A brand new meeting for York took its place during a busy period for racing up and down the country. When the fixture was announced, there was plenty of opposition to the news from the nearby Catterick who raced on the same day and Ayr racecourse which hosted its prestigious Gold Cup Festival on the same day. Despite the uproar, the meeting was given the green light and with another post race concert on offer for racegoers, there was a healthy crowd expected through the gates. The racing on track was also hotly contested. Despite being a new meeting, the prize money on offer was tempting for many connections. The class two sprint main event on the card was worth a more than tempting £60,000 to winning connections. Elsewhere, there was a competitive class three handicap for seven furlong specialists which was also named after the nearby village of Copmanthorpe. A pair of juvenile events which were valuable took their place on the card while there was plenty to choose from for the staying division with a contest over two miles and one over twelve furlongs.
The week leading up to the meeting was littered with rain and bleak conditions which came as a sharp reminder to everyone that the autumn season is upon us and it also led to ground conditions on the slower side. However come race day, the weather relented for racegoers to enjoy a day at the races with bright autumnal sunshine.

This standalone meeting would also draw in the final furlong of York's season with the autumn finale fast approaching in October.

Race One: The Jigsaw Sports Branding EBF Fillies' Novice Stakes - Class Four - 2-Year-Olds only - Six furlongs - Runners: 6

Winner: INVINCIBLE MOLLY (#3) (Invincible Army x Mollymawk) - R. Ryan - R. Beckett

Two year old novice events at York are often well contested and offer plenty of prize money to the winner and this class four race was no exception. Racing over six furlongs, the £20,000 contest attracted plenty of interest as stables began to develop their new recruits with next year and beyond in mind.

Despite the prize money and draw of a runner at York, the race attracted just seven runners but each and every runner had raced at least once before and shown varying degrees of promise. The withdrawal of Jack Channon's debut runner up Staincliff reduced the field size by one and deducted some of the interest in the race. Nevertheless, the remaining contestants made plenty of appeal.  Queen Of Atlantis made a promising debut at Newbury when finishing second for the James Ferguson yard but took a step backwards on her next start on the all-weather. Invincible Molly had gradually finished closer over the course of her two starts with a debut fourth and recent third and represented the in form Ralph Beckett stable. All Agleam hailed from a family which her trainer Andrew Balding knows very well and she stepped up from her debut effort with a fourth place last time. The well bred Oakland Princess carried the Nick Bradley Racing silks and also finished fourth on her debut while Glory Hyde and Parrsicoe rounded out the field having both raced twice so far. 

From an early stage in the race, the keen going Parrsicoe enthusiastically took the field of six fillies down the centre of the track. The group remained tightly grouped with the likes of Oakland Princess, All Agleam and Glory Hyde all helping to force the pace. Held up off the pace, Invincible Molly watched on from the rear under Rossa Ryan as the pack reached the final furlong. The outsider Glory Hyde had taken over in front and set sail for home. As an upset briefly threatened, it would be Invincible Molly to fend off All Agleam before leaving Glory Hyde in her trail. Crossing the line with a comfortable margin, it was a professional display by the filly to win for the first time. By the first season sire Invincible Army, the Ralph Beckett filly is a grand daughter of the useful Irish mare Hen Night who won at listed level. This race may not have lived up to the usual standards of a York novice, but Invincible Molly has shown good progression through her three starts and gained a deserved first win. Potentially enjoying the softer ground conditions than what she faced in her two starts beforehand, it remains to be see how much Invincible Molly can progress. 

Race Two: The jigsawsportsbranding.co.uk Handicap - Class Four - One mile, Two furlongs - Runners: 8
Winner: PALAMON (Decorated Knight x Seschat) (#7) - A. Voikhansky - R. Hannon.

With plenty of races at York over the course of the year, it was no surprise to see a number of returning faces to the Knavesmire after running here at an earlier meeting. The Grant Tuer-trained Award Dancer ran his best race yet year with a narrow defeat in third here two weeks ago. He was in front of the reopposing Bosc Girl that day and looked to be on a competitive rating. The leading stable of William Haggas ran their late developing three year old Unlimited who chasing a hat trick of wins, another to improve following a gelding operation. It wouldn't be a York meeting without a Kevin Ryan winner and the Thirsk stable sent across recent winner Invisible Friend who benefitted from a wind operation before winning last time out. The three year old Palamon remained a maiden but had been running well recently with a trio of fourth placed finishes including at Doncaster last weekend. 

The race began with a level and clean break to begin proceedings and the Scottish raider Innse Gall was sent straight into the lead after a few strides by Andrew Mullen. The lightly raced duo of Palamon and Invisible Friend secured a prominent position along straight passing the woods and the likes of Bosc Girl, Armoured and Pub Crawl kept tabs on the leaders. Entering the final stages, Palamon was easy to spot given the way he travelled into contention under Alec Voikhansky and Bosc Girl made similarly smooth progress to join the new leader. Short priced favourite Unlimited also threw his hat into the ring under Rossa Ryan, but it would be the Richard Hannon-trained Palamon who skipped clear of Bosc Girl in the closing stages. Galloping all the way to the line, the sizeable colt stretched clear to cross the line six lengths clear and win a race for the first time in his career. The son of Irish Champion Stakes winner Decorated Knight and a half brother to talented stayer Okool, Palamon had been running well in defeat recently including when fourth at the nearby Doncaster just six days earlier. The fashion of his breakthrough win was undoubtedly impressive, but the handicapper will have been taking notes for his next assessment. 

Race Three: The Jigsaw Branding Solutions Nursery Handicap - Class Three - 2-Year-Olds only - Seven furlongs - Runners: 6
Winner: POLITICO (#2) (Blue Point x Servalan) - R. Ryan - C. Johnston
The second of the juvenile races saw this competitive looking nursery handicap over seven furlongs. The race was essentially a match up between Newmarket and Yorkshire with five of the six runners in the field trained in the North.

The weights were headed by Emperor's Star, carrying the colours of Godolphin and the flag bearer in this race for Newmarket. The son of Sea The Stars may not have lived up to early expectations but won on his latest start and had the assistance of leading apprentice rider Harry Davies. Leading the challenge for Yorkshire  would be the Charlie Johnston-trained Politico, who has kept busy this season after winning in the early stages of this year. Classy Boy has shown ability so far for the Karl Burke yard and switched to handicap company following a fifth in a novice event here last time out. The field would be completed by Mick Easterby's Bulmer Bank, Tim Easterby's Alfie Boy and Richard Fahey's Up The Jazz, all of whom who needed plenty to find on form.

With such a small field, tactics would prove key in the race, but it appeared to be a straightforward job for eventual winner Politico. Breaking from the stalls to an even break, the Charlie Johnston-trained juvenile took up his customary position at the front of the field under Rossa Ryan. Just behind him, Classy Boy raced prominently along with Emperor's Star and Alfie Boy as Up The Jazz and Bulmer Bank looked on from the rear. As Rossa Ryan dictated the pace, it allowed his rivals to gang up behind and throw down their challenge halfway down the home straight. Ryan had saved just enough to kick on again with Politico and he had the opposition in trouble. Up The Jazz managed to find trouble in running in the small field but finished best of the rest by chasing home Politico and in a bunched finish, Classy Boy took home third again and Bulmer Bank plugged on into fourth.

It was a tactically precise ride from Rossa Ryan who was allowed to set his own fractions on a horse whose stable are renowned for their front runners. The son of Blue Point is well bred as his dam Servalan was sharp enough to finish sixth in a Queen Mary Stakes at Royal Ascot back in 2018. Politico himself won for the first time on his second start by a wide margin at Chester before having a taste of higher quality racing in the Coventry Stakes. Returning to Chester at the beginning of the month, Politico landed his second win and appeared to show a love for the tight and twisty track at Chester. A tough and hardy type, this would be a deserved third win for the useful colt. 

Race Four: The Copmanthorpe Handicap - Class Three - Seven furlongs - Runners: 17
Winner: APHELIOS (Kodiac x Homily) (#4) - D. Muscutt - M. Appleby

The first of the feature races of the afternoon looked a strong race and a cracking prospect for punters and racegoers alike. There was a vast mix of experience between the runners and others dropping in distance or grade.

There was plenty of previous York winners from this year and previous seasons amongst the nineteen strong lineup. It felt like an age ago since Charlie Appleby's Wild Lion bravely fought off his rivals to win here back in May while Quest For Fun won for the first time since moving to Tim Easterby's stable here back in July. Another Investment bolted up in a similar event back in June and has enjoyed a good season. The quirky Cruyff Turn, well handicapped Orbaan and long absent Lion Tower can call themselves former York winners while Scottish Summit has gone close here as well. The interesting runners came in the form of a lightly raced trio. Nibras Angel looked potentially high class when landing two novice events earlier this year which prompted talk of a Group One tilt at the end of the season. She could manage just eighth on handicap debut last time to deflate the excitement. Lowton was making nice progression with two wins in four starts for the Ed Bethell stable and similarly finished in mid field last time out. Recent winner The Turpinator, popular grey Zip, the consistent Thankuappreciate and The Cookstown Cafu all made their cases in this high quality class three race. 

The field got off to a relatively level break but The Turpinator made the best start of all from his favourable stall one and stole a half length advantage as soon as the gates crashed back. Once the remainder had settled into their rhythm, plenty of heads forced their way into a prominent position and The Turpinator was soon joined in the lead by The Cookstown Cafu, Percy's Lad and Lowton amongst a whole host in the main group. At the rear of the field, Thankuappreciate missed the beat by a few strides and was already climbing a mountain within half a furlong. As the field made their way down the long home straight, there was umpteen horses in with a shout. The Turpinator regained the narrow lead and looked set to be a well named horse for the Knavesmire location. Alongside him, Quest For Fun moved into contention travelling strongly with Zip and the improving Aphelios. Entering the final furlong, Quest For Fun and Aphelios battled it out in a great finish, but it would be Aphelios who found a little more in the closing stages to win by a neck. A small gap appeared to third where The Turpinator delighted his syndicate owners and Lowton caught the eye with a good late finish into fourth.

The winner provided another big Saturday win for his in form stable of Mick Appleby. The four year old has proven himself to be yet another shrewd purchase by his owners The Horse Watchers and this would be the gelding's fourth win since joining the Mick Appleby yard. A smart type, it had previously appeared Aphelios had a liking for the all-weather, but this determined display showed off his versatility and rewarded jockey Dan Muscutt for a great ride having been held up in midfield early on and navigating the traffic issues. 

Race Five: The Vickers Bet Handicap - Class Two - Five Furlongs - Runners: 19

Winner: VINTAGE CLARETS (Ardad x Enchanted Princess) (#10) - J. Garritty - R. Fahey

A full field of twenty two runners turned up for another exciting and competitive sprint handicap at York, one that took plenty of hard work to find the winner of.

The class two handicap featured a whole host of talented speedsters and a handful of runners were making a quick return to action following last weekend's Portland Handicap. Third at Doncaster that day was Intrinsic Bond, who was mugged close home by the first two there. The Michael Wigham-trained gelding had to carry top weight here, but had the able assistance of Adam Farragher onboard. Close behind Intrinsic Bond was Vintage Clarets who finished fifth. The useful juvenile has found his form again this year and they were joined by Doncaster also-rans Existent and Fine Wine who took part in a Listed race at the same meeting. There was plenty of course form on display in this valuable event, namely through Alligator Alley and JM Jungle who finished second and third in the opening race of the Ebor Festival. Hyperfocus and Good Earth held more experience but have also returned in front at York before and Manila Scouse, Wen Moon and Ventura Express are all returnees to the Knavesmire. Some former high class types were present in the lineup too. The Robert Cowell-trained Arecibo has placed in Group One company down the years but his legs are beginning to show their age now and the eight year old now competes in handicap company. Came From The Dark was also running in Group races not too long ago, but has been out of form on a regular basis recently. The three-year-old Proverb held a lightly raced and progressive profile, with the potential "group horse in a handicap" tag hovering over him. 
There would be a slight drama at the start as James Sullivan onboard Good Earth appeared to pull the blindfold off his horses after the stalls opened which would have been far from ideal for his horse. As is so often the case at York, it was beneficial to race prominently and not many of those held up were able to land a blow. The speedy trio trained by Scott Dixon of Zargun, One Night Stand and Fine Wine all helped to contribute to the rapid early pace as Arecibo, JM Jungle, Manila Scouse showed bright pace early on. Towards the tail of the field, the likes of Desperate Hero, Proverb and Existant were outpaced at the halfway point. Entering the final furlong, the bunch at the head of the field began to draw clear and it included Vintage Clarets who took over the lead under Jack Garritty. As recent runner up Wen Moon made his move to follow in pursuit, it would be the Richard Fahey-trained four year old who held on bravely to score a big pay day for his owner. Wen Moon ran well at York once again as did Manila Scouse and JM Jungle in third and fourth to uphold their liking for York.

Vintage Clarets was a very classy juvenile back in 2021, finishing third in the Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot. As a three-year old last year, he struggled against his inflated rating but has really found his stride in 2023. Winning twice in a row in midsummer including the Gosforth Park Handicap at Newcastle. Just seven days previously, the son of Ardad finished a close up fifth in the Portland Stakes over slightly further. A return to a regular five furlongs plus his tactical early speed reaped rewards for Vintage Clarets who landed yet another big handicap at York for the Fahey stable.

Race Six: The New To York Rio Brazilian Handicap - Class Four - Two miles - Runners: 12
Winner:
A much better event this time around than the one at the previous meeting which saw just three runners in a similar class four handicap. The lineup for the two mile contest featured some talented names and rising youngsters who could prove better than this grade in the future. 
The Tim Easterby-trained Marbuzet has been in top form this summer with three wins and three placings in his last six starts and pulverized his rivals last time by ten lengths. The three-year-old Solution has improved no end since stepping up to two miles and was another to arrive at York on the back of two wins. Mostly Sunny gave it a bold attempt last time out here when weakening into fourth after making the early running at the Ebor Festival behind Forza Orta. Dual purpose types Flint Hill and Red Force One were back on the flat and have enjoyed plenty of success in both codes. 

The early pace was above average as Nobody Told Me was given a positive ride under Billy Garritty as the likes of State Legend, Flint Hill and Mirrie Dancers helped to push the pace. There was little change in the order through the race but Red Force One began to struggle badly and by halfway he was pulled up by Andrew Mullen. Approaching the business end of the race, the race appeared to be in safe keeping for the Tim Easterby stable as Zimmerman and Marbuzet travelled into contention very strongly. It looked set to be yet another win for the remarkably consistent Marbuzet, but he was joined by one final challenger, September Power. The mare had been held up quietly by Adam Farragher off the strong pace and picked up the pieces in the final stages. The six year old nosed ahead of Marbuzet and had just enough in reserve to land the handicap at big odds, to just a muted cheer from the crowd.

The Michael Wigham-trained mare had proven difficult at the stalls as she needed to be pushed backwards into her stall, but once the race was underway she seemed happy within herself. The daughter of Mastercraftsman began life with the Newmarket yard of Roger Varian in her earlier days. Now with Michael Wigham, she had been kept busy through the winter of 2022 into 2023 before enjoying a long break until August. She showed what she was capable of at Beverley with a wide margin win in a similar race and she proved her liking for slower ground here. Despite her quirks, it was a strong staying performance and the clue was perhaps in the name, September Power winning in September.

Race Seven: The Happy Birthday Handicap - Class Four - One mile, Four furlongs - Runners: 9
Winner: 
An interesting finale brought a close to this standalone meeting and it was contested by a variety of profiles. The old boy Dark Jedi has plenty of racing experience and has raced at York on numerous occasions. The Tim Easterby stalwart has yet to win at York, but has been placed here in the past. Lexington Knight has recaptured his best form in recent times and seemed to enjoying the sport again while the filly Sweet Fantasy was another to arrive in Yorkshire with an upwardly profile. Gibside laid claim to being the only York winner in the field following his win under the reunited Sean Kirrane back in July. Rathgar started the season by chasing home St Leger contestant Chesspiece over this course and distance while fellow three year olds French Invasion and Golden Move have stepped up their game since moving up in distance. Another three year old in the field caught the eye of many. The Iain Jardine-trained colt Harappan had won his previous two starts with a huge amount of ease. Travelling through his races very smoothly before coming well clear at the line. The unexposed nature of his profile suggested he could be contesting better races this time next year. 

As the runners headed down the back straight under a strong autumnal sunset, the early pace was decent as French Invasion, Sweet Fantasy and Golden Move were all in the box seat early on. Gibside was outpaced in the opening stages as he was adjusting to the drop in trip here. As the group made their way down the home straight, the challenges lined up. Two Brothers had been in a good position throughout and moved into the lead approaching the final furlong. Rathgar had made stealthy progress from the rear and challenged the Mick Easterby runner along with Richard Fahey's Golden Move. In a driving finish, it would be Two Brothers who dug deepest to shrug off Rathgar and land the finale by just under a length. Golden Move returned to form with a sound effort in third and Dark Jedi ran well at York once again with a fourth place finish. The exciting Harappan ran way below expectation by trailing home in last.

The winning enclosure is always a great place to be whenever Mick Easterby stable win a race as the legendary trainer is often full of his jokes and mischief. Two Brothers has enjoyed a profitable season this year with wins at Beverley and most importantly at Carlisle in the Cumberland Plate Handicap. He had formed a good partnership with Billy Garritty and it would also prove topical as Jack and Billy became the latest pair of brothers to ride a winner on the same card.