going strong. David O'Meara's gelding dropped down to class five level last time to win for the tenth time. Jenever has become a regular on the all-weather, but also goes well on turf. The five year old would be returning to action from a small break. The quirky Mondammej has become even harder to win with, but hopes were pinned on the extra furlong to run and drop in class. Remarkable Force placed in listed company as a two year old and struggled against a higher rating. The John and Sean Quinn-trained gelding has had only a few chances on a quick ground six furlongs. Roy Bowring's Cliffcake ran mostly over longer distances until recently where he has improved at the six furlong distance. The gelding won twice at his local Southwell, but hadn't been seen since March. Tolstoy was promising type as a juvenile when under the care of John Gosden, but lost his way. He was slow out of the gates recently on his first start for the Brian Ellison stable. The Adrian Keatley-trained  Shalaa Asker was a smart sort last year, but not as strong this time around. He competed in a stronger contest at the Dante Festival last week. Sam England's Trilby won twice in impressive style during April, but those wins came on heavy ground. He would have to improve on this quicker ground. The Katie Scott-trained Slainte Mhath is a consistent type and has finished in the top three on all starts this season. Rambuso Creek finished a place behind Mattice at Beverley last time over five furlongs, but shaped as if he was ready for the step back up to six furlongs.  Antony Brittain's Dark Kestrel has good record on the all-weather and confirmed that stat with a win at Wolverhampton a fortnight earlier. Beelzebub has struggled for form in better company recently and his chances weren't helped last year by the blindfold being removed late in the stalls. The eight year old Little Muddy is in just her fourth season and has developed into a smart sort at this level. She finished second in a similar contest here last season. 

Winner: TIRIAC (Sixties Icon x Rough Courte) (#8) - K. Shoemark - J. Channon

The action got underway on the Knavesmire once again and immediately from the start, Champagne Sarah, Tiriac and most significantly Royal Pleasure were all slow to leave their gate and briefly lost ground on their rivals. The favoured part of the course appeared to be on the stands side and the larger group of two began to congregate on the nearside rail. Strong Johnson would hold a narrow lead in the early stages, but had plenty of company up front. The likes of Holkham Bay, Slainte Mhath and Jenever were all prominent while the slow starting Royal Pleasure had caught up to the rear of the group. Approaching the final furlong, The dark blue silks of Holkham Bay moved through to lead in front of the stands and showed a smart change of gear to go clear of Slainte Mhath. Out of the pack, the nosebanded Tiriac emerged from the pack to chase Holkham Bay down and the two were soon locked in battle. Tiriac used his forward momentum to inch ahead in the shadows of the post and deny Holkham Bay on the line. A length and a half back would be Slainte Mhath, who returned in the placings once again with Mattice coming home in fourth to continue his improvement.

The four year old Tiriac would be winning for the third time in his career and for the second time in succession. The son of St Leger winner Sixties Icon had previously looked comfortable in heavy ground, but the slightly quicker ground posed no issue for Jack Channon's gelding. 

Race Two: The Reg Bond "Always And Forever" EBF Novice Stakes - Class Three - 2-Y-O Only - Six furlongs - Runners: 14

Next up would be an intriguing contest for juveniles and the opportunity to follow in the hoofprints of some very classy former winners. The race is named in honour of local businessman Reg Bond, who also bred and owned racehorses. He landed Group race victories with the likes of Ladies Are Forever and Monsieur Bond.
Back in 2022, the race went the way of the newcomer Bradsell, who won by six lengths for Archie Watson. The colt then went on to win the Coventry Stakes on his next start and the King's Stand Stakes back at Royal Ascot last year. Twelve months ago, Native American made a similarly sparkling winning debut for Richard Fahey before winning a valuable sales race at the Curragh. 

This year's renewal would therefore be one to follow as the twelve runners went to post. Karl Burke's Arabie finished a promising second at Thirsk on debut despite the heavy ground. The first newcomer would be David O'Meara's Dark Cloud Rising, who comes from a talented Cheveley Park Stud family. Last year's winning trainer Richard Fahey was represented by two newcomers and the first, Epicurian Lad, is a son of a listed winning mare for the yard. The Michael Dods stable often has success at York and introduced their gelding Sanbona, another speedily bred sort. The Middleham yard of Charlie Johnston saddled the newcomer Shazani, who carried the famous Celtic Swing silks. Hugo Palmer's Stratusnine is a son of first season sire Far Above and half brother to a pair of talented winners. Atomic Mass is the first foal of a Godolphin-owned mare and made his debut for the Mick and David Easterby yard. Kevin Ryan saddled the newcomer Harry Palmer, a distant relative to the smart dual purpose horse Scarlet Dragon. The second debutant from Richard Fahey's stable came in the form of Lesley's Boy, a colt who is related to plenty of useful horses. The Kevin Ryan stable is capable of introducing winning newcomers and would be represented by Territorial Knight, another who is bred to be smart over sprint distances. The Juddmonte silks suggested an expensive purchase in the form of Ralph Beckett's Ardeur. The filly is a son of 2000 Guineas winner Kameko, whose first crop of youngsters were well awaited. The Archie Watson stable were hoping for a repeat of 2022's success, this time with Blue Empress.  The filly comes from a good family of winners. Ollie Sangster has earned a growing reputation in the early stages of his training career and he introduced Simmering, a filly with plenty of success in the family. The colt Baylando rounded out the field. He is a grandson of the top class Quiff and made his debut here for Mike Murphy and Michael Keady. 

Winner: ARABIE (Dandy Man x Mamma Morton) (#1) - J. Crowley - K. Burke

With a whole host of newcomers in the lineup, pre race behaviour would be under close scrutiny. Shazani would prove troublesome at the exit of the parade ring and again at the stalls where he began to get hot under the collar. The remainder were well behaved in the main and walked into the gate quietly. 
As the race got underway, a handful of runners were slightly hesistant in the opening strides. Arabie used his experience to get away from his stall quickly and soon led the pack along the stands side rail. The well fancied Simmering kept the leader busy along the straight as Baylando, Sanbona and Harry Palmer were all outpaced and showing greenness. Approaching the closing stages, Arabie kicked on from Simmering and looked to have the race sealed. The light blue silks of Stratusnine caught the eye out of the pack and began to stay on. Arabie still looked set to win comfortably, but panic soon fell on the punters as Jim Crowley began to ease up on Arabie. The strong finishing Statusnine came fast and late, but the line came in the nick of time for Arabie to win. Stratusnine would show plenty of encouragement in second while Simmering finished on the heels of the front two to finish third. The well bred Ardeur would be another for the notebook by finishing fourth.

It would be yet more juvenile success at York for the Karl Burke stable following Andesite's success at the Dante Festival last week. Arabie showed a smart turn of foot to wrap the race up, but was eased down in the closing stages. The son of Dandy Man is a half brother to some smart types including Mamma's Girl, who won the Nell Gwyn at Newmarket by a wide margin last year. He had finished second to a race-fit rival at Thirsk, but that came on heavy ground. He travelled well in that race and this confirmed the promise of his debut. This race should produce plenty of future winners and Arabie could join his stablemates in the big juvenile races at Royal Ascot in a few weeks. 

Race Three: The William Hill Extra Races Extra Places Handicap - Class Two - Five furlongs - Runners: 12

The focus would turn to the speedsters as this five furlong contest would be next. The five furlong handicap has been won by plenty of local stables in the past decade, including by some popular equine names such as Copper Knight, Duke of Firenze and Mr Lupton.

The field of thirteen would consist of many regulars to the Knavesmire and some who had been in action just recently. Karl Burke's Korker suffered all sorts of interference in last year's running, but improved throughout the season. He finished a close fourth in a similar event a week earlier. The Irish raider Thunderbear travelled over to North Yorkshire for Jack Davison, but has done well on his travels. The four year old won a Group Three at Newbury last August. The colours of owner Fitri Hay were carried by the three-year-old Starlust, who won a Group Three last season as a juvenile and finished third at the Breeder's Cup. Richard Fahey's Vintage Clarets is a useful type and won here last September as part of a mini revival last summer. He was last seen finishing on the heels of Democracy Dilemma at Chester. Rabaah is bred to be a star, but has yet to deliver for Charlie Hills so far. The four year old would make a first start over five furlongs. The nine year old Spoof was a useful horse at his peak, but age has begun to catch up on him. Despite a win as recently as last November, he trailed the field in two starts this year. Roy Bowring's stable star Hiya Maite would have a strong chance if this race was held at Southwell, but the five year old is also a useful type on grass. Lethal Nymph was progressive during 2022, but his level of form has dropped since last year. He was last seen at the Dante Festival over a furlong longer. Tim Easterby's Manila Scouse ran well over a range of distances last season, but the early signs now are that he will struggle against this higher rating this season. He was another to finish unplaced here last week. Never Dark is a talented handicapper on his day and won three times in 2023 before running well in a competitive handicap here last October. He would be returning for his first start since November. Richard Fahey's Brooklyn Nine Nine has potential, but has also faced issues through his career. The lightly raced four year old has caught the eye at the finish on numerous times. York legend Copper Knight sits on a record topping seven wins on the Knavesmire and the ten year old remained hungry for more. 

Winner: STARLUST (Zoustar x Beyond Desire) (#4) - R. Ryan - R. Beckett

The rapid nature of the race meant that any small mistake at the start would be magnified at the finish. That would come to effect with Korker and Vintage Clarets, who were both awkward away from the stalls. The visored Thunderbear would be the early leader as once again the main action came down the stands side. He would be joined by Lethal Nymph and Copper Knight as the race already moved towards its climax. Brooklyn Nine Nine was set to make his move but suffered interference at a crucial stage to lose all chance. Towards the outer flank of the group, the strong travelling Starlust moved into contention and was unleashed by Rossa Ryan at the furlong pole. The three-year-old quickly skipped away from seasoned handicappers to win impressively by an ever widening two and a half lengths. Lethal Nymph would hold on for second while the evergreen Copper Knight returned to form at York with a third, just in front of the staying on Spoof.

The competitive looking contest would be turned into a one sided affair as the talented Starlust stamped his class on the field. Ralph Beckett's son of Zoustar was kept busy as a juvenile last year, but improved with each run to win a Group Three at Kempton in September. A voyage to America would be rewarded with a third in last November's Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf behind compatriot Big Evs. Two more placings in Dubai earlier this year would clear doubts of him not training on and this drop back into handicap company paid off to great effect. The three year old was a cut above the rest and holds entries in the Group One Commonwealth Cup and Wokingham Heritage Handicap at Royal Ascot next month so would strong chances in both contests.

Race Four: The William Hill Bronte Cup Fillies' Stakes - Group Three - One mile, Six furlongs - Runners: 10

The feature contest would see a talented group of fillies and mares line up for this valuable contest. Not only does this Group Three contest hold a nice first prize pot, but any success at this level will increase the profile of the mares in the future once they retire to stud. Therefore, the lineup was talented and competitive.
Last year's race went the way of River Of Stars, trained by Ralph Beckett. She overcame Mimikyu in a pulsating finish to join the list of former winners that includes Precious Ramotswe, Tribal Craft and Dramatic Queen, all of whom placed at Group Two level. 

The class of 2024  was headed by the Kevin Philippart de Foy-trained four year old Ermesinde, a debut winner last year who went on to place three times at listed level. Gather Ye Rosebuds looked an exciting prospect last year when bolting up on debut for Jack Channon and the four year old has added two more wins to her collection. The most recent came in determined style in a listed contest at Goodwood. John and Thady Gosden's Lmay won at the third attempt before progressing into a stakes level filly last year. She came third in the Group Two Park Hill Stakes at Doncaster in September. The very interesting runner would be Marie's Rock, who would make her first start on the flat. Nicky Henderson's mare is a Grade One winner over hurdles and the Cheltenham Festival winner would be an exciting aspect to the race. Night Sparkle enjoyed herself last year with five wins, including one over hurdles. She was poor on her debut for Andrew Balding, but has been given time to settle into her new yard. Last year's winner River Of Stars was back once again to defend her crown. After the success of last year, the mare finished second in a pair of Group Two races. The progressive Safety Catch would be an interesting runner for William Haggas. The lightly raced four year old won a listed event when last seen in November and remained open to progress. William Muir and Chris Grassick's Shagpyle is a half sister to the yard's icon Pyledriver and had a good first season last year. The filly stepped into stakes company for the first time. Henry de Bromhead has won it all in National Hunt racing, but still has a few talented flat horses. Term Of Endearment represented the Irish stable and won impressively at Group Three level last summer. History making jockey Rachel Blackmore flew across to York for the first time to ride. Jessie Harrington is another Irish stable steeped in jump racing success and also sent a runner to York. Trevaunance is a Group Two winner but finished a great second in a German Group One last season. 

Winner: TERM OF ENDEARMENT (Sea The Moon x Miss You Too) (#9) - R. Blackmore - H. de Bromhead

The longest contest of the day got underway and Ermesinde would be the first to lead the group down the back straight. The pace was no more than average and Lmay would be one of a few to race keenly. The order would remain unchanged as Night Sparkle, Term Of Endearment and River Of Stars were all well positioned. Marie's Rock began to pick off a few places on her first start on the flat and looked to be a threat in the final stages. Up front, Ermesinde quickly weakened which left Term of Endearment and Night Sparkle to battle out for the win. The pale colours of the Irish raider began to edge forward and a large roar went up from the crowd as Rachael Blackmore took over the lead. Night Sparkle rallied to make it a thrilling finish to the feature. Term of Endearment began to lug to her left as Blackmore fought hard with the reigns to regain control. Her filly straightened up and crossed the line half a length to the good to land a second Group Three success. Night Sparkle went down fighting in second as River Of Stars stayed on into third with Trevaunance coming from further back into fourth.

The race would be added to the historic winning achievement list for Rachael Blackmore following her success in the Cheltenham Gold Cup, Champion Chase, Champion Hurdle and Grand National. Her partnership with trainer Henry de Bromhead has broken down walls in National Hunt racing for the past five years and this would be a successful first ride on the Knavesmire. The girl who won it all, the history maker. 

Race Five: The William Hill Epic Boost Handicap - Class Four - Seven Furlongs - Runners: 19

The first of two very tricky three-year-old handicaps came next and the first contest came over seven furlongs. The class four contest was first run two years ago and has been a source of many future winners. Last year, the Richard Hannon-trained Starnberg cruised through the race to win by a healthy margin. 

Juantorena took seven attempts to gain a first career succes and he did so recently in impressive style at Brighton, but was saddled with top weight in this wide open contest. The Ed Bethell-trained Angel Of England competed in a sales race here at the Ebor Festival where he finished midfield. He appeared in need of the run on his return at Ascot earlier in the month.  His stablemate Sea The Dream ran well without winning as a juvenile last year before scoring on his first start of this year. He disappointed at Beverley in a similar contest. Grant Tuer's Mr Irrelevant arrived to the race on the back of two wins and looked to be going the right way. The gelding had previously struggled at this trip, but connections were keen to give it another go. Richard Fahey's Quiet Resolve ran well in a stronger contest here a week ago and looks set to be a useful handicapper in the coming seasons. Rachel Blackmore's services were called upon during her flying visit. Jess Macey's Smart Vision ran once on turf last season before improving gradually on the all-weather. After winning on her fourth start, she disappointed when last at Southwell back in March. The Michael Dods-trained Midnite Runner looked useful when winning on his second start before attempting a big sales race last autumn. He was too keen on his reappearance last month.  Jack Channon's Burdett has shown promise during his career, but his best efforts have come on slower ground which would cause concern here. Harriet Bethell has unlocked improvement with new recruit Diddy Man. The three year old won on stable debut at Newcastle in April before making it two from two at Doncaster. He would need to improve in this better grade of race. The Tom Dascombe-trained Old Chums improved strongly through the winter on the all-weather and ran well in a good handicap at Chester last time out. Count Palatine ran eight times last year for Brian Meehan and placed twice, but struggled to stay seven furlongs. He has since moved to the Michael Dods yard. Phil Kirby's Misemerald won twice at a lower level last season before running in strong races, but ran nicely in a big field here last week. Indivar showed initial promise on his debut before getting off the mark on his fifth start. After a promising third on his reappearance, the colt finished down the field at Newmarket. Craig Lidster's Alreet Cha has shown the ability to win races during the winter, but has found one too strong in her last three starts. Project Geofin would be aiming to be a fitting winner on this raceday and showed promise as a two year old last summer and got up close home to score at Newcastle when last seen. Craig Lidster's second runner East Bank returned to winning ways at Newcastle earlier in the season but posted a season's best at Musselburgh with a second. The Richard Fahey-trained Up The Jazz has run well twice at York already, including in a similar handicap over seven furlongs. Mick and David Easterby's Bulmer Bank ran in some decent contests last year but posted his best effort at Newcastle recently. Ann Duffield's Triple Force ran in three novice races last winter and made the switch to handicap company here. 

Winner: BURDETT (Inns Of Court x Abiquiu) (#8) - K. Shoemark - J. Channon

The wide open handicap got underway to a near level break but the early front runners were drawn on the inside rail. As horse and riders jostled for position, running room became tight for a few of the pack. Further behind, Project Geofin was slow to leave the gates and was playing catchup. East Bank would be one of the early leaders as the pack made the sweeping turn into the home straight with Juantorena, Midnite Runner and Angel Of England amognst those to race prominently. The pace looked genuine and there would be plenty of chances at the halfway stage. The protagonists would emerge from the pack as the runners fanned out across the track to make their move. The dark blue silks of Burdett nosed into contention under Kieron Shoemark and quickened up well to open daylight between himself and the staying on Sea The Dream. Burdett wasn't stopping at the line as he passed the post two lengths to the good. There would be a bunched finish for the minor placings as Sea The Dream took second, in front of the fast finishing pair of Bulmer Bank and Project Geofin.

It wold be a double for the trainer and jockey combination of Jack Channon and Kieron Shoemark as the lightly raced three year old Burdett scored for the second time in his career. The son of Inns Of Court won on his second start last year and showed a liking to soft ground. His two runs this year came over a mile where he failed to stay the extra furlong, but his latest run came in a handicap that produced a few subsequent winners. Dropping to seven furlongs here, Burdett displayed how useful he can be on his day. 

Race Six: The Royal Yorkshire Regiment Handicap - Class Three - One mile, Two furlongs - Runners: 7

The second contest in a row for three year olds looked to be another noteworthy contest with some potentially smart stayers in the lineup. There would be plenty of improving horses in the field and winning streaks would be put on the line here.

The racecard was topped by the promising Per Contra, who looked an rising star with two wins last season and returned to winning ways in a handicap at Wolverhampton last month over a longer trip. Kevin Ryan's Midnite Storm remains a maiden, but has performed well in defeat. He was a shade unlucky last time at Ascot where the saddle slipped. Primo Lara won for the first time recently and did so at Chelmsford. Jane Chapple-Hyam's runner is bred to make a three year old and had potential for more to come. The John and Thady Gosden-trained Jayyash ran in maidens that produced very smart horses and got a win for himself back in April. He was then narrowly denied on his latest run at Kempton. Richard Fahey's Colorada Dancer went close a few times last season before breaking his maiden in comfortable style here back in October and returned to the Knavesmire for his seasonal reappearance. The Tim Easterby-trained Flickering Halo landed a lower grade race at Beverley last time out, but got up on the line in dramatic fashion. He appeared better suited to this distance. The field was completed by Terrorise for the Brian Ellison yard. The son of Territories looked to be a longer term prospect by won easily at the lowest grade last time when moved up to this distance.

Winner: PRIMO LARA (New Bay x Fact Or Folklore) (#3) - J. Peate - J. Chapple-Hyam

Despite the small field, the race would be a very interesting contest on paper and straight from the start, Terrorise was rushed into the early lead under Cam Hardie. The chasing group raced comfortably within themselves as Flickering Halo joined Terrorise up front, Per Contra kept the leaders in his sight and Colorada Dancer, Primo Lara, Midnite Storm and Jayyash completed the order.

As the group made their way down the middle of the home straight, Terrorise began to feel the pinch and Per Contra began to race awkwardly by hanging to his left side. The yellow sleeves of the well fancied Primo Lara was spotted travelling powerfully under Jonny Peate and the gelding burst clear of his rivals. Midnite Storm chased the clear leader in vain but it would all in vain as Jane Chapple-Hyam's Primo Lara scored for the second successive start.  Back in third, Jayyash made only modest late headway and finished ahead of Colorada Dancer as the first four finished in intervals. 

It was an impressive staying performance by the winner Primo Lara who has started to live up to his potential. After showing promise as a juvenile last year, the son of New Bay ran in a hot novice at Newmarket over seven furlongs before moving up in trip to ten furlongs at Chelmsford. In similar style to his last win, Primo Lara was strong at the finish and could possibly improve even more over even longer distances. 

Race Seven: The Alf Duffield Memorial Handicap - Class Four - Seven furlongs - Runners: 18

The meeting would round out with a seven furlong contest that would be identical to the one on the final day of the Dante meeting. Therefore, plenty of those who raced here a week ago would make a quick return to action.

The weights would be headed by last week's winner Riot, who relished the return to York by winning easily. He faced a tougher task by carrying ten stone. Micky Hammond's Carnival Zain provided plenty of fun for his owners during a fruitful 2022, and continued to run well without winning last year. Roundhay Park is well into his veteran stage now, but won over six furlongs here last summer. He showed he was still capable with a good second last time out. Paul Midgley's grey Grant Wood picked up two all-weather handicaps in nice style back in January but has yet to match those performances on turf this year. Dan and Claire Kubler's Deceiver won at the start of last year, and with the exception of one below par run, he has performed with credit for the yard. He would be too keen last time out and dropped down in trip. Billyb won three times during 2022 including at class two level for Ann Duffield. The gelding struggled against his rating last year and has now joined the Craig Lidster yard. Oso Rapido crossed the line in front here last October, but was demoted to second following interference. That would confirm the liking of York for Roger Fell and Sean Murray's seven year old. Richard Fahey's Craven is another with solid form figures on the Knavesmire and returned to form here last week with a third behind Riot. No Nay Nicki has finished twice in the past and Richard Fahey's filly was last successful at Nottingham in October. She was below her best at Southwell last time. Tim Easterby's Danzan usually goes well at York over six and seven furlongs, but produced a quieter run here last week after racing keenly. Mereside Diva has quickly developed into a likable sort and gained her fourth win last time when finishing strongly on her first attempt at seven furlongs. Carolus Magnus was another to compete in the Dante Festival handicap last week and rattled home in the closing stages after waiting for a clear run.  Feel The Need ran over longer distances for the most part of 2023 but switching to the Michael Herrington stable, the gelding has come back into form over seven furlongs. Northcliff has found a burst of improvement recently for Mike Murphy and Michael Keady and won a large field handicap, giving young jockey Sorcha Woods a day to remember. Kalganov was a smart horse in France and placed in Group company. Now based in Britain, he has been a useful type at a much lower level and his latest win came in late November. Ivan Furtado's Magical Max won here on his debut five years ago and has since added two more successes. His profile nowadays has an in and out look to it. Tim Easterby's Leap Day found some improvement on the all-weather during the winter and wasn't beaten far back on the turf last week. Helter Skelter ran a bold race in the competitive Spring Mile at Doncaster, but has seemingly gone backwards since that run. Dreamrocker is a half sister to a Group One winner and won at the second time of asking. Ed Walker's four year old remained lightly raced. 

Winner: FEEL THE NEED (Ribchester x Patterned) (#8) - L. Edmunds - M. Herrington

Just like the previous three year old handicap at this distance, this race was hotly contested and in similar fashion to an hour earlier, it paid to be patient in the race. All eighteen runners got away to an even start and within a few strides, Oso Rapido and Danzan helped to force the early pace. 

Approaching the final stages, there were many horses in with a shout of success while the early leaders faded. Mereside Diva and Feel The Need made their move out of the pack at the same time and it was Feel The Need who swooped around the left hand side of the field to quicken up into the lead. Under Lewis Edmunds, the four year old wasn't for catching as he landed a second career win. Mereside Diva ran another great race this year with an honourable second while from an uncompromising position, Dreamrocker flew home to take third. Last week's winner Riot had to settle for fourth under his burden weight. 

It would be an overdue return to the winner's enclosure for Feel The Need, who won for the first time since his second start in 2022. Previously trained by David O'Meara, the son of Ribchester was evidently well thought of and ran over a range of distances, even up to a mile and a half. After leaving Nawton, Feel The Need joined the shrewd Michael Herrington stable and raced on the all-weather in recent months. After finishing a close second last time, his form suggested a win would come soon. The combination of a big field, new trainer and lower rating all came together for a winning formula.