A fortnight after the spectacular Ebor Festival had commenced on the Knavesmire, racing action would return to York for the ever popular family fun day. The standalone race day would also coincide with the beginning of National Racehorse Week, a superb opportunity for the general public to meet the equine stars up close at the stables before watching them on track later in the day. 

The on track action would be headlined by a listed contest over six furlongs which has been won in the past by plenty of smart types. There would be also a focus on the next generation of racing with a pair of contests for two year old horses, joined by an apprentice jockeys' handicap to close out the day. With plenty of family friendly activities on offer at York, it would draw in a healthy crowd, hoping to enjoy the thrills of the sport. 

Race One: The British EBF Novices' Stakes - Two Year Olds Only - One Mile - Class Two - Runners: 9

The racecard began with a revamped novice race for juveniles, which included a prize money boost and added incentive for a potential star of the future.  The contest had previously been run over six furlongs and has been won by some useful sprinters over the years. In 2022, Nigel Tinkler's Squealer dropped back in class from a previous run in listed company to win for the first time, while last year, Middleham Park Racing owned the winner and third home with The Coffee Pod and Ziggy's Condor, while a future Royal Ascot winner would finish second in the form of Pilgrim.

This year's renewal would be run without any previous winners in the field, but its still contained some leading stables, well related horses and others who have shown promise already. Sean Woods would be represented by Betelgeuse, a half brother to a Group Two winner but could only manage eighth on debut at Sandown. Mick and David Easterby's Lever Up made his debut in the Convivial Maiden at the Ebor Festival, but was unable to land a blow in the competitive race. Off Spin was sent off a big price on debut in a similar race at Ripon recently but Tim Easterby's colt showed ability by staying on into third. The George Boughey-trained Shah has bumped into two very smart prospects so far, including here a fortnight ago when second in the Convivial Maiden. He looked like a winner in waiting. Kevin Ryan is often well represented in contests like this and introduced the first newcomer in the contest Spirit Of Murray, who appears to be bred for stamina based on his pedigree. Another leading Northern stable would be involved as Richard Fahey as Springbok took his place in the lineup. The colt has shown minor promise so far with two finishes just off the podium. Another from the Kevin Ryan stable would be U S Grant, who has looked limited so far with a pair of sixth placings and beaten a long way on both occasions. Headgear would be tried with the gelding. The Juddmonte silks would be in action here as Windlord represented the Andrew Balding stable. The colt comes from the family of the brilliant mare Goldikova and improved into second on his second start. The only filly in the lineup would be Harswell Ruby for the Roger Fell and Sean Murray stable. She would finish third on debut recently and moved up to a mile. 

Winner: WINDLORD (#8) (Dubawi x Goldika) - O. Murphy - A. Balding

A downpour on the morning of the meeting led to a change in advertised ground conditions and the weather would remain a thorn in the side of racegoers throughout the afternoon. The gates would open to signal the start of the action and the field of juveniles would get away to a decent break. The keen going U S Grant was seemingly lit up by the first time blinkers and bowled along in front at a sensible pace. Springbok would keep the leader occupied by racing on his hind quarters while the two main protagonists Shah and Windlord rounded out the first four in the opening stages. The newcomer Spirit Of Murray was a shade slow out of the gates and had ground to make up, along with the filly Harswell Ruby. 

The main body of the field were brought down the middle of the track as the jockeys tested the waters to find the best racing ground. Approaching the three furlong pole, the race would thin out into a trio of contenders. On the nearside, Springbok was still there with every chance at big odds while Shah would be caught on the back foot as the pace lifted. The Juddmonte silks of Oisin Murphy were still travelling strongly aboard Windlord and it would be the Andrew Balding-trained colt who picked up impressively inside the final stages. Gaining first run on Shah, Windlord began to increase the gap between himself and the rest and crossed the line strongly to break his duck at the third attempt. Shah would have to settle for second for a third time in a row and Springbok showed promise as a stayer by holding on for third. Mick Easterby's Lever Up made the most ground up from the rear by taking fourth close home.

Conditions proved no issue for the winning son of Dubawi, who is bred to be high class. Windlord is a half brother to Caraveti, a one time winner in France, but more significantly, the colt is the grandson of exceptional French mare Goldikova, a three time Breeder's Cup Mile winner amongst her fourteen successes at the highest level around the world. Making his debut at Sandown in June, he would be given a tender ride on his first day at school but still stayed on into fourth. A month later, he returned to Sandown where once again he would make up ground at the finish, finishing a length behind previous winner Anno Domini, a smart prospect for Godophin. The third home in that race, Angel Hunter, went on to win a nursery handicap here at the Ebor Festival which gave the form a boost. The nature of Windlord's win was stylish albeit potentially exaggerated by the ground. It did however confirm his talent and the regard he has been held in at the stable as he holds entries in big races such as the Beresford Stakes and Royal Lodge Stakes later in the month. Windlord has thrown his name into the hat of very promising juveniles this season.

Race Two: The Fine Details Vehicle Valeting Handicap - Class Three - Five Furlongs - Runners: 13

The action reverted back to the sprinters with another valuable contest, this time for three years over the minimum trip of five furlongs. For the past two seasons, the race has been contested as an apprentice riders event and has been won by Yorkshire trainers with Looking For Lynda last year and Catch Cunningham twelve months earlier. This year, a tweak to the race conditions saw a return for fully fledged riders as well as young prospects of the saddle. 

Top weight would be carried by the progressive Law Of Average, trained by Chelsea Banham. The colt has won three of his last four starts this year and moved into this class  to continue his progression. James Horton's gelding Grandlad made a bright start to his career with three wins this year, but has been outclassed in some higher class contests, including a listed race here in July. Karl Burke's Harvanna is another former course winner in the past, but her progress has stalled slightly in some higher grade races recently. The Godolphin-owned Dorney Lake looked a smart prospect for the Gosden stable at the start of the year, but his progress has also hit a wall since switching to the turf. Robert Cowell's Cloud King improved for the move to handicaps earlier this year with a pair of lower grade successes. The most recent came in smooth style at Haydock, but struggled in at Goodwood at the start of August. Irish Nectar landed a pair of nursery handicaps at the end of last season on soft ground and posted his best effort of this year on slower ground recently. Kevin Ryan's gelding would appreciate any rain in the forecast. The very speedy Curious Rover posted a string of placed efforts through the summer, including at York in July, but weakened out of the frame in a stronger race at Pontefract last time. Tim Easterby's Monks Dream landed two races on the all-weather last winter, but didn't make his return to action until recently in the valuable Great St Wilfrid Handicap. The Nigel Tinkler-trained Duran landed a handicap over course and distance in July before weakening over a furlong longer last time out. Mini Magna won twice last year for his previous stable before joining the locally based Antony Brittain yard. He didn't offer much during a spell at the start of the year, but ran well after a long break last time out at Catterick.  Vince l'Amour has yet to add to his two early season wins on softer ground, but his best effort came three starts ago when second to Cloud King at Haydock. Another from the Robert Cowell stable would be Fidelius, whose two wins came on the all-weather this year, but he has run well on the turf including at Doncaster a month ago. Ticktyboo finally got off the mark at the twelfth time of asking in a small race at Chepstow last time out and Nigel Tinkler's gelding returned to handicaps with a confidence booster.

Winner: DURAN (#11) (Invincible Spirit x Dolma) F. McManoman - N. Tinkler

The rain put pay to the participation of Cover Point, Mon Na Slieve and Mon Na Slieve, but the race remained very competitive and produced a great finish in miserable conditions. This season's winning machine Law Of Average was well drawn to attack on the stands side rail and would lead overall at a relatively rapid pace. The field raced in a large group that shunned the far side and the presence of plenty of front runners would help to force the early gallop. In the middle of the track, Mini Magna was also at the head of the pack along with Fidelius, Monks Dream and Cloud King. 

Some of the brightly coloured jockey silks had turned dark in the conditions and as the race reached the final stages, the contest was still wide open. Law Of Average's early haste on the soft ground began to come into effect and his petrol gauge began to flash empty. The focus would move the middle of the track where Vince L'Amour made his move around the wing of the ground and into contention as Fidelius bravely defended his lead. Mini Magna was another to hold every chance, but towards the near side, the gaps appeared in the nick of time for Duran and the gelding showed a smart change of gear to flash home under Faye McManoman and steal the win by just under a length. Fidelius was rewarded for his effort with a second, just ahead of Vince L'Amour in third and Mini Magna posting another good effort in fourth. The likes of Dorney Lake, Irish Nectar and Curious Rover had been slow from the gates but made good late headway to finish just out of the frame.

It would be a well timed ride on Duran from jockey Faye McManoman, whose smile lit up the gloomy parade ring as the pair were led back. Held up initially and seemingly struggling to cope with the pace, the son of Invincible Spirit faced a wall of horses approaching the final furlong but as others began to weaken, the gaps opened up and the winning pair took the opportunity with gratitude. It would be the gelding's third win of the year and second at York this summer, having won on contrasting good to firm ground in July. His latest start at Nottingham came over six furlongs where he weakened inside the final stages, so a return to the minimal trip saw a return to winning ways.

Race Three: The Irish Thoroughbred Marketing Nursery Handicap - Class Three - Six Furlongs - Runners: 8

This would be a new contest for the meeting, replacing an older horse handicap over two miles. The focus would return the juveniles with this class three nursery handicap over the straight six furlongs. Last year would see a small field go to post, but the race was won impressively by Richard Fahey's Tropical Island, who went on to finish in the frame at listed level later in the year.

The weights would be headed by the speedily bred Sex On Fire, who made a perfect start to his career by winning at Southwell in March. Richard Spencer's colt has been given some tough tasks since then. The Clive Cox-trained Mythical Composer improved with each run before winning in clearcut style at Bath on his third start. He would be far from disgraced in the valuable Super Sprint last time out. The sole representative from the Kevin Ryan stable would be End Of Story. He would make a winning debut back in May, before contesting in much classier events. This would be a first start as a gelding and first since July. The Nick Bradley Racing-owned Teej A has been an early season type for Karl Burke and won the Woodcote Stakes at Epsom. Since then, the filly has been tried in some loftier company. Andrew Balding's Brighton Boy ran in maidens won by smart juveniles this summer and went close against Caburn on second start. He would win easily at Chester on third start, but failed to stay seven furlongs in a competitive handicap at Glorious Goodwood. Richard Fahey would provide a strong hand in the race with Yes I'm Mali, who dropped back in grade after winning the nursery handicap on day one of the Ebor Festival recently. Another from the Fahey stale would be Final Angel, who has competed in three novices to date and looked a work in progress. She would would make her handicap debut in this relatively strong contest. Mick and David Easterby's Atomic Mass looked a decent prospect when fifth on debut here back in May, but hasn't gone on since then. His best effort has been a third to East Tyrone over course and distance.

Winner: BRIGHTON BOY (#5) (Gregorian x Natural Instinct) - O. Murphy - A. Balding

The field would be reduced by one as Charlie Johnston's filly Baileys Jubilation was a late withdrawal, another victim of the ground conditions, but it left an interesting field of eight going to post. The pair of Sex On Fire and End Of Story made quick getaways from the stalls and the five furlong winners used their natural pace to provide a quick gallop in the early stages. The keen going Teej A would also race close up with recent course winner Yes I'm Mali and hot favourite Brighton Boy on the outside of the pack. Mythical Composer would bring up the rear along with the slow starting Final Angel, but the imminent pace collapse would change the complexation of the race. 
End Of Story had burned off his challengers for the lead approaching the final furlong and still travelled with purpose. Yes I'm Mali began to feel the heat on the ground while Brighton Boy continued to shadow the leader. Mythical Composer had raced on the stands side rail throughout but soon found himself with nowhere to go for a few strides. Rossa Ryan had to be forceful on his mount and he managed to squeeze through a gap and into the open. It would be too late however as Brighton Boy had already taken up the lead and began to assert under Oisin Murphy. The dark grey colt crossed the line strongly to win by a length and a half. End Of Story bravely held on for second in a return to form while Mythical Composer would be third best on the day. Yes I'm Mali would complete the top four, albeit well held. 

It would be a second win on the day for the red hot partnership of trainer Andrew Balding and leader of the jockey's championship, Oisin Murphy. Brighton Boy had been progressing nicely with each run to date since his debut fifth at Leicester. He then pushed Caburn close on his next start, a horse who went on to win the Super Sprint on his next start. Brighton Boy got off the mark in impressive style at the tight and twisty Chester track, where he skipped clear of a subsequent winner Qaseem. On his most recent start, he would be sent off a well fancied contender in a class two nursery at Glorious Goodwood; this time over seven furlongs. he would be trapped out wide in the opening stages and covered more ground than his rivals. He would finish midfield that day, but this distant relative to listed race winner Zanetto bounced back and should be able to progress further before the year is out.

Race Four: The PJ Staffing Group Handicap - Class Three - One Mile - Runners: 6

Next up would be an interesting handicap for three year olds, which is often a tightly fought contest over a mile. Last year's renewal would be the inaugural running and saw a small field of six runners, but in a driving finish it would go the way of Florida; trained by William Haggas.

This year, top weight would be carried by William Haggas's Markoon, who carried the silks of Shadwell Racing and is well bred. His two career wins came by narrow margins and he would race too keenly last time when slightly disappointing. The Ed Bethell-trained Old Cock made his debut in April and has quickly developed into a very talented sort. He would win for the third time this year in a useful handicap at Haydock. Andrew Balding's Marcella landed a minor novice race at Chester last year, but was thought highly enough to run in some smart races, including the German 1000 Guineas and at Royal Ascot on her latest start. Another from the Kevin Ryan stable would be Apiarist, who posted another good run at York with a fourth in a stronger handicap during the Ebor Festival. He scored in a sales race last autumn and has held his form well. John Butler's Zain Blue has run well twice at York, finishing second in the Convivial Maiden last year and returning this year to finish fifth in a three year olds only handicap a fortnight ago. Amsterdam would be the relied on solely by Ed Walker, who had plenty of horses in the line up earlier in the week. The colt is still looking for his first win, but has gone close on a few occasions this year.

Winner: ZAIN BLUE (#7) (Blue Point x Affability) - D. Egan - J. Butler 

This tightly contested handicap would see those racing prominently come to the fore. The lightly raced Amsterdam would cut out the early running under Tom Marquand and he would be joined up top by Old Cock, Apiarist and Zain Blue. Towards the rear of the sextet would be the filly Marcella and the slow starting Markoon.

There would be little change in the order as the group made their way into the home straight, sticking to the centre of the course once again. The pace began to rise halfway down the home straight as Amsterdam and Old Cock made their challenges on either flank of the group. Apiarist remained close up as well and briefly nosed into a narrow lead. In a thrilling finish, Amsterdam wrestled the lead back from Kevin Ryan's colt but the final challenger would be Zain Blue who ground it out under David Egan. In an almost slow motion finish, it would be Zain Blue who took over the lead in the final strides to win by a neck. Amsterdam would return in second once again while Apiarist ran another good race at York. The progressive Old Cock lost his winning streak by weakening into fourth. 

The John Butler-trained winner had arguably frustrated connections in the past with a series of placings earlier in his career, one of those coming at last year's Ebor Festival in the Convivial Maiden behind Battle Cry. The son of Blue Point finally gained his first win on his eighth start at Ascot in a similar handicap to this one. His latest start would see a return to York's biggest meeting of the year, where he plugged on into fifth behind Treasure Time. He finished a place behind Apiarist that day and reversed the form here. His form has improved since getting his head in front and he remains a solid sort at this level. 

Race Five: The Starman At Tally Ho Stud Garrowby Stakes - Listed Race - Six Furlongs - Runners: 8

The feature race of the day would be this listed race over six furlongs and often attracts classy horses. The race also adorns a former winner of the race in its title. Starman landed this race in 2020 before adding the Group One July Cup to his resume the following season. Other winners of this sprint include the very talented Limato in 2018, York legend Dakota Gold in 2019 and high class juvenile Lucky Kristale in 2015. Last year, the multiple winner Commanche Falls continued his progression up the ladder by defeating Juan Le Pins and former Group One winner Emaraaty Ana. 

Despite the Group One Sprint Cup taking place over the Pennines at Haydock twenty four hours earlier, this year's line up retained plenty of quality on show. Quinault proved to be a handicap revelation last summer with seven wins including over course and distance, but he struggled initially at the start of the season. He has since bounced back with a pair of consecutive listed race wins at Chester and Newmarket respectively. The speedy Korker is part of the furniture at York and Karl Burke's five year old would make his thirteenth start on the Knavesmire. Last time out, he finished a good second in handicap company here at the end of July. The Julie Camacho stable would be represented by Significantly, who provided the yard with a big day by winning last year's Ayr Gold Cup. He then followed it up with a honourable second at York in handicap company, but has only raced twice this season. The six year old would be running for the first time since early May. The six year old Twilight Calls held the option of the Group One Sprint Cup, but chose to wait an extra day for this race. Cheveley Park's gelding has found winning hard to come by, but he has some high quality form to his name. The first of the females would be Michael Dods's Azure Angel, winner of a Group Two here last year before injury intervened. She has since returned to winning ways at Ayr, but was outpaced in the Nunthorpe Stakes last time out. Richard Fahey's Marine Wave has some good performances to her name at York in the past and bolted up in a listed race at Pontefract last time to show her capabilities for this level. Andrew Balding's Purosangue was a tough juvenile and was rewarded for his efforts last season with a listed race win here in October. This season, the colt's best efforts have come in Group Three contests with a pair of placed efforts. The Sprint Cup winning stable of William Haggas would saddle Pink Crystal, a listed race winning mare who has run well at York in the past. She has been slightly quieter on track so far this year, but would be looking for further success at this level.

Winner: QUINAULT (#1) (Oasis Dream x Queimada) - M. Ghiani - S. Williams

The worsening conditions saw a flurry of non runners in the contest, including Night Raider, Rage Of Bamby, Frost At Dawn and Fivethousandtoone but the remaining eight runners were more than good enough. The hooded Quinault would make a quick start to proceedings and was the main pace angle in the race. The filly Azure Blue would be another to show bright speed and joined Quinault at the head of the field as Korker displayed his usual tendency of a slow start. Purosangue, Marine Wave and Pink Crystal would come next along with the returning Significantly, while Twilight Calls would be another to lose ground from the start. 

The race began to heat up at the two furlong pole as Azure Blue quickly weakened away having lost a shoe at an early stage. Quinault would still travel strongly in front under Marco Ghiani but he would face the persistent challenge of Purosangue and that man again, Oisin Murphy. The two leaders would battle it out in the final stages as their rivals toiled. Going head to head, stride for stride, Quinault was able to find just a little extra and the four year old crossed the line just ahead of the three year old Purosangue. Further back, Korker stayed on into third with Twilight Calls back in fourth. 

This would be yet another feather in the cap of Quinault, who was winning for the tenth time since the start of 2023. The gelding was purchased cheaply from the Charlie Appleby and Godolphin operation by Stuart Williams and landed a modest class six handicap at the end of April last year. It would kick start the rise and rise as he landed a further five wins in a row, including a pair of valuable class two handicaps; one at York over course and distance and then again at Newmarket where he defeated this year's start sprinter Mill Stream. This season, he was aimed at much higher level such as a trip to Royal Ascot for the Queen Elizabeth Jubilee Stakes. He appreciated the drop back to listed class recently by winning at Chester and Newmarket, before completing a hat trick for the second time in his career. A very tough front runner, the four year old has been a fine advertisement for the skills of trainer Stuart Williams. 

Race Six: The Hanson Springs Handicap - Class Four - Six Furlongs - Runners: 19

Following the classiness of the feature race, the theme would move to the competitive nature of this sprint handicap for all ages. This class four contest would see plenty of York regulars, looking for further Knavesmire success.

The afternoon's toughest looking race produced the largest field of the day with nineteen going to post. The veteran ten year old Equiano Springs likes to things his own way, but remains plenty of enthusiasm for the sport. Tom Tate's runner has finished in the top three on two of his last three starts. Another popular and experienced runner would be Abate for the Adrian Nicholls team. The former course winner ran a good race in a stronger contest back in May. The three year old colt Modern Times remains a maiden, but has shown promise since joining the Iain Jardine stable in July. He stayed on into second over seven furlongs last time and dropped to six furlongs for the first time in his career. The durable Dickieburd represented the Craig Lidster stable on the back of their biggest win so far during the Ebor Festival recently. The four year old has run well in defeat this season. Mark Walford's It Just Takes Time ticked off most of the Yorkshire courses during a winning spell two seasons ago, but his form dropped off for a while. He showed encouragement last time when runner up at Ripon in a similar contest. The totally unexposed Dance And Romance represented the Andrew Balding stable and held the potential to rise higher through the ranks. She has won two of her four starts and finished a good third at the Glorious Goodwood meeting. The seven year old Maxi Boy was a classy sort in his younger days and threatened to strike again when going close over course and distance in July, but he has been below form in his last two starts. The Brian Ellison-trained Northern Spirit has a much better record on the all-weather, but took his place in this competitive turf contest on the back of another win at Newcastle last time out. Another leading Northern trainer would be represented as Richard Fahey's Flying Fletcher, who carried the Middleham Park Racing silks. The three year old would be making his seasonal reappearance, but was a winner when last seen in December. The speedy Reigning Profit has been a good money spinner for the Ruth Carr stable and was in winning action at Catterick at the start of August. He would need to match that form over this longer trip. Nigel Tinkler's veteran Roundhay Park is another regular at this level and at York and the nine year old has posted some good efforts this season. Late Arrival has hit form in recent weeks for the Mick and David Easterby stable and his win last time out was his second in his last five starts. Another from the Richard Fahey stable was the useful Minnesota Lad, who broke a losing streak by getting up close home at Doncaster in June, but has been down the field in recent starts. The grey four year old Wreck It Ryley is enjoying a good spell on track and was rewarded for his consistent placings with a hard fought win at Ripon last time. Evocative Spark was in similar form for Daryll Holland earlier in the year with placings over distances up to a mile but disappointed on his most recent start and has now joined the James Owen stable. The three year old Travis made his debut in March this year and has quickly made up for lost time. He joined the Geoff Harker stable recently and has run well despite some slow starts. Project Dante was a very classy juvenile in 2021, placing at Royal Ascot but lost his way badly. Geoff Oldroyd's five year old would be looking to revive his career. Chestnut six year old Fantasy Master's last win came in 2023 and has run well on plenty of occasions this season. On his latest start he came home in third over five furlongs. Huddle Up has a few quirks in his character but recently he has run well without winning; finishing in the placings on his first two starts for current trainer Jack Jones. 
Winner: NORTHERN SPIRIT (#10) (Adaay x Amelia Grace) - B. Robinson - B. Ellison

There would be a long delay to the start as Huddle Up showed his quirks once again and refused to enter the stalls. His withdrawal left a field of eighteen and a wide open contest.

The field would split into two groups as so often is the case in handicaps of this nature. The larger group would converge on the stands side and would be led by Dickieburd while the six-strong group in the centre of the course would see It Just Takes Time show his customary early pace. The furlong markers would be quickly ticked off as the race progressed and as soon as it had started, the runners were entering the final stages. The red and white silks of Fantasy Master emerged from the main group to dispute the lead with Dickieburd and Abate, but in the central group, Northern Spirit had quickened nicely away from It Just Takes Time. Brian Ellison's four year old quickly established a clear overall lead and would have plenty in hand over Dickieburd on the near side to win in good style. The likable Abate took home a respectable third while It Just Takes Time returned home in fourth. 

It would be a second win for a Malton based stable, a boost for Malton Open Day which took place on the morning before racing. Brian Ellison has enjoyed a memorable season so far, completing a bucket list task of winning the Northumberland Plate as a Newcastle native. He looks to have a useful prospect on his hands in the form of Northern Spirit, who has show plenty of capabilities on the turf and all-weather. Since a short summer break, the son of Adaay has been in good form. A runner-up spot at Newcastle would be followed by a hard fought success at Southwell on his latest start. Clearly suited by the strong pace and ground conditions, the four year old should be able to hold his form in the coming months. 

Race Seven: The Elevator Company Amateur Jockeys' Handicap - Class Four - One Mile, Two Furlongs - Runners: 16

The finale of family fun day at York would offer a chance for the next generation of jockeys to showcase their talent to the large crowd. The race is another to undergo a change of identity having previously been raced over five furlongs for the past two years.

Owners Wolfpack Racing would have a runner in the race with the Fionn McSharry-trained Sol Cayo, who hasn't seen much racing action in recent seasons, but looked promising as a youngster. The well travelled Ey Up Its The Boss would run for the Tony Coyle and Kaine Wood stable and has a liking for Ripon where her latest win came at. Her previous runs at York have been below par, but she arrived here in form. The Karl Burke-trained Tele Red was successful in a similar race here in July last year, one of three wins in 2023. He has been gradually coming into form and stepped back up to ten furlongs for the first time in a while. Mick and David Easterby would saddle Unplugged in this contest, with the veteran rider Serena Brotherton in the driver's seat. The eight year old has finished in the frame in similar contests recently. The other half of the Easterby clan, Tim, would be represented by Highwaygrey, who recently won for the fifth time at Pontefract and was hoping to finish higher than fifth at York, the position he has filled in his last three visits here. The five year old Fourovakind has been better known recently as a useful hurdler and was successful over timber on his latest appearance for Lizzie Quinlan. He would return to the flat for the first time in two years. Tim Easterby's Financer looked to be a progressive staying three year old earlier in the year with a pair of wins and good second at Doncaster, but his progress has stalled recently. His much more experienced stablemate Poet's Dawn has won in every season he has raced in and the nine year old kept the streak going last time with a comfortable success at Carlisle recently. Another veteran in the field would be the David O'Meara-trained Young Fire, who recently surpassed 100 starts. He ran a good race into second on his first try at this distance last time out. The Alan Brown-trained mare Princess Niyla gradually improved earlier in the summer and won nicely at Beverley. In recent times though, her form has taken a few backward steps. The Richard Fahey-trained three year old Glistening Nights was winless before the start of June but now has three wins to her name. The latest came at Beverley in early August and she returned there to finish second just over a week later. On the other end of the age scale, the three year old Royal Blaze made the trip from Lambourn for trainer Marcus Tregoning. The gelding won on his final start of last season over seven furlongs, but has yet to convince he stays this trip. Jewel Maker would be another "golden oldie" from the Tim Easterby stable who continues to run well at his age. The nine year old landed a low grade handicap at Pontefract earlier in the season and has held his form nicely in recent starts. A second runner for the Kevin Frost stable would be Sisterandbrother, who made an excellent start to his time with the stable by winning three times and regularly finishing in the placings. His latest run saw him finish close up in fifth at Beverley. The shrewd stable of Jim Goldie found some improvement in Humble Spark as he won three times since April, two of those coming at Newcastle and one with rider Alice Keighley. The family affair would continue in the race as Freddie Keighley would take the ride on the Martin Keighley-trained Continuance. The three year old won impressively at Chepstow at the end of May and has posted some solid efforts in defeat since. The well supported Ursa Major Racing were represented by Jumeira Vision, who rattled in a hat trick of wins earlier in the season for trainer Katie Scott before running well in defeat in recent starts. The four year old Star Start has been around the yards throughout his short career and now finds himself at the Ruth Carr stable. The gelding showed he has settled in well with a win at Ripon last time out. The very well bred Rise Hall has been disappointing since the early stages of his career.

Winner: YOUNG FIRE (#11) (Fuisse x Young Majesty) - Mr. S. Walker - D. O'Meara

For the second race in a row, the stalls handlers earned their wage as Humble Spark proved troublesome to load ahead of the race. Luckily for punters however, the well fancied runner eventually complied and the remainder all took their place in the stalls. 

The early gallop would be a modest one, understandably for an amateur rider's contest. The recent winner Star Start would cut out the early running under Charli Parker as the likes of Glistening Nights, Fourovakind and Tele Red all raced close to the pace.  The field rounded the home bend on their approach to the business end of the race, but there would be plenty of differing opinions as the horse and jockeys spread out across the track. On the wide outside, Continuance made good headway at the halfway point of the straight, but the main action remained on the stands side. Star Start kept on galloping, but the veteran Young Fire loomed large in the rear view mirror, along with Humble Spark. As the leader began to weaken, it was left to Young Fire and Humble Spark to fight it out with the experienced hands of Simon Walker proving valuable to David O'Meara's charge. The pair would cross the line in front with Humble Spark running another good race into second and Star Start holding on for third. Karl Burke's Tele Red would stay on into fourth and produce another good York run under Jack Lander.

It would be the thirteenth win for the nine year old Young Fire, who has been a great servant for the Nawton-based yard of David O'Meara. The former French-trained gelding was very smart at the height of his powers, winning class two handicaps on soft ground at his beloved Haydock. In recent times, he has provided valuable riding experience for the stable apprentices and was successful on his ninety-ninth start at Haydock. His hundred and second start would be yet another win for the likable sort.