Race One: The Sky Bet And Symphony Group Handicap - Class Two - Five and a half furlongs - Runners: 20
Winner: EQUILATERAL (Equiano x Tarentaise) (#1) - J. Spencer - C. Hills
The biggest week in York's calendar got underway with a traditionally strong handicap run over the rarely used trip of five and a half furlongs. The extended distance poses a conundrum for trainers to run their five furlong specialists and hope their horses last out the extra few yards, or to rely on their six furlong sprinters to sit off a lightning quick pace and arrive in front late in the day. 
The class two handicap attracted a full field and as expected, the regular faces often seen at York returned once more for an attempt at yet more Knavesmire success. Last year's winner Bergerac returned to the Knavesmire once again to defend his crown while there were unsurprising inclusion Copper Knight in the field. The York legend won this race back in 2019 on his way to seven wins in his career at York, the winningmost horse on the course. Elsewhere, Manila Scouse and JM Jungle were in the form of their lives and arrived at York on upward curves. The likes of Makanah, Mondammej, Nomadic Empire and Korker have all gone close here in previous starts. 
As is so often the case in these big York sprints, the field raced in two large groups on either side of the track. A balanced amount of horses in each group meant there was plenty for the eye to keep track of. The veteran Copper Knight led the group on the far side as Equilateral, the well fancied Intrinsic Bond and last year's winner Bergerac were ridden close to the pace on that side too. On the stand's side, The speedy Michaela's Boy showed his customary bright speed and dragged along the likes of Manila Scouse, Makanah, Shalaa Asker and JM Jungle. Entering the final stages, it would be the far side where the bias would be. Aligator Alley burst through from the back of the far side group to challenge new leader Equilateral. The Charlie Hills gelding knuckled down well and landed his first win in two and a half years over Alligator Alley with Makanah and JM Jungle leading their group home.
It was a welcome return to the winner's enclosure for Equilateral who this time last year was contesting the Nunthorpe Stakes. A main stay in pattern races, he had been in and out of form this year despite a second in the Group Two Temple Stakes at Haydock. Dropping into handicaps for the first time in Britain since 2018, he still had to shoulder top weight of ten stone. The expertise of Jamie Spencer came to good use in this big handicap and landed the first race of the festival.

Race Two: The Tattersalls Acomb Stakes - Group Three - 2-y-o's Only - Six Furlongs - Runners: 6

Winner: INDIAN RUN (Sioux Nation x Just Wondering) (#5) - D. Tudhope - E. Johnson Houghton
The Acomb Stakes would kick off over ninety minutes of high quality action which would culminate in the race of the day, the Juddmonte International. The group three contest often provides a contender for major honours in two year old races at the end of each season as well as producing Classic winners of the future. In recent years, the likes of Phoenix of Spain won this in 2018 before landing the following year's Irish 2000 Guineas with the likes of Rule Of Law, King's Best and Bijou d'Inde included on a high class roll of honour. 
2022's renewal saw a talented lineup and unearthed winnkeers at the highest level over sprint trips and a mile. Chaldean bravely made all the running in this race last year before landing the subsequent Dewhurst Stakes and more importantly the 2,000 Guineas this year. Further behind, this year's leading sprinter Shaquille suffered his only defeat to date in this race.

The class of 2023 were all eager to live up to their predecessors and despite a small field of six runners, each of the sextet were equally exciting. The small Malton stable of Adrian Keatley has enjoyed a growing reputation in recent seasons and ran their star juvenile Ballymount Bay. The son of Camacho won on second start before finishing a great second in the Richmond Stakes at Goodwood. He has since been purchased by the new powerhouse operation in racing, Wathnan Racing who have a keen eye for talent. Charlie Hills won this race in 2018 with Dutch Connection and saddled the unexposed Cogigate, comfortable winner of a Newbury maiden on debut. He was an interesting contender and lined up alongside fellow novice winner Loose Cannon. The William Haggas youngster won at the previous meeting at York and followed the path of former winner of the Acomb, Wells Farhh Go, who also won that same novice race. Eve Johnson Houghton has enjoyed another successful season and ran her Ascot winner Indian Run, stepping up in class while Tom Dascombe's Hot Fuss bolted up on soft ground last time and finished a good fifth in the Chesham Stakes at Royal Ascot. Aidan O'Brien had not trained the winner of this race since 2000 and sent out just one challenger, Edwardian, a five furlong winner who was stepping up in trip and grade.
With a small field, there was always going to be a questionable early pace. Hot Fuss cut out the running in the early stages under Richard Kingscote, but the stopwatch wasn't setting alight by any means. Cogigate and Loose Cannon raced a shade keenly in the pack while Ballymount Boy tracked the pace. Indian Run kept wide of the main group which would prove beneficial by the end of the race. Entering the home straight, the favourite Ballymount Boy made his move to lead but began to drift to his left. The change of course cost him the race as he ended up on the far side rail and inconveniencing Cogigate and Loose Cannon. Indian Run kept to a straight line under Dan Tudhope and galloped all the way to the line with an impressive final kick. Landing the Group Three contest, he gained quotes for next year's Guineas, but would need to improve further to emulate Chaldean. Ballymount Boy would take home second for his new owners with Loose Cannon in third. The Ballydoyle representative Edwardian ran out of stamina and finished last of the six runners.

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

Winner: CONTINUOUS (Heart's Cry x Fluff) (#5) - R. Moore - A. O'Brien 
An important trial for the final Classic of the season was eagerly awaited with the winner of this race likely to attempt a follow up in the St Leger at Doncaster next month. Run over a mile and four furlongs, the Great Voltigeur Stakes has provided a key warm up for many previous St Leger winners over the years and remains the most frequently successful trial for the Doncaster showpiece. The double has been achieved over the years by the likes of Logician, Lucarno, Rule Of Law, Milan and Reference Point. Along with St Leger winners of the past, many other high class horses have won the Great Voltigeur before winning elsewhere at the highest level. From Bustino to Rainbow Quest, Fantastic Light to Youmzain and Cracksman to Pyledriver, there is a rich history in this race.

This year, the lineup featured the very best of staying three-year-old colts and geldings with the Queens Vase winner Gregory representing John and Thady Gosden. The powerhouse Aidan O'Brien yard placed their faith in just one runner, Continuous, a runner up at Royal Ascot as well as sharing third in the Dante earlier this year. Another global outfit ran a leading contender and well fancied prospect for the St Leger. Owned by Godolphin, Castle Way has looked a strong staying type and had already won a trial previously. The Epsom Derby seventh placed Artistic Star had taken part in plenty of strong races while last year's winning connections of trainer James Ferguson, jockey Dan Muscutt and owner K K Ho were represented by Canberra Legend, who looked a smart prospect earlier in the season but had run poorly since. In a fascinating renewal, the final five would provide an exciting race and place their hat in the ring for Doncaster.

From an early stage, it appeared the quintet of runners were not hanging around. Rob Hornby tried to dictate the pace by going a quick gallop which had the field stretched out by halfway. Canberra Legend attempted to go with him as Gregory and Continuous watched on from the back. Entering the home straight and closer to the finish, the early leader Artistic Star began to weaken as Castle Way moved into pole position. The stamina laden Gregory took time to warm up but Continuous still travelled well under Ryan Moore. When the time was right, Moore pressed the button on his mount and they dashed past their rivals and into a clear lead. Leaving his rivals nearly four lengths behind, the son of Heart's Cry landed a first race of the season having chased home the top class King Of Steel at Royal Ascot last time out. A strong staying performance, Continuous jumped into contention for the St Leger in a few weeks. 

Race Four: The Juddmonte International Stakes - Group One - One mile, Two furlongs - Runners: 4
Winner: MOSTAHDAF (Frankel x Handassa) (#1) - F. Dettori - J & T. Gosden
The jewel in the crown of York's season was upon us and the world tuned in to watch one of the biggest races on the international stage. With prize money of a million pounds, a legacy for the future and the chance to call themselves best in the world, trainers are keen to bring their biggest stars to York and run in the Juddmonte International.

Over the years, legends of the turf can name this race amongst their list of achievements and the race has played host to some memorable displays. From the brilliant year of Sea The Stars in 2009 to Frankel's amazing demolition in 2012, Giant's Causeway's epic battle with Kalanisi in 2000 and consecutive dual winners in Ezzoud and Halling from 1993 to 1996. The race has also seen major shocks too, the sole defeat of Brigadier Gerard's career came in the inaugural running of this race in 1975 and Derby winner Golden Horn's reversal in 2015 brought silence in the stands.
The high class field of 2023 brought excitement and the promise of a brilliant race as the runners looked to follow in the hoofprints of Baaeed's brilliant victory last year. Star of the three-year-old division Paddington arrived at York for the next step of his remarkable season so far, coming on the back of a win in the Sussex Stakes at Goodwood. He would face the five-year-old Mostahdaf, who posted a career best at Royal Ascot when scorching clear in the Prince Of Wales's Stakes. The John Gosden trained grey would call upon the services of Frankie Dettori in the saddle. The enigmatic Italian will be hoping for one more big race win at a course he loves in what is his final season in riding. 
As expected the field size was small but crammed full of talent. Desert Crown has endured a highly frustrating career littered with injuries and once again in the build up to the race, suffered another major setback to end his racing career. The news over the weekend washed away some of the intrigue in the line up, but the quartet to line up were all bona fide Group One performers. This year's Dante Stakes winner The Foxes has been a bit of a forgotten horse, but he gave another dimension to the lineup. Star filly Nashwa has been top class on her day, as was shown in the Falmouth Stakes at Newmarket. 

The big talking point about the race would be tactics. The lack of a genuine front runner gave concern for a dawdling pace throughout, but thankfully the experienced jockeys did what was right for their horses. From the word go, Frankie Dettori rode Mostahdaf positively and led the field past the trees. Ryan Moore kept a target on Dettori's back all the way around with Nashwa and The Foxes breathing down their necks. Entering the home straight, Mostahdaf still looked vulnerable but galloped on relentlessly. Passing the two furlong pole, the first signs of Paddingtion cracking began to show. Dettori nudged his mount forward and received responses to all of them. Hollie Doyle made a dash up the far rail to challenge Mostahdaf, but each challenge was covered by Dettori and the pair crossed the line in front. The first three horses crossed the line with two lengths covering them, but it was Mostahdaf's race. The five year old has improved no end on fast ground and York's dry weather recently helped to provide him with optimum conditions. Showing his Royal Ascot win was no fluke, he cemented his status as one of the world's best horses. For Dettori, it would be a record set. Beating the previous record of wins in this race, set by Lester Piggott with six, it seemed fitting that in his final season of riding, Dettori would finally gain his seventh win in the Juddmonte. For the owners Shadwell Racing, they remain at the top. Since the death of Sheikh Hamdan in 2020, his famous white and blue silks have stayed at the top of racing and have won the race twice in a row. Last year it was brilliant Baaeed and this year it was the turn of marvelous Mostahdaf. 

Race Five: The Sky Bet Stayers' Heritage Handicap - Class Two - Two miles - Runners: 14
Winner: FORZA ORTA (Fastnet Rock x Follow A Star) (#9) - R. Scott - K. Ryan

Another handicap at the Festival which has grown in stature just like many others of this kind. With a prize money boost in the last few years, the lineups have been strong and competitive. The similarities of this race and the Ebor Handicap allows trainers the option of aiming their horse at both races in the week. With a three day break in between, Alfred Boucher won this race in 2022 before beaten an agonisingly small margin in the Ebor seventy-two hours later. The only horse in recent times to complete the double was the Tony Martin-trained Heartbreak City, although the horse returned a year after his first win to land the 2016 Ebor. 
After the excitement of the Juddmonte International, the excitement fizzed out as the crowd took a breather in the form of this two mile handicap for tough stayers. A good sized field of fourteen is common for a race of this calibre, but a valuable prize was up for grabs and it was hotly contested. On paper, the race appeared to be in the favour of Ireland, whose trainers sent over a strong contingent in this race. From a light weight, the four year old Grappa Nonito won recently to just scrape into the field and was trained by the master Dermot Weld. Former winning trainer of this race Tony Martin was represented by the four year-old Zanndabad, who has been very lightly raced but the booking of Ryan Moore suggested they meant business. Another dual-purpose yard was represented by Tronador, a winning hurdler last year for Gordon Elliott who completed a strong Irish trio.The home team had their work cut out, but the likes of La Pulga, Aztec Thunder and Mostly Sunny were all young stayers on the up. The Phil Kirby-trained Robert Johnson has been having a ball recently, winning six times this year including over course and distance last month. He was narrowly denied at Goodwood last time and was looking to continue his rapid rise through the ratings. 
As the field passed the stands for the first time, the early leaders were Solent Gateway and Mostly Sunny with their rivals queued up behind them. There would be little change in the order for the majority of the race as jockeys bided their time and remained patient on the long home straight of the Knavesmire. Entering the final furlong, Hollie Doyle had given Solent Gateway a well judged ride to that point as the pair remained in front, but the challengers loomed large in her wind mirrors. Aztec Empire attempted the brave man's route on the far side rail under Oisin Murphy and had to squeeze his way through. On the outside of the group, Forza Orta enjoyed a better run and challenged for the lead. With some slight bumping in the final furlong, Forza Orta and Aztec Empire crossed the line in close proximity but after a photo finish and stewards' enquiry, the race went to the Kevin Ryan-trained Forza Orta, a first Yorkshire winner of the meeting.  The five year old had plenty of good form at this course with two wins over shorter distances. Gradually improving over a new trip, he just lasted out in front and added to the tally of York wins on his CV. The early leaders Solent Gateway and Mostly Sunny were rewarded with podium places in third and fourth. 

Race Six: The Ire Incentive, It Pays To Buy Irish Fillies' Handicap - Class Two - Five furlongs - Runners: 14

Winner: DESIGNER (Pearl Secret x Curly Come Home) (#3) - W. Buick - J. Butler

A valuable prize for some very quick fillies and mares in this class two handicap which rewards those in form and can often lead to the next step on the pattern ladder. A race first run in 2020, the contest has involved some smart types in its short history. The likes of Group One placed Keep Busy and listed race runner Pink Crystal both finished second in this race in 2020 and 2022 and the race was won last year by Designer, who relished the quick ground. 
In a strong looking field, the John Butler trained Designer returned again to defend her crown, this time with Will Buick in the saddle. There was plenty of previous York winners from this year in the field, suggesting many have an affinity for the Yorkshire track. Radio Goo Goo completed a hat trick in a similar event over a furlong longer back in June, while Pillow Talk has shown flashes of form without winning since her listed race win back in May last year. Pinafore looked a transformed character in first time cheekpieces last time and made a quick return to action here for William Haggas and Lady Harmana announced herself on the sprinting stage with a listed race win at Sandown, but has only run once since then. 
There would be a case of deja vu as Designer would repeat her win in this race from last year in similar fashion. Last year, Dan Muscutt rode the five year old mare to victory, but the responsability fell on Will Buick this year. The keen going Vadamiah made the early running under Cam Hardie as Designer and the likes of Range Of Bamby and Pillow Talk were all riding shotgun. Entering the final furlong, Charlie Bishop released the brake and his filly Rage Of Bamby burst into a clear two length lead heading into the final stages. Will Buick covered the move however and Designer overhauled the runaway challenger to score decisively for the second year in a row.

Race Seven: The Sky Bet Nursery Handicap - 2-Year-Olds Only - Class Two - Six furlongs - Runners: 16

Winner: ZOULU CHIEF (Zoustar x Courteous Crown) - G. Mangan - H. Main. 
The handicap focus turned to the juveniles as this traditionally strong contest was well supported this year with a big field of progressive sorts and unexposed types. Two years ago, the subsequently Group One placed Flaming Rib landed this prize on his way to five wins that season including at listed level. Last year, a similar winning machine Streets Of Gold took this race on his way to a very lucrative first season for Eve Johnson Houghton. 
As the racecard came full circle with a big field handicap bookending the day's action, it was the turn of the two year olds with a very competitive line up. Last year's winning stable was represented by Bobsleigh, winner of an early season event on Epsom Oaks day before finishing close up at Royal Ascot. Blue Prince and Specific Times both won nursery handicaps at York in impressive style this summer but faced their biggest challenges yet. The Ralph Beckett colt Starlust had improved nicely recently and arrived in good form while the pair of Kevin Ryan runners Room Service and Jungle Mate had looked smart types already.

It would be another race at York where it paid to race handily as Zoulu Chief went from flag to line in impressive style. From the moment the gates opened, the chestnut colt bolted into the lead under Gina Mangan and the pair increased the tempo to find themselves three lengths clear at halfway. The son of Zoustar wouldn't see another rival as the gallop was kept up and they crossed the line comfortably clear of the chasing Starlust and Room Service who both caught the eye at the finish. It would be a third win of the season for the Heather Main-trained juvenile in a season where he has already made headlines this year. Winning for the first time on his second start at Newbury, he won at odds of 125-1, massively improving on his debut effort. Recently, Zoulu Chief caused another shock at a Racing League meeting last Thursday at odds of 28-1. He was a lot shorter in the market this time, but the performance of his wins suggest he is more than lucky and has a good amount of talent.