A very warm welcome to the final day of the Sky Bet Ebor Festival 2025, featuring the most famous race of our season –Britain’s richest flat handicap Sky Bet Ebor alongside Britain’s newest Group 1 race, the now £665,000 Sky Bet City of York Stakes. What an amazing raceday we have in prospect today –I hope you thoroughly enjoy your visit!
We are so proud to celebrate the brand-new Group One contest as the Sky Bet City of York joins the highest echelon, as a result of continuous investment for over a decade by the York Race Committee and the support of Sky Bet and connections. A fascinating contest is the result; proven Group One winners over a mile in Audience and Rosallion take on a proven York sprint winner in Quinault. A French raid by Charlie Maranoa has its origins far closer to home as the Pocklington-based Bond family purchased the progressive colt with an eye on this race.
It has been a week to savour so far, with both Ombudsman and Minnie Hauk putting on impressive displays in landing the Juddmonte International and Pertemps Network Yorkshire Oaks. Add in Aussie star Asfoora flying home in the Coolmore Wootton Bassett Nunthorpe and it has already been a memorable few days
In theory all 22 contenders in the Ebor are evenly matched given their allocated weights, but you have to go back to 1930 when Coaster and Gentleman’s Relish posted a dead heat, for the last time one horse failed to come out of the pack. Irish eyes have been smiling a lot in this race over the last decade with a more than 50% strike rate, so no surprise that six different yards from across the water, four of them previous winners send out contenders today. The last Yorkshire handler to take the prize was Brian Ellison courtesy of Moyenne Corniche, more than a decade on will Onesmoothoperator complete a famous northern handicap double by adding the Sky Bet Ebor to his Northumberland Plate success of last season? 54-year-old Joe Fanning rides the youngest horse in the race, Lady Iman.
We are delighted to welcome the 22 Ebor Community Sweepstake finalists to York as set out on pages 66-68 of the racecard. These Yorkshire good causes have been nominated by members of their community, shortlisted from a large field and each are assigned a runner in the Sky Bet Ebor The one connected to the winning horse will win £20,000 for their organisation, with all contenders earning a £1,000 donation. Wherever they finish, we hope they thoroughly enjoy their Ebor day and we offer our thanks and admiration.
Watch the RAF skydive team arrive in style at 1.20pm, shimmy down the Grantley Hall Ebor Fashion Lawn catwalk (p10-11 for more details), visit Remy the retired racehorse in Clocktower Enclosure, listen out for the Shepherd Group Brass Band, dance into the evening with The Monotones, share a bottle of Gardet Origine champagne for just £46.50 a bottle, enjoy the 360-selfie camera or take your own selfie on the living flower wall; whatever it is, it is our pleasure to welcome you and hope you thoroughly enjoy the racing and experience of the Sky Bet Ebor Festival.
William Derby, Chief Executive and Clerk of the Course
12noon Tour of the Weighing Room Weighing Room & Equine facilities (Stands side only) Entrance
1.00pm Punters Panel Winners Enclosure
1.00pm Jockey Autographs Weighing Room
1.20pm RAF Falcons Parachute Display
3:25pm Jockey Walk In for Sky Bet Ebor Weighing Room Steps
All Day Events Location
Tours to the start 30 minutes before each race See Notice on (Stands side only) Thatched Hut
Monotones Acoustic County Stand Garden
Shepherd Group Brass Band Veuve Clicquot Lawn
Monotones Churchill Tyres Lawn Stage
Ascot Gallery/Darcy & Wolf Jewellery Gimcrack Stand Portico
360° Selfies Stage by Melrose Stand
New Beginnings Activities Clocktower Enclosure
All timings are approximate, listen for PA announcements for any updates.
York Racecourse wishes to express its thanks to this afternoon’s sponsors.
Sky Bet
First Race - 1.50pm
The Sky Bet Strensall Stakes (Group 3) - 1m 1f
Pages 35-37
Sky Bet
Second Race - 2.25pm
The Sky Bet Melrose Stakes (Heritage Handicap) - 1m 6f
Pages 41-43
Sky Bet
Third Race - 3.00pm
The Sky Bet City of York Stakes (Group 1) - 7f
Pages 53-57
Sky Bet
Fourth Race - 3.35pm
The Sky Bet Ebor (Heritage Handicap) - 1m 6f
Pages 71-75
Sky Bet
Fifth Race - 4.10pm
The Sky Bet Constantine Stakes (Heritage Handicap) - 6f
Pages 75-82
The Family of Julia Graves
Sixth Race - 4.45pm
The Julia Graves Roses Stakes (Listed Race) - 5f
Pages 85-87
Sky Bet
Seventh Race - 5.20pm
The Sky Bet Steve Birch Finale (Heritage Handicap) - 1m 2f
Pages 89-92
THE FAMILY OF JULIA GRAVES
A G IDE T PL CES
T EAT & DRIN
ROBERTO PAVILION
Fast-serve bar, Pimms, plus Fish & Chip Shop
THEAKSTON BAR
All your Theakston favourites including Ebor IPA @£6.40 a pint
Good food to go is just next door
GUINNESS BAR
KYLIE MINOGUE WINE AND GUINNESS BARS
Offering The Aussie singer's wines with the Black Stuff and a full bar next door
SPECIALIST FOOD
A series of counters and mobile units such as fish & chips, Yorkshire beefburgers, pizza, hog roast, Ged Bell's Yorkshire Pork Pies, Chicken Shack and vegetarian/ vegan options.
KNAVESMIRE STAND
6 bars & York Kitchen & Café (ground).
THE VOLTIGEUR RESTAURANT (Knavesmire Stand 3rd Floor)
The UK’s foremost ‘Dine & View’ restaurant package.
THE FOOD COUR
A range of hot/ snacks, tea, coffee and full bar available
York Kitchen & Café (Ground Floor) A popular place to get a hot meal, like deep-filled Yorkshire Puddings, sandwiches or Curry Club served in cafeteria style Collection point for G&P "meal deal" & Picnic Platters.
EBOR STAND
4 bars & 2 buffets spread over Ground, floors. Try Eat Between Our Races, which ground floor serving sandwiches & scrumm the collection point for the County Stand
ECLIPSE RESTAURANT (5TH
An informal hot food option and home advanced book packages.
THE DANTE SUITE (2ND FLOOR)
Home to Michelin Star Chef Tom Barnes and
We hope we have somewhere to cater for all tastes and budgets. We source Cryer and Stott for cheese). You may notice that our sandwich packaging is biodegradable raceday. None of the restaurants, bistros and buffets mentioned below requires pre-booking we’d suggest going early Enjoy your food and do let us know how we can keep improving.
County Stand
The Gimcrack Restaurant offers a three-course meal for £44.75. Afternoon tea offered for £19.95
The Edwardian Weighing Room a popular bar is joined by the new Wine & Cheese offer, with fourteen wines by the glass, selected cheeses & charcuterie platters. John Carr Terrace: Bustling informal lawns and terraces near the parade ring. Try hot treats or the griddle. Or toast the summer with a jug of Pimm’s, visit the The Flying Frankie Pub serving our guest ale, Ebor IPA @£6.40.
The Princess Mary Bar (near County Stand entrance). Buzzy café serving seafood platters and sandwiches. Lanson Champagne by the glass.
Try Eat Between Our Races Bistro, which is on the ground floor serving pulled meat/veggie, hot and cold sandwiches (vegan options) salads, as well as patisserie cakes. Also the collection point for the County Stand picnic platters.
The Moët Champagne Pavilion & Roof Terrace; downstairs offers premium beers, spirits and a wide range of the finest champagnes, whilst the Terrace also offers Moët champagnes vintage wines, premium beers, as well as fresh baked pizzas.
ALCOHOL RACE
OURT hot/cold offee
PREMIERRACINGLOUNGE
GIMCRACK RESTAURANT
MELROSE CLUB LOUNGE
HOL FREE VIEWING
A reserved lounge with allocated seats. limited upgrades from £52
(1st Floor)
Limited upgrades from £70.
Main County Stand dining room, luxury three-course meal for £44.75 Afternoon Tea for £19.95
ound, First & Fifth which is on the scrummy cakes. Also Stand picnic platters.
(5TH FLOOR)
EDWARDIAN
WEIGHING ROOM
Heritage over a craft ale Wine & Cheese Bar, platters of local cheeses & charcuterie accompanied by a choice of 14 wines.
PRINCESS MARY SEAFOOD BAR
home to our popular and his team. (Advance booked)
Enjoy a sustaining seafood or salad perhaps accompanied by a glass of chilled Lanson Champagne.
Great views of racing, Yorkshire, fresh club sandwiches, and an account bar. Limited upgrades available from £103 - visit the office to learn more.
Limited upgrades from £125; enquire at Racecourse Office.
PARADE RING RESTAURANT
Situated on the top floor of the Weighing Room, provides a fine dining experience
MOËT PAVILION & ROOF TERRACE
Plenty of fizz plus wines and premium beers to accompany that view upstairs Home Baked Pizza from £14.50
JOHN CARR TERRACE
Georgian stand with modern canopy; featuring The Flying Frankie pub serving our guest ale, Ebor IPA @£6.40 + wider bars and the griddle
FOOD & DRINK FREE ZONES COUNTY STAND GRANDSTAND & PADDOCK
CLOCKTOWER ENCLOSURE
RACING AREA
SEAFOOD OPTION CHILDREN ESPECIALLY WELCOME
MEAL DEAL LOCATION MD
many products locally, (e.g. The East Coast for fish, The biodegradable and that we recycle 10 tonnes of glass on a pre-booking although many are popular at busy times so improving.
Grandstand & Paddock
York Kitchen & Café offers a range of hot meals, including deep-filled Yorkshire puddings, homemade pies, vegetarian option, as well as sandwiches and the new Curry Club. This is also the Collection Point for Grandstand & Paddock Picnic Platters.
The Guinness Bar with its giant outdoor screen. Alongside the black stuff, the Kylie Minogue Wine Bar serves exactly what you'd imagine.
The improved Theakston Bar offers a range of favourites, including the Ebor IPA @£6.40. With a second dedicated Guinness Bar to its left. The good food to go next door offers hot and cold treats. The new Fish & Chip Shop offers freshly cooked delights from the East Coast.
If the weather plays its part then visit the Knavesmire Courtyard, an outside seating area with easy access to betting, bars, tasty treats and toilets. Here a large number of kiosks and specialist mobile vendors offer gourmet British beefburgers, Greek street food, Chicken Shop, Whitby scampi, fish & chips and specialist coffees and even Churros. If the sun stays out, or just as a treat, try our locally produced luxury ice creams.
The Bustardthorpe End brings more options including a Chicken griddle.
Clocktower Enclosure
Has a range of units selling hot and cold items, sweets and ice cream.
VEUVE CLICQUOT CHAMPAGNE BAR
MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR VISIT
CHAMPAGNE OF THE MEETING
PUNTERS' PANEL
For expert betting tips, check out the Punters' Panel at 1:00pm today in the Winners' Enclosure.
TRIPS TO THE START
Racegoers are invited to join our expert guide for a minibus trip to the start. To register for this free trip or to find out more, see our guide by the thatched hut near the Winner’s Enclosure before 1.15pm today (stands side only).
360° SELFIE
Check out this new free service, on the stage by the Melrose Stand.
CHILDREN AT YORK RACES
Baby-Changing facilities are available in a purpose-built facility on the ground floors of both Knavesmire & Ebor stands.
We welcome children in our main restaurants, and in the Gimcrack Restaurant we offer a half price option for under 12s.
Our family room, situated to the left of the entrance to the Melrose Stand, allows parents and children some quiet time away.
Don’t forget our YorkMix Family Entertainment Zone on September 7th featuring Pony Racing Series, racehorse corner as well as special appearances at intervals of Chase & Marshall from Paw Patrol - Book from the offer price of £12.
CASH MACHINES & CASHBACK
Cash machines are available at the northern end of the racecourse by the Frankel statue, the ground floor of the Knavesmire Stand and a further machine is sited adjacent to the entrance to the Gimcrack Stand
Please note there is a charge for this service. If you place a minimum bet of £10 at a tote window, you can request £50 in cash back from your card.
NEED A QUIET MOMENT?
If you are looking to escape the bustle of a busy raceday please try one of our sunflower benches which are located in the quiet areas of each enclosure. We also have a quiet room located within the Houghton Building for use by racegoers. Our Chaplaincy Team are ready to assist racegoers of all faiths and none. If you need a friendly ear, please say hello to them. They can find a quiet spot for a chat.
STOP THE CLOCK
Check out the Official race time as soon as they cross the line, the digital timing clock at the Winning Post has been supported by Al Basti Equiworld, Dubai.
ENCLOSURE TRANSFERS
Simply pay the difference between your admission price and the price point below.
County Stand full price: £80
Grandstand & Paddock full price: £45
Transfers are available from the Racecourse Office and the Racecard Hut by the entrance to Clocktower Enclosure.
RETAIL THERAPY
Feel in need of some retail therapy? Why not visit one of our retail partners. Blue Rider Gallery - equestrian art specialists. (opposite the Princess Mary Bar) Conversation Pieces - equestrian prints, as well as Darcy & Wolf (in their new shop by entrance to Gimcrack Stand)
DISABLED RACEGOERS
Facilities such as accessible toilets and viewing platforms for racing are clearly signed. Our raceday stewards will be pleased to offer directions and assistance. The Racecourse Office Team will also be happy to help and can provide an access guide and map. Phil Atkinson is a senior member of the team with special responsibility in this area.
SHUTTLE BUS
FREE WIFI
1. Search and select York Races - FREE
2. Click T&C’s box then log in
3. You’ll be directed to our home page featuring our partners today, then just surf away
Given the nature of any WiFi network there will be peaks of demand by both time and location - some websites will not be available.
A limited shuttle bus service to York station will collect from Knavesmire Road, at the northern end of the racecourse, it will operate whilst there are enough customers to make a bus viable, from after the last race.
The service is provided by a commercial operator. A return service operates on raceday mornings.
TAXI/PRIVATE HIRE PICK-UP POINT
There is a taxi pick up point at the Northern end of the racecourse adjacent to Campleshon Road. Private Hire vehicles will meet pre-booked customers, also at the Northern End. Pick up by UBER is from a dedicated area in Car Park A only.
WHERE CAN I PLACE A BET
The tote will be pleased to take your bet at their many windows or look out for a passing courier. Remember to try the small stake-big payout bets such as the Jackpot, Placepot or Trifecta. The William Hill Betting Shops (Bustardthorpe End, Knavesmire Stand ground floor and front of Melrose Stand) offer a full SP service, so bets on racing and the wider sporting world. The colour of the main betting ring returns, set in front of the Knavesmire Stand, take on the challenge. Contactless payment is available for all the above options. Good luck.
BAR CLOSING TIMES
Key bars will remain open for 90 minutes after the last race. The serving of drinks in hospitality areas will be as specified in your booking details. Have an enjoyable time with us but please respect our neighbours and the wider city as you leave the racecourse.
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
York Racecourse always strives to ensure your safety, comfort and enjoyment. However, an incident may occur which is beyond our control. We have employed professionally-trained and experienced stewards. In the event of a situation which requires a partial or full evacuation of the stands, announcements will be broadcast and stewards will usher you to a place of safety; it is essential that you follow their instructions. Please take your belongings with you and proceed out of the area quickly and quietly. If we are unable to re-occupy the stands, you may be invited to return to your car or coach. Departure from car and coach parks will be under the direction of the Police. The foregoing is a precautionary tale.
Enter our style stakes and take to the catwalk today at the Grantley Hall Ebor Fashion Lawn
Located in front of the Edwardian Weighing Room
Fabulous prizes across five categories each day!
11am to 2.30pm: Registration & participation
3.15pm: Shortlist announced (on Ebor Fashion Lawn boards & big screens)
3.50pm: Shortlist final judging Winners announced!
GRANTLEY HALL
EBOR FASHION LAWN
PRIZES
Most Stylish
Grantley Hall: Champagne Afternoon Tea for Two (worth £170).
x2 Hospitality Tickets to an EFL Game of your choice.
£250 The 8th Sign voucher.
York Racecourse: Voltigeur Restaurant table for two on the opening day of the Dante Festival 2026.
Most Stylish Runner-Up
Afternoon Tea for Two at Grantley Hall (worth £130).
£100 The 8th Sign Voucher.
Most Stylish Couple
York Racecourse: Premier Racing Lounge table for two on the opening day of the Dante Festival 2026. Lunch for Two in The Orchard at Grantley Hall (voucher to include an allowance for lunch and drinks).
Best Hat
£250 George Durdy England Voucher.
Best Dressed Child
Wizard Golf for five at The Hole in Wand, Wizard Golf, York, Blackpool or Chester plus a box of our magical potions and flask of Unicorn Beans.
Runners up with receive a flask of Unicorn Beans and a jar of Tongue Painters.
Only open to those in the County Stand and Grandstand & Paddock. Please note with any live event times may vary. The decision of the judges will be final. There is no other prize alternative.
YORK RACE COMMITTEE
BRIDGET GUERIN (CHAIRMAN) NICHOLAS WRIGLEY VICTORIA SAVILE
WILLIAM BETHELL CHRISTOPHER DENNY NICK CHEYNE ED WRIGLEY
MEET THE YORK MANAGEMENT TEAM
WILLIAM DERBY Chief Executive & Clerk of the Course 01904 683932 rachel.wigby@yorkracecourse.co.uk
Can you name the horse, trainer and jockey who teamed up to land last years Sky Bet Ebor Handicap?
1 2
3
SAY THE SILKS
NAME THE RACECOURSES
Can you name the racecourses from the pictures?
Can you name the owners from the silks graphics? If you need a clue, they all won a Sky Bet Ebor 12 4 3 1 2
WHAT IS NEW AT YORK THIS SEASON?
CHAMPAGNE LAWNS
NEXT GENERATION CANOPIES
Nine next generation canopies now stand proudly on the Champagne Lawns. Clever enough to let the grass grow beneath them, they should prove popular if we get a summer shower. For the October racedays the built-in heaters will allow racegoers to keep enjoying the fresh air Each one has a speaker, so the race commentary will come to your table
BUSTARDTHORPE END
SOUTHERN END DEVELOPMENT
Last August we were honoured when Her Majesty The Queen, our Royal Patron, opened this development to the South of the Knavesmire Stand. Check out the Churchill Tyres lawn & canopy, the Theakston and Guinness bars, as well as food outlets and a WIlliam Hill shop
MR MOWITALL
Joining the grounds team over winter were a trio of robotic mowers, one creatively named, Mr Mowitall. They are helping with the lawns and car parks, leaving the human talent better able to focus on the track itself
THE TEAM NEVER REST
Maintenance is key, if a little dull. Over 6,000 pints of paint have been used by the team and the Knavesmire Stand Roof has had extensive repairs, (it is nearly thirty years old!).
A LIVING FLOWER WALL
OPPOSITE THE MELROSE STAND
The flowers are petunia and petchoa, grown by Head Gardener, Zak Rafferty and his team, from seedlings in our greenhouses. That Insta moment now has real flowers behind it.
THE
BARS HAVE IT
Over the Winter a number of bars have been given a face-lift. There is a new Pink Gin & Cocktail Bar on the main Champagne Lawns, a second Guinness Bar near the Roberto Lawn, with a refreshed Kylie Minogue Wines Bar next door The fun murals from the Dublin based brand should make a good selfie
NEW ON THE MENU
Around the racecourse there are a lot of new choices. Perhaps the sweet treats of the Churros will follow your Nachos, both are now part of the Knavesmire Courtyard offering.
If you like spice, then the eateries on the ground floors of both the Knavesmire and Ebor Stands now serve our homemade Curry Club dishes.
Finger lickin’ chicken? Try the grills in either the Bustardthorpe End or the John Carr Terrace. Try the Rustic Pizza freshly baked at the Moët Roof Terrace.
ALPHABETICAL INDEX
JOCKEYS
D ALLAN
4.45 Revival Power (IRE) T Easterby
C BEASLEY
2.25 Pole Star
C Johnston
4.10 Commanche Falls M Dods
5.20 Zain Blue (IRE) J Butler
W BUICK
1.50 Bowmark....................................................J & T Gosden
3.00 Exactly (IRE) ..............................................Ryan Moore
3.35 London City (USA)....................................Sean Levey
3.35 Queenstown (IRE) Ryan Moore
JOSEPH PATRICK O’BRIEN
3.35 Mr Percy (IRE) Tom Marquand
DAVID O’MEARA
3.35 Stressfree (FR) Daniel Tudhope
GEOFFREY OLDROYD
4.10 Pocklington P J McDonald
HUGO PALMER
3.00 Seagulls Eleven (IRE) James Doyle
3.35 Roaring Legend (FR) Hollie Doyle
5.20 Seagolazo (IRE) Richard Kingscote
KEVIN RYAN
4.10 We Never Stop (IRE) Shane Gray
4.45 Dickensian Shane Gray
4.45 Kinnalargy Kevin Stott
5.20 Dark Moon Rising (IRE) Saffie Osborne
LUCINDA RUSSELL & PETER SCUDAMORE
5.20 Dain Ma Nut In (IRE) Daniel Tudhope
DAVID SIMCOCK
4.45 Rydale Frosty Jamie Spencer
RICHARD SPENCER
4.10 Run Boy Run George Wood
4.10 Twilight Calls Saffie Osborne
4.10 Two Tribes Ryan Moore
JAMES TATE
3.35 Majestic Warrior (IRE)..............................Rossa Ryan
DAVID THOMPSON
5.20 Ron O Jason Hart
GRANT TUER
2.25 Love Talk (IRE) Jason Hart
ROGER VARIAN
3.35 Shadow Dance ..............................Silvestre De Sousa
ED WALKER
William Buick
Robert Havlin
James Doyle
Ryan Moore
Tom Marquand
Tom Marquand
Tom Marquand
Sean Levey
3.00 Ten Bob Tony (IRE) William Buick
ARCHIE WATSON
4.10 Saint Lawrence (IRE) Tom Marquand
4.10 Zayer (IRE) Hollie Doyle
IAN WILLIAMS
3.35 Enemy Richard Kingscote
3.35 Oneforthegutter Saffie Osborne
3.35 Real Dream (IRE) Joe Leavy
STUART WILLIAMS
3.00 Quinault (GER) Jason Hart
YORK TRACKFACTS
A left-handed track which joins the straight course just under five furlongs from home. Races of seven furlongs start on a spur which joins the main circuit at a tangent after two furlongs.
Top Course Trainers
LEADING TRAINERS AT YORK (2020-2025) WITH RUNNERS:
A BALDING (36 wins from 198 runners, 18%) runs GLADIUS (1.50), TARRIANCE, FANTASY WORLD (2.25), NEVER SO BRAVE (3.00), SUBSEQUENT (3.35), TROPICAL STORM (4.10).
W HAGGAS (34 wins from 209 runners, 16%) runs BULLET POINT (1.50), GOLDEN HANDSHAKE (2.25), LAKE FOREST (3.00).
K R BURKE (29 wins from 259 runners, 11%) runs BOILING POINT (1.50), ALMOSH’HER (3.35), ZELAINA (4.45).
Trainers In Form
MOST WINS IN THE LAST 14 DAYS:
W HAGGAS (14 wins from 37 runners, 38%) runners listed above.
D O’MEARA (12 wins from 47 runners, 26%) runs STRESSFREE (3.35).
C JOHNSTON (10 wins from 59 runners, 17%) runs POLE STAR, NOVELISTA (2.25), THUNDER WONDER and MARHABA GHAIYYATH (5.20).
Top Course Jockeys
LEADING JOCKEYS AT YORK (2020-2025) WITH RIDES:
TOM MARQUAND (35 wins from 211 rides, 17%) rides BULLET POINT (1.50), GOLDEN HANDSHAKE (2.25), LAKE FOREST (3.00), MR PERCY (3.35), SAINT LAWRENCE (4.10).
DANIEL TUDHOPE (27 wins from 280 rides, 10%) rides STRESSFREE (3.35), NORTHERN TICKER (4.10), DAIN MA NUT IN (5.20).
OISIN MURPHY (26 wins from 156 rides, 17%) rides GLADIUS (1.50), MANY MEN (2.25), NEVER SO BRAVE (3.00), SUBSEQUENT (3.35), TROPICAL STORM (4.10), OUR CODY (4.45), GREEK ORDER (5.20).
Jockeys In Form
MOST WINS IN THE LAST 14 DAYS:
TOM MARQUAND (14 wins from 54 rides, 26%) rides listed above.
DANIEL TUDHOPE (11 wins from 38 rides, 29%) rides listed above.
Weight Watcher
The horses which have dropped most in the weights from previous winning handicap marks in the last two years: 4.10 Badri (won off 100 down 5lb to 95); 5.20 Sir Busker (won off 105 down 5lb to 100).
Classy Tips
The following horses are running today in a race at least two grades lower than their previous race: 3.35 FRENCH MASTER (down 4 grades); 3.35 LONDON CITY (down 3); 3.35 QUEENSTOWN (down 3); 3.35 YASHIN (down 3); 3.35 ONESMOOTHOPERATOR (down 2); 3.35 SIEGE OF TROY (down 2).
NOTE: All statistics are up to and including 21st August.
Visit our gallery exhibition today by the Gimcrack Stand entrance
How to Read the Racecard
colour graphic
horse’s saddlecloth number
horse’s name No. of days since last ran
8 Magical Zoe (IRE) (45)
B m Shantou (USA) - Fedaia (IRE)
Owner: Patrick & Scott Bryceland
Trainer: Henry de Bromhead, Ireland
A symbol here denotes the horse holds an entry on British Champions Day, Saturday 18th October.
Baron’s Selection
6 9-6 (59.9) (1)
Jockey: W. J Lee
Form: 513 BF
Breeder: Mountainview Stud Ltd Tipperary
A winner at 1m 5f on good ground; has also won three hurdlesand a NH flat race. Third of 10 behind Grateful beaten 1 1/4l at 10-3jt-fav on her latest outing in the Group 3 Stanerra Stakes at Fairyhouse over 1m 6f (good) last month. Official BHA Rating 102 SP: 7-1
f=filly - female horse up to age 5 m=mare form guide Probable SP
B = bay
Br = brown
Ch = chesnut
Gr = grey
Ro = roan
Official BHA Ratings
sex of horse
c=colt - male horse up to age 5 h=horse
g=gelding
previous performances /=new season
-=new year
C=course winner
D=distance winner
CD=course & distance winner
BF=beaten favourite
The BHA Handicappers allot ratings to horses once they have taken part usually in three races to enable the Handicappers to make a numerical assessment of each horse’s ability.
The principal purpose of the ratings is to determine the weight to be carried by each runner in handicap races, with the Handicappers aiming to provide each participant with an equal chance based on its best recent form under its optimum conditions. A horse rated 100, for example, would be set to carry 1lb more than a horse rated 99 (ignoring any penalties or allowances).
The ratings published in the racecard for handicap races are the ratings that were used to calculate the weight to be carried by each horse, whilst in non-handicaps races the rating shown is that of each runner at the time that the entries for the race were confirmed. Any subsequently published change to a rating, either up or down, is shown in brackets following the rating.
RaceiQ Par Times
A new statistics based predictor, it is the expected win time for a specific race based on the track, distance, going, race class and conditions. Based on the going at time of printing the day before racing at 16:00, being: GOOD TO FIRM, GOOD (IN PLACES)
For further Race iQ insights, visit racingtv.com/results and click the RaceiQ icon at the top right.
Non-runner
Ground - The Trainer states the ground is not suitable for this horse, the official going has changed since the time of declaration.
Vet - The Trainer states the horse is subject to a Veterinary Certificate.
Self Certificate - The trainer has advised the authorities that the horse is not able to race today.
You must be 18 or over to place a bet
You may be asked to provide proof of your age when placing a bet
If you cannot produce this your bet will not be accepted
P RLEZ-VOUS
R CING?
ESSENTIAL RACING PHRASES FOR THE BEGINNER
It could be easy to be put off by the weird and wonderful words and phrases banded around the racecourse, but in fact, its all part of the fun.
Like a tourist in a foreign country, the novice racegoer soon picks up enough of the language to get by, and then rapidly becomes fluent. The following terms will provide any newcomer, keen to enhance their language skills, with just enough of the jargon to sound like a ‘local’:
RACING SPEAK
ENGLISH
ALLOWANCE: The weight concession the horse is given to compensate for its rider’s inexperience.
AMATEUR: .............................(Rider) on racecards, their names are usually prefixed by Mr, Mrs, etc. To indicate their amateur licence holder status.
ANTE-POST:..........................
APPRENTICE:........................
Betting (usually for the most important races) days or even months before the race is due to take place.
Young jockey tied by annually renewed contract to a licensed trainer while they are learning.
BACKWARD: .........................Young horse which needs time to mature.
CLERK OF THE COURSE:...Official in charge of running the racing programme, at York it is Anthea Leigh.
CLERKS OF THE SCALES: ...Key in the delivery of a successful racing operation. Karl Curran and Wayne Burnell are in charge of things today.
COLOURS:..............................The racing silks worn by the jockeys.
COLT: ......................................Male, ungelded horse, up to four years old.
CONNECTIONS:....................The owner and trainer of a racehorse
COURSE SPECIALIST: Horse which tends to run well at a particular course DAM: Mother of a horse
DISTANCE:.............................The length of a race.
DISTANCE, THE: ...................An unmarked point 240 yards from the winning post.
DRAW: ....................................Describes a horse’s position in the starting stalls, drawn two days before a flat race
EACH-WAY:
A bookmaker taking each way bets will display the terms on which he/she accepts such bets on the top of his/her board. This is a bet for your selection to win or be placed.
FILLY: Female horse up to four years old.
FOAL: Horse of either sex from its birth until 1 January the following year
FORECAST: ...........................Name the first and second in the correct order
FURLONG: .............................220 yards (one eighth of a mile).
GOING: Description of the course conditions under foot.
HAND: Unit of four inches in which a horse’s height is measured at the shoulder.
JACKPOT: ..............................The Jackpot is an exciting tote bet that requires punters to pick the winners of four consecutive races.
JOLLY: Betting term for the horse with the shortest odds (the favourite).
JUDGE: ...................................Official responsible for declaring finishing order and distances between horses. Michael Roberts is in the hot seat this afternoon.
JUVENILE: Two-year old horse; the entire field in our 4.45pm contest.
KNAVESMIRE: The name for the piece of ground on which York Racecourse is situated.
MAIDEN:.................................Horse which has not yet won a race.
MARE: .....................................Female horse, five years and over.
OBJECTIONS: .......................Complaint by one camp against another regarding breach of rules during a race.
ODDS ON:..............................
Where a bet’s winnings are less than the stakee.g winning a £2 bet wins you £1 so you get back £3.
PACE: ......................................‘Up with the pace’ means close to the leaders.
PENALTY:...............................
Weight added to the handicap weight of a horse which has won since the weights were published.
PHOTO FINISH: Electronic photo device which determines minimal distance in a close finish.
PLACEPOT:
To win the Tote Placepot you need to pick a horse to place in the first six races
PLATE: ....................................Shoe worn by horse for racing.
SCHOOLED:...........................Trained to jump
SHORT RUNNER:
A horse that doesn’t stay the minimum distance, five furlongs on the flat or two miles over jumps.
SIRE:........................................Father of a horse.
SPREAD A PLATE: ...............When a racing plate or horseshoe becomes detached from the animal’s hoof
SP/STARTING PRICE:..........Official price of a horse at which bets are settled in the betting shops.
STEWARDS ENQUIRY:........Enquiry by panel of men and women responsible for seeing rules are adhered to into a race’s running.
TRIFECTA: The premise of a Tote Trifecta is to back the three horses who finish first, second and third in the race of your choice.
UNDER STARTERS’ ORDERS: ................................Occurs when the race is about to start.
VOICE IN THE SKY:..............The commentator, listen out for Stewart Machin this afternoon.
WEIGH OUT/WEIGH IN:.....Weighing jockey before and after race to ensure correct weight has been carried.
YEARLING: ............................Horse of either sex from 1 January to 31 December of the year following its birth.
A RACECOURSE FOR ALL
We want the racecourse to offer both a welcome and an enjoyable evening to all our racegoers and in delivering that we recognise that some may need additional assistance from us. We are also pleased to recognise the sunflower lanyard scheme.
The first thing to say, please just ask for help, if the team don’t have an instant answer, then they know someone who will. The team in the Racecourse Reception (behind the Ebor Stand) act as the link to the rest of the team, as needed.
FAQS
Is there accessible and blue badge parking?
Yes, I hope you found it. All our car parks have designated spaces near their front row. Can I get help with getting to/from the car park, taxi rank or shuttle buses?
Yes, there is a complimentary buggy service to all these points, ask a member of the team and they will radio to arrange your collection. Thank you for your patience as the buggies have a maximum of six passengers, and only one is wheelchair accessible and it’s a big site.
Can I bring a wheelchair?
Yes, if you need to; but we also offer complimentary hire, again from Racecourse Reception (see told you they were the hub). As we hope you’ll appreciate, there are only so many wheelchairs on site, if you need to reserve in advance then call 01904 620911. Considerately piloted mobility scooters are permitted.
Can I bring somebody to help?
Yes, we appreciate that will come in various forms, we hope our “companion comes free” scheme is a help, before your next visit check it out online at www.yorkracecourse.co.uk or just ask the team today.
Are there wheelchair viewing platforms?
Yes, in all stand side area and Stands - easiest thing to do is to ask our Stewards, though a map is available from, you guessed it, Racecourse Reception. Please use these in the spirit intended, with carers being prepared to step aside to allow space for those who need the view the most.
What about toilets and are they part of the Radar scheme?
Yes they are, all the permanent toilet blocks have a accessible capability, please ask for directions, the team nearby have keys, or check that map from you know where.
Are their wheelchair height food and drink counters?
Yes there are but not as many as we’d like, please ask a member of the team to assist you.
Wheelchair height betting?
Yes, there are some Tote counters set at a reduced height though a better plan might be to use the courier service that operates in areas such as the main Champagne Lawns; the Tote team themselves are always willing to help.
Can I bring my assistance dog?
Of course, as the tribute to Grady demonstrates, registered assistance dogs are most welcome. There was one more thing?
Please ask, we are keen to help wherever we can, appreciating our racegoers may face a range of challenges.
Examples of viewing platforms both around the Parade Ring and trackside
GREEN KNAVESMIRE 300 –
OUR ENVIRONMENTAL STRATEGY
Initiatives
• Since 2018, we have reduced electricity across the site by 35%.
• Two boreholes (under D Car Park) provide the water for irrigation, using the sustainable aquifer.
• Our gas consumption reduced by 80%.
• Zero to Landfill commitment.
• Recycling initiative championed by the office team
• Beehives located on site, honey as an extra Owner prize this year!
• New running rail is made from 91% recycled plastics.
• The flower wall is now made of real petunia & petchoa, grown from seedlings by Head Gardener Zak Rafferty
• Single use plastic cutlery and coffee stirrers removed from site.
• Recycled paper from the site returns as equine bedding.
• Stableside switched to larger bottles of ketchup or shampoo, rather than sachets.
• Our award-winning flowers in our borders, hanging baskets, are grown from seed or seedling, within our own greenhouses and are RHS plants for pollinators.
• Now 5 Robot Mowers have been taking some of the heavy lifting off our Groundsteam, their batteries are charged by the solar panels.
• Regular newspaper subscriptions switched to digital
• Stableside operating as clothing recycling bank.
• Cardboard baler at Stableside to reduce waste.
• The “Guardians of Grub” initative is a focus on managing food waste.
YESTERDAYS RACING CTION
THE WEATHERBYS LONSDALE CUP (GROUP 2)
A fascinating field of six contested our first Group race of the day, with eventual winner Trawlerman positioned just behind the leader by William Buick.
The sole Ballydoyle representative Shackleton was sent into the lead by Wayne Lordan, with the rest of the field stacked in behind him.
Our current joint leading jockey William Buick ensured Wayne Lordan went a good gallop, with the order remaining unchanged for the first half of the race.
Rounding the home turn, the Godolphin runner moved to challenge Shackleton, with the pair finding themselves in front a long way from home. Those in behind continued to travel well, with the eye drawn to Sweet William and Rab Havlin, who loomed up behind the leader.
Buick was the much more animated of the pair but Trawlerman is proven over further and ultimately Sweet William was unable to mount a winning challenge.
As they came inside the final half furlong, the 2022 Sky Bet Ebor winner continued to pull further clear, eventually winning a shade cosily by one-and-a-quarter lengths. Al Nayyir ran on gamely to finish third but was only even playing for the minor honours.
A trip to British Champions Day for the QIPCO Long Distance Cup is no doubt on the cards, with him now 5/4 favourite with our sponsors Sky Bet.
THE COOLMORE WOOTTON BASSETT NUNTHORPE (GROUP 1)
Henry Dwyer’s star Asfoora produced a breath taking performance as she romped home in yesterdays Coolmore Wootton Bassett Nunthorpe.
Night Raider used his lightening early speed to get to the front under substitute jockey Danny Tudhope, with the duo holding the overall lead for the majority of the contest. He was stalked by eventual winner Asfoora, who had found trouble in running last year when finishing fourth and was ridden much closer to the pace this time around.
Oisin Murphy had the Australian raider tucked away just in behind the leader, with the pair travelling strongly as the field thundered down to the final few furlongs.
Danny Tudhope held onto the front runner for as long as he could but there wasn’t enough left in the tank to see out the race, with the Wathnan runner finishing fourth
Approaching the winning post, Asfoora had kicked clear into the lead but was chased by Frost At Dawn and Ain’t Nobody, who emerged as the most serious dangers.
The two outsiders both kept on strongly in the final stages but the class of the 2024 Royal Ascot winner was always too much for her rivals as she came home a ready victor of our feature race on Friday.
100/1 Ain’t Nobody eventually finished in second for North Yorkshire based Kevin Ryan but this contest was all about the mesmerizing performance of Asfoora.
Full range of bets available on all UK and Irish racing
The last day of the Sky Bet Ebor Festival starts with a race that is part of the Pattern pyramid which denotes the best contests, Listed, Group 3 (like this one), Group 2 and Group 1.
This race is open to 3yo+ horses and is over a trip of nine furlongs.
Check out the punters panel at 1pm for some tips (or someone to blame.)
LAST YEAR’S RACE
Winner: SEE THE FIRE
Trainer: Andrew Balding
Jockey: Oisin Murphy
Age/Weight: 3-8-11
Runners: 9 SP: 3/1F
Highest rated and weighted to match, See The Fire came from further behind than ideal on the inside route and was well on top at the line
RACE FACTS & STATISTICS
THE TALE OF THE CLOCK
RaceiQ Par Time: 1m 49.63s (Based on going description: Good to firm-good in places)
Course Record: 1m 46.61s by Scottish (20-Aug-16)
All times are based where possible on the corresponding race over the last seven years
Leading course trainer (20-25): A Balding (36 wins from 198 runners, 18%) runs GLADIUS Trainer-in-form (last 14 days): W Haggas (14 wins from 37 runners, 38%) runs BULLET POINT Longest Traveller: GLADIUS trained by A Balding, Kingsclere, 216 miles.
NOTE: All statistics are up to and including 21st August.
KNAVESMIRE TIP
Bowmark is two from four, with both of his victories coming in novice company. The son of Kingman found the Prix du Jockey Club too much of an ask last time and will appreciate this easier assignment, but a chance can be taken on GLADIUS. Andrew Balding’s colt is unbeaten in two starts in handicaps, most recently scoring at Glorious Goodwood, and he continues to go from strength to strength. The son of Night Of Thunder has a lot to find on official ratings, but he is improving at a rapid rate of knots and may well be up to the task. King’s Gambit completes the shortlist.
The Sky Bet Strensall Stakes
Distance: 1m 1f
Race Type: Group Three
Prize Money: £170,000
Age: 3+
Stalls: Inside Rail
No Horse Age st-lb (kgs) Draw
1
Boiling Point (IRE)
(27)
B c Too Darn Hot - Lady Momoka (IRE)
Owner: Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum
Trainer: K. R. Burke, Leyburn
4 9-7 (60.3) (3)
Form: 2104-54
Breeder: Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum
Successful twice at 7f on good ground. Finished 2 3/4l behind Make Me King when fourth of 6 at 11-2 on his latest outing at Pontefract over 1m (good) last month. Official BHA Rating 105 SP: 12-1
2
Bullet Point (GB) (2)
B g Advertise - Crying Lightening (IRE)
Owner: The Marathon Partnership
Trainer: William Haggas, Newmarket
4 9-7 (60.3) (7)
Form: 11-1221 C
Breeder: Ben Sangster Bloodstock
He has won four times at 1m on ground varying from good to firm to soft and on the all-weather Won on his latest outing when 15-8fav here over 1m (good to firm) earlier this week, beating Cerulean Bay by 1l Has also won at Newmarket this season. Official BHA Rating 103 SP: 5-1
3 Checkandchallenge (GB) (27)
B or Br g Fast Company (IRE) - Likeable
Owner: Mr A. Hetherton
Trainer: William Knight, Newmarket
6 9-7 (60.3) (6)
Form: 035043
Breeder: Meon Valley Stud
He has won four times from 7f to 1m 2f on good to soft and heavy ground and on the all-weather Third of 6 behind Make Me King beaten 2 1/2l at 12-1 on his latest outing at Pontefract over 1m (good) last month. Official BHA Rating 108 SP: 25-1
4
King’s Gambit (IRE) (67)
Ch g Saxon Warrior (JPN) - Pure Symmetry (USA)
Owner: Wathnan Racing
Trainer: Harry Charlton, Beckhampton
4 9-7 (60.3) (5)
Form: 230-463 BF
Breeder: Roundhill Stud
Successful at 1m and 1m 2f on good and good to soft ground. Third of 16 behind Haatem beaten 1 1/2l at 4-1fav on his latest outing at Ascot over 1m 2f (good to firm) in June Official BHA Rating 113 SP: 7-2
5 Skukuza (GB) (22)
B c Blue Point (IRE) - Shingwedzi (SAF)
Owner: Cayton Park Stud Limited
Trainer: Ed Dunlop, Newmarket
4 9-7 (60.3) (4)
Form: 2-56110
Breeder: Cayton Park Stud Ltd
He has won three times at 1m on good ground. Beaten 6l behind Rhoscolyn at 5-1 when 9th of 15 on his latest outing at Goodwood over 1m (soft) earlier this month. Official BHA Rating 113 SP: 13-2
6 Bowmark (GB) (83) 3 9-0 (57.2) (2)
B c Kingman - Bound (IRE)
Owner: Lordship Stud
Trainer: John & Thady Gosden, Newmarket
Form: 1-210 C
Breeder: Lordship Stud
Successful twice at 1m on good to firm ground and on the all-weather. Beaten 6l behind Camille Pissarro at 9-1 when 14th of 18 on his latest outing in the Group 1 Qatar Prix du Jockey Club at Chantilly over 1m 2f (good to soft) in June Official BHA Rating 103 SP: 13-2
7 Gladius (IRE) (21)
B c Night of Thunder (IRE) - Persona Grata
Owner: Qatar BS, China Horse Club & D. Howden
Trainer: Andrew Balding, Kingsclere
3 9-0 (57.2) (8)
Form: 1211 D
Breeder: Irish National Stud Mare Syndicate Iv
He has won three times from 1m to 1m 1f on good to firm and good ground and on the all-weather Won on his latest outing when 11-8fav at Goodwood over 1m 1f (good) earlier this month, beating Whip Cracker by a head. Has won three times this season. Official BHA Rating 99 SP: 7-1
8
King of Cities (IRE) (22)
Ch c Dubawi (IRE) - Ajman Princess (IRE)
Owner: Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum
Trainer: Richard Hannon, Marlborough
3 9-0 (57.2) (1)
Form: 12-2033 BF
Breeder: Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum
A winner at 7f on good ground. Third of 4 behind Seagulls Eleven beaten 1 1/4l at 15-8fav on his latest outing in the Group 3 Bonhams Thoroughbred Stakes at Goodwood over 1m (soft) earlier this month. Official BHA Rating 109 SP: 13-2
Clifford Lee Nadir Khan
Tom Marquand
Callum Shepherd Fearghal Davis
Daniel Tudhope Rajendra Singh
Ryan Moore Csongor Gulyas
William Buick Manohar Parmar
Oisin Murphy Shakti Singh
Sean Levey Channa Ram
NUMBER OF DECLARED RUNNERS 8............................................................................................(EXACTA)
Sheepskin Cheek Pieces worn by No 3. STEWARDS NOTE
CHECKANDCHALLENGE: Following its run on 27/7/2025 it was reported that the horse was slowly away.
SKUKUZA: Following its run on 1/8/2025 it was reported that the trainer could not explain the poor run.
PROBABLE S.P.’S
7-2 King’s Gambit (IRE), 5-1 Bullet Point (GB), 13-2 Skukuza (GB), Bowmark (GB), King of Cities (IRE), 7-1 Gladius (IRE), 12-1 Boiling Point (IRE), 25-1 Checkandchallenge (GB)
RESULT & PRIZE MONEY INFORMATION
3. Checkandchallenge & 5. Skukuza hold an entry in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes (sponsored by QIPCO) on Saturday 18th October, for which supplementary entries can be received by noon on Monday 13th October for a stake of £70,000
FIRST RACE PRESENTATION & BEST TURNED OUT
The trophy for this race will be presented to the winning owner after the race by James Derbyshire, Sky Bet Commercial Director & Katie Bradshaw, Sky Bet Marketing Director Sky Bet have generously given £200 to the racing groom responsible for the best turned out horse in this race and £200 to the groom responsible for the winning horse.
DISH OF THE DAY
Fresh cooked fish’n’chips, available at the Roberto Pavilion (south of the big Knavesmire Stand) - and yes, there is a choice of mushy peas or curry sauce.
The Virgin Bet Every Saturday Money Back Handicap Stakes
1 Royal Zabeel (IRE) (14)
B g Mastercraftsman (IRE) - Lady’s Maid (USA) (More Than Ready (USA)) Jockey: Kieran Shoemark
Owner: The Horse Watchers 9
Trainer: Michael Appleby, Oakham
Winner of five races from 6f to 7f on good to firm and good ground and on the
2 Rhoscolyn (GB) (22)
B g Territories (IRE) - Zeyran (IRE) (Galileo (IRE))
Owner: The Horse Watchers
Trainer: David O’Meara, Upper Helmsley
Has won ten races from 7f to 1m on ground varying from good to firm to heavy A winner at 11-2 here over 1m (soft)
outing earlier this month, beating Ebt’s Guard by 1l. Official BHA Rating 100 SP: 6-1
3 Purosangue (GB) (21)
Br g Aclaim (IRE) - Avon Breeze (Avonbridge)
Owner: Mrs Fitri Hay
Trainer: Andrew Balding, Kingsclere
Hellwood Stud Farm & R. C. Dollar Successful at 5f and 6f on good to firm and soft ground. Beaten 13l behind Two Tribes at 9-1 when 24th of 27 on his
here over 6f (good to soft) earlier this month. Official BHA Rating 98 SP: 12-1
4 Great Acclaim (GB) (16)
9-4 (59.0) (2)
B g Aclaim (IRE) - Freedom Spirit (Muhaarar) Jockey: Charles Bishop
Owner: Mr G. Owen
Trainer: Eve Johnson Houghton, Blewbury
Form: 042011 CD Breeder: Phoenix Thoroughbred Limited
Winner of six races from 7f to 1m on ground varying from good to firm to good to soft. Won on his latest outing when 11-4fav at Chepstow over 7f (good to soft) earlier this month, beating Mister Bluebird by a neck. Has also won at this venue this season. Official BHA Rating 96 SP: 11-2
5 Palmar Bay (FR) (20)
B g Exceed And Excel (AUS) - Di Fede (IRE) (Shamardal (USA))
Owner: Mr Robert Ng
4 9-4 (59.0) (1)
Jockey: Jack Dace (5)
Trainer: Ralph Beckett, Kimpton Down Form: 32-3161 D
Breeder: Mr M. Robert Ng
Winner of five races from 5f to 7f on ground varying from good to firm to soft and on the all-weather A winner at 5-2 at Chester over 7f (good to firm) on his latest outing earlier this month, beating Rogue Sensation by 2 1/2l. Has also won at Chelmsford City this season. Official BHA Rating 96 SP: 16-1
6 Billyjoh (GB) (24)
Gr g Mayson - Goadby (Kodiac)
Owner: Cleartherm Glass Sealed Units Ltd
Trainer: Michael Appleby, Oakham
5 9-0 (57.2) (10)
Alistair Rawlinson
Cleartherm Glass Sealed Units & J. Holt
He has won four times at 6f on good ground and on the all-weather Finished 3 1/2l behind Great Acclaim when sixth of 20 at 7-1 on his latest outing over this course and distance (good) last month. Official BHA Rating 92 SP: 16-1
7 Gorak (FR) (14)
B g Goken (FR) - Ponte Bawi (IRE) (Dubawi (IRE))
Owner: D MacAuliffe, Anoj Don & First Tuesday
Trainer: Charlie Fellowes, Newmarket
9-0 (57.2) (6)
Jockey: Paddy Bradley
Form: 0-26003 D Breeder: Guy Pariente Holding Spral
He has won three times from 7f to 1m on good to firm and soft ground, but last win was over two years ago Third of 9 behind Excellent Believe beaten 1 1/4l at 4-1 on his latest outing at Haydock over 7f (good) earlier this month. Official BHA Rating 92 SP: 16-1
8 Mudbir (GB) (21) 3 8-12 (56.2) (12)
B c Kingman - Handassa (Dubawi (IRE)) Jockey: Jim Crowley
Owner: Shadwell Estate Company Ltd
Trainer: John & Thady Gosden, Newmarket Form: 2-1511 CD Breeder: Shadwell Estate Company Limited
He has won three times from 7f to 1m on good to firm and good to soft ground and on the all-weather A winner at 4-1 over this course and distance (good to soft) on his latest outing earlier this month, beating Dance In The Storm by a short head. Has won three times this season. Official BHA Rating 95 SP: 5-1
9 Darkness
(FR) (21) 7 8-10 (55.3) (8)
B g Siyouni (FR) - Kerila (FR) (Makfi) Jockey: Mark Winn
Owner: Akela Thoroughbreds Limited
Trainer: David O’Meara, Upper Helmsley Form: 001004 D Breeder: E.A.R.L. Ecurie Haras Du Cadran et al
Winner of seven races from 7f to 1m on ground varying from good to firm to soft. Finished 2 3/4l behind Rhythm Master when fourth of 13 at 25-1 on his latest outing at Thirsk over 7f (good to firm) earlier this month. Official BHA Rating 88 SP: 7-1
10 Back In Black (IRE) (134)
(4)
Gr c Dark Angel (IRE) - Sacred Dance (Sea The Stars (IRE)) Jockey: Daniel Muscutt
Owner: Noel Wilson
Trainer: James Fanshawe, Newmarket Form: 2213-1 D Breeder: Grangemore Stud
Successful twice at 7f on good to firm and good ground A winner at 11-2 at Newbury over 7f (good) on his latest outing in April, beating Shout by 2l. Official BHA Rating 92 SP: 9-2 11 Principality (IRE) (23)
B g Calyx - Dutch Rose (IRE) (Dutch Art)
Owner: Mr R. L. Banks
Trainer: Harry Eustace, Newmarket
Pierre-Louis Jamin
0-04301 C
Breeder: Diomed Bloodstock Ltd
Successful at 6f and 1m on good and heavy ground. A winner at 18-1 here over 1m (heavy) on his latest outing last month, beating Impartiality by a neck. Official BHA Rating 91 SP: 12-1
12 Zoulu Chief (GB) (9)
(3)
Ch g Zoustar (AUS) - Courteous Crown (Helmet (AUS)) Jockey: Jack Doughty
Owner: Llewelyn,Runeckles and Wetumpka Racing
Trainer: Heather Main, Wantage
Form: 030462
Breeder: Wayne Clifford
He has won three times at 6f on good to firm and good ground, but last win was over two years ago Beaten 1 1/4l by Brosay when second of 12 at 11-1 on his latest outing at Windsor over 6f (good to firm) earlier this month. Official BHA Rating 82 SP: 16-1
NUMBER OF DECLARED RUNNERS 12...........................................................................................(EXACTA)
Sheepskin Cheek Pieces worn first time by No 8. Blinkers worn by No 4. Visor worn by No 9.
Tongue Strap worn by No 2. Sheepskin Cheek Pieces worn by No 6, 7.
STEWARDS NOTE
DARKNESS: Following its run on 2/8/2025 it was reported that the horse was denied a clear run. PROBABLE S.P.’S
9-2 Back In Black (IRE), 5-1 Mudbir (GB), 11-2 Great Acclaim (GB), 6-1 Rhoscolyn (GB), 7-1 Darkness (FR), 10-1 Royal Zabeel (IRE), 12-1 Purosangue (GB), Principality (IRE), 16-1 Palmar Bay (FR), Billyjoh (GB), Gorak (FR), Zoulu Chief (GB)
September Meeting
RESULT & PRIZE MONEY INFORMATION
Sunday 7 September Sky Bet Sunday Series
1st £51540
3rd £12090
October Meeting
Friday 10 October
Saturday 11 October
(featuring the YorkMix Family Zone)
2nd £24170
4th £6040
TIME DISTANCES
Finale Friday
Coral Sprint Trophy
To book your raceday experience, go to:
2nd Race 2.25
The Sky Bet Melrose Stakes
(Heritage Handicap)(GBBPlus Race)
One Mile About Six Furlongs (2,800 metres)
See page 94 for conditions of this race.
RACE DESCRIPTION
Distance: 1m 6f
Race Type:
Race Type: 0-105
Prize Money: £170,000
Age: 3
Stalls: Inside Rail
A competitive heritage handicap for 3yo horses, run over a mile and three quarters.
Designed for close competition, the handicapper is the independent assessor who rates horses on past performance seeking to get them crossing the line together, by handing out differing weights. The horse considered by the handicapper as the best, on past performance, will carry the most weight; Bootswain carries the top weight today.
Check out the Press Selections Board adjacent to the Winners Enclosure for some tips (or someone else to blame).
LAST YEAR’S RACE
Winner: TABLETALK
Trainer: Tom Clover
Jockey: Rossa Ryan
Age/Weight: 3-9-3
Runners: 16 SP: 12/1
Tabletalk built on his promising debut at Ascot to thrive in this increased test of stamina, never seemed to be in doubt.
RACE FACTS & STATISTICS
THE TALE OF THE CLOCK
RaceiQ Par Time: 2m 58.46s
(Based on going description: Good to firm-good in places)
Course Record: 2m 51.89s by Tuning (19-Aug-98)
All times are based where possible on the corresponding race over the last seven years
Leading course trainer (20-25): A Balding (36 wins from 198 runners, 18%) runs FANTASY WORLD & TARRIANCE
Trainer-in-form (last 14 days): W Haggas (14 wins from 37 runners, 38%) runs GOLDEN HANDSHAKE
Fancy That: W Haggas won this race in 2019 and 2022. The stable runs GOLDEN HANDSHAKE today. A Balding won this race in 2020 and 2021. The stable runs FANTASY WORLD & TARRIANCE today. Longest Traveller: CAPE BRETON trained by R Beckett, Kimpton Down, 251 miles.
NOTE: All statistics are up to and including 21st August.
KNAVESMIRE TIP
Golden Handshake, Fantasy World, Talismans Time and Pole Star are all bidding for hat-tricks, with slight preference of those for the Charlie Johnston-trained latter after his Yarmouth success last month. However, they might have to play supporting roles behind TARRIANCE, who has progressed in his four outings. The son of Frankel made a winning start in handicap company at Sandown and a 4lb rise might prove to be on the lenient side With lots of improvement to come, he looks the one to side with.
A winner at 1m 2f on the all-weather Finished 3 1/2l behind Tarriance when fourth of 6 at 10-1 on his latest outing at Sandown over 1m 6f (good) last month. Official BHA Rating 93 SP: 16-1
2
Daiquiri Bay (GB) (23)
9-9 (61.2) (10)
Ch c New Bay - Strawberry Martini Jockey: Rossa Ryan
Owner: A Stennett, G Kennington & C Hodgson
Trainer: Alan King, Barbury Castle Form: 3-1204
Breeder: The Strawberry Martini Partnership
A winner at 1m 2f on good ground. Finished 6l behind Best Secret when fourth of 18 at 9-1 on his latest outing at Goodwood over 1m 2f (good) last month. Official BHA Rating 93 SP: 10-1
3 Tarriance (GB) (30)
9-9 (61.2) (12)
B c Frankel - Visit Jockey: Colin Keane
Owner: Juddmonte
Trainer: Andrew Balding, Kingsclere
Form: 3121 D
Breeder: Juddmonte Farms Ltd
Successful at 1m 4f and 1m 6f on good ground. A winner at 5-2 at Sandown over 1m 6f (good) on his latest outing last month, beating Pendragon by 1/2l. Has also won at Beverley this season. Official BHA Rating 93 SP: 11-2
4 Pole Star (GB) (30)
9-6 (59.9) (11)
B c Teofilo (IRE) - Lunar Maria Jockey: Connor Beasley
Owner: Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Al Maktoum
Trainer: Charlie Johnston, Middleham
Form: 421611 D
Breeder: Godolphin
He has won three times from 1m 4f to 1m 6f on good and soft ground. A winner at 7-2 at Yarmouth over 1m 6f (soft) on his latest outing last month, beating Miller Spirit by 1l. Has won three times this season. Official BHA Rating 90 SP: 7-1
5
Cape Breton (GB) (24)
B g Frankel - Westwiththenight (IRE)
Owner: Juddmonte
Trainer: Ralph Beckett, Kimpton Down
9-5 (59.4) (9)
Jockey: Richard Kingscote
Form: 51-2614
Breeder: New England,Myriad,Naseby,Watership Down
Successful at 1m and 1m 4f on good to firm ground and on the all-weather Finished 2 1/2l behind Omni Man when fourth of 9 at 16-1 on his latest outing at Goodwood over 1m 4f (good) last month. Official BHA Rating 89 SP: 20-1
6
Many Men (GB) (29)
B g Study of Man (IRE) - Mariee
Owner: Mr James Finch
Trainer: Jim Boyle, Epsom
9-4 (59.0) (8)
Jockey: Oisin Murphy
Form: 153101
Breeder: Miss K. Rausing
He has won four times from 1m 2f to 2m on good and soft ground. Won on his latest outing when 5-4fav at Ascot over 2m (good) last month, beating Blindedbythelights by 1l. Has won three times this season. Official BHA Rating 88 SP: 10-1
7 Fantasy World (IRE) (30)
B g Make Believe - Donau (IRE)
Owner: Kennet Valley Syndicates XIII
Trainer: Andrew Balding, Kingsclere
(59.0) (2)
Jockey: P. J. McDonald
Form: 0-3311
Breeder: Donau Partnership
Successful at 1m 2f and 1m 3f on good to soft and soft ground. Won on his latest outing when 7-4fav at Yarmouth over 1m 3f (soft) last month, beating Sportingsilvermine by a neck. Has also won at Ffos Las this season. Official BHA Rating 88 SP: 8-1
8 Golden Handshake (GB) (36)
B g Zarak (FR) - Star Value (IRE)
Owner: HM The King & HM The Queen
Trainer: William Haggas, Newmarket
Jockey: Tom Marquand
Form: 0211
Breeder: Queen Elizabeth II
Successful twice at 1m 4f on good to firm ground Won on his latest outing when 13-8fav at Newbury over 1m 4f (good to firm) last month, beating Melek Alreeh by a head. Has also won at Lingfield this season. Official BHA Rating 88 SP: 11-2
9
Love Talk (IRE) (6)
B f Ten Sovereigns (IRE) - Lovelocks (IRE)
Owner: Nick Bradley Racing 19 and partner
Trainer: Grant Tuer, Northallerton
9-1 (57.6) (5)
Jockey: Jason Hart
Form: 0-30432
Breeder: Glenvale Stud & Edgeridge Ltd
Successful at 6f and 7f on soft and heavy ground. Beaten 7l by Raulin when second of 3 at 5-2 on her latest outing at Pontefract over 1m 2f (good to firm) earlier this month. Official BHA Rating 85 SP: 66-1
10
Talismans Time (GB) (42)
B g Time Test - Bella Lulu
Owner: Biker Group & Yorbus Syndicate
9-1 (57.6) (3)
Jockey: Callum Rodriguez
Breeder: The National Stud
Trainer: Edward Bethell, Middleham Form: 34-11
Successful at 1m 3f and 1m 5f on good to firm and good ground. Won on his latest outing when 8-13fav at Hamilton over 1m 5f (good) last month, beating Spanish Hustle by 2 1/4l. Has won twice there this season. Official BHA Rating 85 SP: 14-1
11 Sea of Kings (IRE) (22)
Ch c Sea The Stars (IRE) - Holy Moon (IRE)
Owner: Wathnan Racing
Trainer: Harry Eustace, Newmarket
James Doyle
2
Razza Del Velino SRL
Placed in three of four starts. Finished 5l behind Push The Limit when fifth of 13 at 14-1 on his latest outing at Goodwood over 1m 3f (good to soft) earlier this month. Official BHA Rating 83 SP: 8-1
12 Novelista (IRE) (24)
Ch c Lope de Vega (IRE) - Asyad (IRE)
Owner: Kingsley Park 39 - Gold
Trainer: Charlie Johnston, Middleham
Jockey: Joe Fanning
Form: 23-6224
Breeder: Al Shaqab Racing
Placed in four of seven starts. Finished 2 1/2l behind Omni Man when fourth of 9 at 7-2 on his latest outing at Goodwood over 1m 4f (good) last month. Official BHA Rating 83 SP: 18-1
NUMBER OF DECLARED RUNNERS 12...........................................................................................(EXACTA)
Tongue Strap worn by No 11.
STEWARDS NOTE
SEA OF KINGS: Following its run on 1/8/2025 it was reported that the horse was restless in the stalls. PROBABLE S.P.’S
11-2 Tarriance (GB), Golden Handshake (GB), 7-1 Pole
8-1
Many Men (GB), 14-1 Talismans Time (GB), 16-1 Boatswain (GB), 18-1 Novelista
RESULT & PRIZE MONEY INFORMATION
1st £87618 2nd £41089
3rd £20553 4th £10268 TIME DISTANCES
2. Dauquri Bay, 3. Tarriance & 4. Pole Star all hold an entry in the Betfred St Leger on Saturday 13th September for which supplementary entries can be received by noon on Monday 8th September for a stake of £50,000.
SECOND RACE PRESENTATION & BEST TURNED OUT
The trophy for this race will be presented to the winning owner after the race by Seb Butterworth, Strategic Racing Director & Director of Timeform & Sporting Life & Dan Barrett, Commercial Director, Flutter. Sky Bet have generously given £200 to the racing groom responsible for the best turned out horse in this race and £200 to the groom responsible for the winning horse
Star (GB),
Fantasy World (IRE), Sea of Kings (IRE), 10-1 Daiquiri Bay (GB),
(IRE), 20-1 Cape Breton (GB), 66-1 Love Talk (IRE)
Celebrating the racehorse and their welfare is at the heart of what we do
York Racecourse
• 18 days of flat racing
• Approximately 1,200 horses
• Running in 125 races
Equine Welfare Investment
annually into equine related activity, including:
annually into equine related activity, including:
• 2 state of the art veterinary care boxes
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• 3 kilometres rubberised non-slip horse walkways
• 3 kilometres rubberised non-slip horse walkways
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• 16 temperature controlled horse showers
• 178 high specification stables
• 178 high specification stables
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• 3 Misting fans – to aid horse cooling
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• 2 horse ambulances
£2,000,000 management of 10 hectares of racing surface
Equine Expertise 365-day
• 3 equine specialist vets on duty at every raceday
4
• Pre and post race examinations by a minimum of 6 BHA
Equine Welfare Officers
• A team of 12 equestrian experts providing pre, during and post-race support
• 2 experienced farriers, specialising in racehorses
• Mobile water provision across all equine related areas including on the racecourse
Leanne Aspery Stables Manager
British Racing
• All licenced participants, including racecourses are required to meet BHA regulation standards in respect of the track, equine facilities and equine welfare
Over since 2000 has been invested into advancing equine veterinary science and education via the Horseracing Betting Levy Board
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British racing has launched a website to provide facts, educate and confront the tough questions head on. See the sports answers here: horsepwr.co.uk Purpose. Welfare. Responsibility. That’s HorsePWR.
• Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) is British Horseracing’s official charity for the welfare of horses who have retired from racing
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£7.6 million
£48 million since 2012 has been awarded in grants by The Racing Foundation specifically to horse welfare initiatives
8,000 Racing Grooms dedicate themselves 365 days a year to the 14,000 racehorses in mainland UK
Sarah Culshaw Stableside Manager
WHEN IS A T TAL PRIZE FUND
The Total Prize Fund is the total amount of money that the horses in a race are competing for and to be split between the winner and the placed horses.
The split of prize money between the podium horses and then between the owner, trainer, jockeys and stable is subject to a fairly complicated formula. However in outline the winning owner receives 441/2%, trainer 51/2%, jockey 4% and stable 21/2%. You can see further details of the split between horses on the page called “Race Conditions” near the back of this racecard.
The prize money on offer at the Sky Bet Ebor Festival is set to attract the very best horses this week. It is funded from several sources; the racecourse itself, the sponsors, the levy board and the entry fees paid by the owners – sometimes referred to as the “Stake” hence the term “Stakes”.
For the major races there are a series of entry dates whereby connections will decide to enter the race and then whether to stay in the race as the performance of the horse and plans for it unfold.
For most Group races, the horses would usually be entered with quite a while to go before the raceday, for example the Sky Bet City Of York Stakes closed for original entries on July 1st.
However, there is a late “supplementary entry” stage six days before the race. This is designed to allow a horse that may be a late developer or whose plans have changed to take their chance. The supplementary entry fee is set at a higher level than the normal entry route so it takes a bold move by the owners. If you think about it terms of playing poker, the connections of a late entrant have a better idea of their opposition so pay a premium.
In a real example, to explain the numbers today, the total prize fund for the Sky Bet City Of York Stakes has risen because of two supplementary entries, with Qirat and Seagulls Eleven joining the field.
One of the two supplemented runners is Qirat, who now holds the record for the longest price Group One winner in Britain, after returning 150-1 at Goodwood, so well after original entries closed. He will be representing Juddmonte and Ralph Beckett today.
Another Goodwood winner Seagulls Eleven has also been supplemented after his impressive victory. Owned by Premiership footballers, both past and present, he completes what looks a fascinating Group One debut field.
The breakdown of the new prize pots can be seen below.
Bet City Of York
Seagulls Eleven
RACING POST SMART VIEW RUNNERS
EXPLAINED
Attribute Summary
Ability
Trainer
Jockey
Course
Distance
Draw
A blend of ability, recent form and potential.
Unique trainer ratings derived from Racing Post’s comprehensive database.
Unique jockey ratings derived from Racing Post’s comprehensive database
Quantifies the form horses have shown at today’s course in the past.
Provides an assessment of whether a runner has the right blend of speed and stamina to be suited by today’s race distance.
An algorithm which considers recent results over this course and distance, with adjustments made for field size and ground conditions.
Racing Post Smart View is the new unbiased, comprehensive and intuitive tool for all racing fans. Using our unrivalled racing database, our team of data scientists has applied mathematical modelling and machine learning techniques to generate an objective assessment across six key attributes for each horse
These are presented in a format that allows you to either home in on individual attributes or be guided by the overall Smart View score, which is a weighted average of the six attributes, scored out of 100.
Whether you’re a seasoned form student or a casual punter, Racing Post Smart View can help you to make more informed choices and more successful bets.
Smart View is a dynamic tool that reacts to the latest conditions, so the scores you see in this racecard may differ from those you see in digital on your phone.
2)
1 ANNAF
Trainer: Michael Appleby Jockey: Rossa Ryan
2 AUDIENCE
Trainer: John & Thady Gosden
3
LAKE FOREST
Jockey: Robert Havlin
4
Trainer: William Haggas Jockey: Tom Marquand
NEVER SO BRAVE
Trainer: Andrew Balding
5 QIRAT
Trainer: Ralph Beckett
6 QUINAULT
Jockey: Oisin Murphy
Trainer: Stuart Williams Jockey: Jason Hart
7 ROSALLION
Trainer: Richard Hannon
8 TEN BOB TONY
Trainer: Ed Walker
Jockey: Sean Levey
Jockey: William Buick
9 MARANOA CHARLIE
Trainer: Christopher Head
10 SEAGULLS ELEVEN
Trainer: Hugo Palmer
Jockey: Aurelien Lemaitre
Jockey: James Doyle ABILITY
11
EXACTLY
Trainer: Aidan O’Brien
This award remembers Ray Gilpin, a popular figure in both the Weighing Room & Press Room who sadly passed away in 2015 A proud welshman, you’ll notice the armband worn by the rider in front, is in scarlet. The colour of the scarf that Ray always wore to the races. William Buick will wear the armband today as the leading jockey on five winners Ryan Moore sits second on three winners.
Gimcrack
Ray Gilpin (1942-2015)
The Sky Bet City Of York Stakes FACT FILE:
BRIEF HISTORY
Distance
Seven furlongs (1,400m)
Prize money
£600,000 (prior to supplementary)
It began life as a Listed Race, achieved Group 3 status in 2016, was promoted to Group 2 in 2019 and now is one of two new Group 1 races in the UK in 2025.
Kinross
GROUP ONE STATUS
From 1978 spin forward to 2025 and the historic renewal now sponsored by Sky Bet will for the first time be run as a Group 1, and worth a record £600,000 It becomes the fourth Group 1 at the Sky Bet Ebor Festival, and even
more significantly, the first seven-furlong Group One race for older horses ever staged in Great Britain.
FIRST WINNER?
We’ve come a long, long way in the near 50 years since the City of York Stakes first graced the Knavesmire and Lester Piggott was carried to victory on the three-year-old Spence Bay.
WHY HAS IT BEEN DONE
This progress is a tribute to the strategic investment in prize money by the York Race Committee to build the race and to the advocacy of the BHA team who made the case that Great Britain and indeed European Racing would benefit from a top drawer contest over the specialist distance.
DUAL WINNERS
Only Kinross has managed to win the race twice, he went back-to-back in 2022 and 2023. Ralph Beckett’s charge received an accidental kick at Goodwood so misses a chance to make it a hattirck.
HOW FAIRS THE EMERALD ISLE?
For the last Irish trained winner you have to go back to 2012 and Tom Hogan’s Gordon Lord Byron, who also finished second in the race as a 10-year-old some six years later.
And the most remarkable fact of all?
The name Aidan O’Brien does not feature amongst the list of winning trainers. With its new Group 1 status you can be well assured the Master of Ballydoyle will be well aware of a rare gap in his CV! Exactly will look to fix that situation.
Gordon Lord Byron
Andrew Balding
LEADING TRAINER?
The recently retired Sir Michal Stoute leads the way with six winners, including Expert Eye (2018) and Confront, who shared the only dead head with Dream Eater for Andrew Balding in 2009 The reigning champion trainer on the Knavesmire is the leading active trainer, with four winners, his first coming back in 2003 courtesy of Vanderlin. It falls to Never So Brave to represent Park House Stable today. That double for Kinross means that Qirat would give Ralph Beckett three wins.
LEADING RIDER?
The wide-open nature of the race is borne out by the Roll of Honour. Pat Eddery rode four winners during the early years, while the now internationally based Frankie Dettori leads the way on six wins. Of the current crop, William Buick (Ten Bob Tony) sits top with three winners to his name He will be hoping to add a second Group One win for the week after the success of Ombudsman in the Juddmonte International.
MEMORABLE MOMENTS
Other memorable successes have come with the Royal Colours on Enharmonic, ridden by Steve Cauthen in 1990 and Expert Eye, in the colours of one of the Festival’s leading sponsors Juddmonte, who won in 2018 en route to landing the Breeders Cup Mile just weeks later.
WHO ARE THE SPONSORS?
Sky Bet is the UK’s most popular online bookmaker
We’ve been making betting better for years and we’re home of First Race Specials and the Soccer Saturday Price Boost. We’re hugely passionate about sport which is why we sponsor the English Football League and recently have extended our partnership with York Racecourse, which includes the sponsorship of a lucky 13 races this week.
HOW DO YORKSHIRE STABLES FIGURE?
Yorkshire-trained horses have an excellent record in recent years, twice in the past five years the prize has stayed at the Quinn’s Malton yard, courtesy of Safe Voyage in 2020 and Breege, in a finish of outsiders just a year ago. Skipton born William Haggas sends Lake Forest to provide White Rose interest, though Newmarket based for his day job
William Buick
John Quinn
Enharmonic
The Sky Bet City Of York Stakes (Group 1)
About Seven Furlongs (1,400 metres)
See page 94 for conditions of this race.
RACE DESCRIPTION
Distance: 7f
Race Type: Group One
Prize Money: £665,000 (Inc Supplementary)
Age: 3+
Stalls: Farside
Back to a Pattern race, this race is to be run as a Group 1 for the first time and therefore making it the only 3yo+ contest at this rarefied level, over seven furlongs, in the UK schedule
Weight allowances are in play for this race, see how Seagulls Eleven as a three-year-old and the only filly in the race, Exactly, both benefit by operating off a lower mark to acknowledge their weight and sex.
Look for C (has won at York) or D (has won over this distance) against the horse’s name; look how Quinault carries both.
LAST YEAR’S RACE
Winner: BREEGE
Trainer: John and Sean Quinn
Jockey: Colin Keane
Age/Weight: 4-9-5
Runners: 6 SP: 33/1
Breege caused rather a shock when she pulled off a career best performance under Colin Keane A very strong run and kept on well.
RACE FACTS & STATISTICS
THE TALE OF THE CLOCK
RaceiQ Par Time: 1m 22.46s
(Based on going description: Good to firm-good in places)
Course Record: 1m 21s by Shine So Bright (24-Aug-19)
All times are based where possible on the corresponding race over the last seven years
Leading course trainer (20-25): A Balding (36 wins from 198 runners, 18%) runs NEVER SO BRAVE Trainer-in-form (last 14 days): W Haggas (14 wins from 37 runners, 38%) runs
Fancy That: R Beckett won this race in 2022 and 2023. The stable runs QIRAT today.
Longest Traveller: MARANOA CHARLIE trained by C H Head, France. NOTE: All statistics are up to and including 21st August.
KNAVESMIRE TIP
Audience was odds-on to land this prize last year but had to settle for fourth and faces much tougher opposition now, probably due to the now-Group 1 status of the event. Never So Brave has improved 14lb since switching to the Andrew Balding yard and merits the utmost respect, but it’s hard to get away from ROSALLION. Twice a Group 1 winner as a three-year-old, he has been unfortunate not to land another this season. Touched off in the Queen Anne before getting closest to shock Sussex Stakes hero Qirat at Goodwood, the son of Blue Point may just relish this drop in trip and can gain another top-level triumph.
The Sky Bet City Of York Stakes
Distance: 7f
Race Type: Group One
Prize Money: £665,000 (Inc Supplementary)
Age: 3+
Stalls: Farside
No Horse Age st-lb (kgs) Draw
1 Annaf (IRE) (21)
Br h Muhaarar - Shimah (USA)
Owner: Fosnic Racing
Trainer: Michael Appleby, Oakham
6 9-8 (60.8) (9)
Form: 330200 D
Breeder: Shadwell Estate Company Limited
Has won eight races from 5f to 7f on ground varying from good to firm to soft and on the all-weather Beaten 6l behind Two Tribes at 18-1 when 12th of 27 on his latest outing at Goodwood over 6f (good to soft) earlier this month. Official BHA Rating 105 SP: 100-1
2
Audience (GB) (25)
B g Iffraaj - Ladyship
Owner: Cheveley Park Stud
Trainer: John & Thady Gosden, Newmarket
6 9-8 (60.8) (6)
Form: 140-003 D BF
Breeder: Cheveley Park Stud Limited
Winner of five races from 7f to 1m on good to firm and good ground. Third of 10 behind Witness Stand beaten 5l at 3-1jt-fav on his latest outing in the Group 2 HKJC World Pool Lennox Stakes at Goodwood over 7f (good) last month. Official BHA Rating 115 SP: 20-1
3
Lake Forest (GB) (25)
Ch c No Nay Never (USA) - Lady Aquitaine (USA)
Owner: Tony Bloom & Ian McAleavy
Trainer: William Haggas, Newmarket
4 9-8 (60.8) (8)
Form: 21-4562 C D
Breeder: Sahara Group Holdings
He has won three times from 6f to 7f on firm and good to firm ground. Beaten 2 3/4l by Witness Stand when second of 10 at 11-1 on his latest outing in the Group 2 HKJC World Pool Lennox Stakes at Goodwood over 7f (good) last month. Official BHA Rating 113 SP: 16-1
4 Never So Brave (IRE) (42)
B g No Nay Never (USA) - Chica Whopa (IRE)
Owner: Mr Saeed Suhail
Trainer: Andrew Balding, Kingsclere
4 9-8 (60.8) (7)
Form: 020-211 D
Breeder: C. O. P. Hanbury
He has won four times from 7f to 1m on ground varying from good to firm to soft. A winner at 11-8 in the Group 2 Cornish Orchards Summer Mile Stakes at Ascot over 1m (good to firm) on his latest outing last month, beating Point Lynas by 3/4l. Has won twice there this season. Official BHA Rating 115 SP: 3-1
5
Qirat (GB)
Ch g Showcasing - Emulous
Owner: Juddmonte
(24) 4 9-8 (60.8) (3)
Trainer: Ralph Beckett, Kimpton Down
Form: 122-201 D
Breeder: Juddmonte Farms (East) Ltd
He has won four times from 7f to 1m on good and good to soft ground and on the all-weather. A winner at 150-1 in the Group 1 Visit Qatar Sussex Stakes at Goodwood over 1m (good) on his latest outing last month, beating Rosallion by a neck. Official BHA Rating 115 SP: 22-1
6
Quinault (GER) (25)
B g Oasis Dream - Queimada (GER)
Owner: TJE Racing
Trainer: Stuart Williams, Newmarket
5 9-8 (60.8) (5)
Form: 3-30014 CD
Breeder: Stiftung Gestut Fahrhof
Has won 11 races from 6f to 7f on ground varying from good to firm to soft and on the all-weather Finished 5l behind Witness Stand when fourth of 10 at 11-1 on his latest outing in the Group 2 HKJC World Pool Lennox Stakes at Goodwood over 7f (good) last month. Official BHA Rating 112 SP: 25-1
7 Rosallion (IRE) (24)
B c Blue Point (IRE) - Rosaline (IRE)
Owner: Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum
Trainer: Richard Hannon, Marlborough
4 9-8 (60.8) (11)
Form: 211-322 D
Breeder: Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum
Winner of five races from 6f to 1m on ground varying from good to firm to good to soft. Beaten a neck by Qirat when second of 7 at 11-2 on his latest outing in the Group 1 Visit Qatar Sussex Stakes at Goodwood over 1m (good) last month. Official BHA Rating 120 SP: 7-4
8
Ten Bob Tony (IRE)
Ch g Night of Thunder (IRE) - Hug (IRE)
Owner: TBT Racing
Trainer: Ed Walker, Upper Lambourn
(84) 4 9-8 (60.8) (2)
Form: 04245-1 D
Breeder: Knocktoran Stud
He has won three times at 7f on good and soft ground. A winner at 5-1 in the Group 3 Betfred John Of Gaunt Stakes at Haydock over 7f (good) on his latest outing in May, beating Kinross by a head. Official BHA Rating 112 SP: 33-1
Rossa Ryan Vicky Harris
Robert Havlin Leah Mapston
Tom Marquand
Oisin Murphy Vydhir Singh
Colin Keane Prempal Singh
Jason Hart Stephen Holmes
Sean Levey Narpat Singh
William Buick
For Sire/Dam
see opposite page
For Sire/Dam
see opposite page
For Sire/Dam
see opposite page
For Sire/Dam see opposite page
For Sire/Dam
see opposite page
Oasis Dream (GB)
Tahrir (IRE)
Storm Cat (USA)
Sayedat Alhadh (USA)
Zafonic (USA)
Pastorale (GB)
Oasis Dream (GB)
Peeress (GB)
Scat Daddy (USA)
Cat’s Eye Witness (USA)
El Prado (IRE)
Chalamont (IRE)
Scat Daddy (USA)
Cat’s Eye Witness (USA)
Oasis Dream (GB)
Just Ice (GB)
Oasis Dream (GB)
Arabesque (GB)
Dansili (GB)
Aspiring Diva (USA)
Green Desert (USA)
Green Desert (USA)
Hope (IRE)
Linamix (FR)
Miss Sacha (IRE)
Storm Bird (CAN)
Terlingua (USA)
Mr Prospector (USA)
Muhbubh (USA)
Gone West (USA)
Zaizafon (USA)
Nureyev (USA)
Park Appeal
Green Desert (USA)
Hope (IRE)
Pivotal (GB)
Noble One (GB)
Johannesburg (USA)
Love Style (USA)
Elusive Quality (USA)
Comical Cat (USA)
Sadler’s Wells (USA)
Lady Capulet (USA)
Kris
Durtal
Johannesburg (USA)
Love Style (USA)
Elusive Quality (USA)
Comical Cat (USA)
Green Desert (USA)
Hope (IRE)
Polar Falcon (USA)
Justine (GER)
Green Desert (USA)
Hope (IRE)
Zafonic (USA)
Prophecy (IRE)
Danehill (USA)
Hasili (IRE)
Distant View (USA)
Queen of Song (USA)
Danzig (USA)
Foreign Courier (USA)
For Sire/Dam
see opposite page
Hope (IRE)
Dansili (GB)
Quetena (GER)
Shamardal (USA)
For Sire/Dam
see opposite page
Scarlett Rose (GB)
New Approach (IRE)
Reem Three (GB)
Dubawi (IRE)
For Sire/Dam
see opposite page
Forest Storm (GB)
Dark Angel (IRE)
Tender Is Thenight (IRE)
Dancing Brave (USA)
Bahamian
Danehill (USA)
Hasili (IRE)
Acatenango (GER)
Quebrada (IRE)
Giant’s Causeway (USA)
Helsinki (GB)
Royal Applause (GB)
Billie Blue
Galileo (IRE)
Park Express
Mark of Esteem (IRE)
Jumaireyah (GB)
Dubai Millennium (GB)
Zomaradah (GB)
Galileo (IRE)
Quiet Storm (IRE)
Acclamation (GB)
Midnight Angel (GB)
Barathea (IRE)
Mill Princess
9
Maranoa Charlie (FR)
B c Wootton Bassett - Koubalibre (IRE)
Owner: Bond Thoroughbred Limited
Trainer: Christopher Head, France
(48) 3 9-3 (58.5) (4)
Form: 14-1412 D
Breeder: De Chambure Haras Detreham, Riveria Equi
Winner of five races from 7f to 1m on ground varying from good to soft. Beaten a short head by Woodshauna when second of 9 at 6-1 on his latest outing in the Group 1 Prix Jean Prat at Deauville over 7f (soft) last month.
Official BHA Rating 115 SP: 7-1
10
Seagulls Eleven (IRE) (22)
Ch g Galileo Gold - Thrilled (IRE)
Owner: Two Plus Three Two Plus Four
Trainer: Hugo Palmer, Malpas
3 9-3 (58.5) (1)
Form: 40-0621 D
Breeder: Tally-Ho Stud
Successful at 7f and 1m on good to firm and soft ground. A winner at 11-4 in the Group 3 Bonhams Thoroughbred Stakes at Goodwood over 1m (soft) on his latest outing earlier this month, beating Diego Ventura by 3/4l. Official BHA Rating 109 SP: 28-1
11
Exactly (IRE) (20)
Ch f Frankel - Heartache
Owner: Mr D. Smith, Mrs J. Magnier, Mr M. Tabor
Trainer: Aidan O’Brien, Ireland
Form: 31-2465 D
Breeder: Coolmore
Successful twice at 7f on good and soft ground. Finished 2 3/4l behind Fallen Angel when fifth of 13 at 16-1 on her latest outing in the Group 1 Prix Rothschild at Deauville over 1m (good) earlier this month. Official BHA Rating 110 SP: 22-1
NUMBER OF DECLARED RUNNERS 11...........................................................................................(EXACTA)
Hood worn first time by No 9. Blinkers worn first time by No 2. Hood, Tongue Strap worn by No 6. STEWARDS NOTE
ANNAF: Following its run on 2/8/2025 it was reported that the horse suffered interference in running. PROBABLE S.P.’S
7-4 Rosallion (IRE), 3-1 Never So Brave (IRE), 7-1 Maranoa Charlie (FR), 16-1 Lake Forest (GB), 20-1 Audience (GB), 22-1 Qirat (GB), Exactly (IRE), 25-1 Quinault (GER), 28-1 Seagulls Eleven (IRE), 33-1 Ten Bob Tony (IRE), 100-1 Annaf (IRE)
RESULT
& PRIZE MONEY INFORMATION
3. Lake Forest, 4. Never So Brave, 5. Qirat, 7. Rosallion, 10. Seagulls Eleven & 11. Exactly all hold an entry in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes (sponsored by QIPCO) on Saturday 18th October, for which supplementary entries can be received by noon on Monday 13th October for a stake of £70,000.
6. Quinalt & 8. Ten Bob Tony both hold an entry in the QIPCO British Champions Sprint Stakes on Saturday 18th October, for which supplementary entries can be received by noon on Monday 13th October for a stake of £37,500
THIRD RACE PRESENTATION & BEST TURNED OUT
The trophy for this race will be presented to the winning owner after the race by Kevin Harrington, CEO, Flutter UKI & Claire Harrington. Sky Bet have generously given £200 to the racing groom responsible for the best turned out horse in this race and £200 to the groom responsible for the winning horse
Aurelien Lemaitre Stephane Bastard
James Doyle
Ryan Moore Muhammad Yasir
For Sire/Dam
see opposite page
For Sire/Dam
see opposite page
For Sire/Dam
see opposite page
Iffraaj (GB)
Balladonia (GB)
Galileo (IRE)
Kheleyf’s Silver (IRE)
Paco Boy (IRE)
Galicuix (GB)
Kodiac (GB)
Fuerta Ventura (IRE)
Galileo (IRE)
Kind (IRE)
Kyllachy (GB)
Place In My Heart (GB)
Zafonic (USA)
Pastorale (GB)
Primo Dominie
Susquehanna Days (USA)
Sadler’s Wells (USA)
Urban Sea (USA)
Kheleyf (USA)
Silver Arrow (USA)
Desert Style (IRE)
Tappen Zee
Galileo (IRE)
Clizia (IRE)
Danehill (USA)
Rafha
Desert Sun (GB)
Cradle Brief (IRE)
Sadler’s Wells (USA)
Urban Sea (USA)
Danehill (USA)
Rainbow Lake (GB)
Pivotal (GB)
Pretty Poppy (GB)
Compton Place (GB)
Lonely Heart (GB)
The Sky Bet City Of York Stakes
3.10
The £100,000 Tattersalls Somerville Auction Stakes (GBB Race)
1
Distance: 6f
Race Type: Auction Stakes Prize Money: £100,000
Sands of Spain (IRE) (24) 9-7 (60.3) (20)
B c Sands of Mali (FR) - Wind Storm (Holy Roman Emperor (IRE))
Owner: Mr J. Maldonado
Trainer: Andrew Balding, Kingsclere
Jockey: Jason Watson
Form: 01136
Breeder: Rathbride Farm
Foaled 27 Apr. Successful twice at 5f on good to soft ground and on the all-weather. Finished 8l behind Lady Iman when sixth of 8 at 7-1 on his latest outing in the Group 3 HKJC World Pool Molecomb Stakes at Goodwood over 5f (good) last month. Has won at Newcastle and Carlisle this season. Official BHA Rating 91 SP: 11-2
2 Logi Bear (IRE) (2) (4lb)
(58.5) (5)
B c Kodi Bear (IRE) - Moonlight Bay (Pivotal) Jockey: Dougie Costello
Owner: Mr Ian Wight, Mr Tony Lyons and Ptnr
Trainer: Richard Hannon, Marlborough Form: 140050 CD Breeder: Rathbride Farm
Foaled 2 May. A winner at 6f on good ground. Well beaten at 20-1 behind Stellar Sunrise when last of 18 on his latest outing at York over 7f (good to firm) earlier this week. Official BHA Rating 81 SP: 22-1
3 Court Alert (IRE) (13) 9-1 (57.6) (19)
Br c Inns of Court (IRE) - Misfortunate (IRE) (Kodiac) Jockey: Neil Callan
Owner: Middleham Park Racing XXXIV
Trainer: Eve Johnson Houghton, Blewbury Form: 55
Breeder: M. Mullen & Cloneymore Farm
Foaled 31 Jan. Half-brother to Believing, won five times at 5f and 6f including a Group 1 race. Unplaced in both starts. Finished 3 1/2l behind Hardy’s Hero when fifth of 8 at 6-1 on his latest outing at Haydock over 6f (good to firm) earlier this month. Official BHA Rating - SP: 50-1
4
Erbil (IRE) (30) 9-1 (57.6) (13)
Ch c Palace Pier - Al Mahmeyah (Teofilo (IRE))
Owner: Mr REFAI ALGHRAIBAN
Trainer: Alice Haynes, Newmarket
Jockey: Kieran O’Neill
Form: 4 Breeder: Rabbah Bloodstock Limited
Foaled 8 Mar Half-brother to Afandem, won seven times at 5f and 6f including a Group 3 race. Finished 4l behind Sunset On Leros when fourth of 11 at 4-1 on his racecourse debut at Doncaster over 7f (good) last month. Official BHA Rating - SP: 14-1
5 Hungarian (IRE) (26) 9-1 (57.6) (18)
B g Starspangledbanner (AUS) - Kendal Mint (Kyllachy)
Owner: Daniel MacAuliffe & Anoj Don
Trainer: Lemos De Souza, Newmarket
Jockey: Harry Davies
Form: 2 Breeder: G. H. S. Bloodstock & J. C. Bloodstock
Foaled 9 Apr Half-brother to Temple Bruer, won seven times at 6f Beaten 3 1/2l by Special Dividend when second of 11 at 25-1 on his racecourse debut at Southwell over 6f last month. Official BHA Rating - SP: 40-1
6 Enter Sandman (IRE) (73) (2lb) 8-13 (56.7) (3)
B c Starman - Paella (IRE) (Oasis Dream)
Owner: Phil Cunningham
Trainer: Richard Spencer, Newmarket
Jockey: David Egan
Form: 5 Breeder: Tally-Ho Stud
Foaled 24 Mar Half-brother to Getchagetchagetcha, won twice at 5f and 1m 4f Finished 5l behind Wateen when fifth of 9 at 14-1 on his racecourse debut at Lingfield over 5f (good) in June. Official BHA Rating - SP: 50-1
7 Kesta (IRE) (5) (6lb)
Ch g Kessaar (IRE) - Destacado (IRE) (Mehmas (IRE))
Owner: The Woodway 20
Trainer: Eve Johnson Houghton, Blewbury
(56.7) (14)
Jockey: Callum Hutchinson
Form: 602133
Breeder: R O’Callaghan and D. Veitch
Foaled 8 Mar Successful twice at 5f on good to firm ground. Third of 9 behind Lil Brother beaten 1 1/2l at 12-1 on his latest outing at Windsor over 5f (good to firm) earlier this month. Has won there and at Brighton this season. Official BHA Rating 78 SP: 16-1
8 Piscean Star (GB) (12) (4lb)
B c Starman - Ensemble (FR) (Iron Mask (USA))
Owner: The 2 Under Partnership
Trainer: Ed Dunlop, Newmarket
(56.7) (15)
Jockey: Pat Cosgrave
Form: 1 Breeder: Whatton Manor Stud & Robert Cornelius
Foaled 15 Mar Half-brother to Quick Change, won twice between 7f and 1m 1f A winner at 5-1 at Kempton over 7f on his latest outing earlier this month, beating Alkumatic Sam by a neck. Official BHA Rating - SP: 9-1
9 Sapphire Steps (IRE) (8) 8-12 (56.2) (17)
Gr f Dark Angel (IRE) - Hidden Steps (Footstepsinthesand)
Owner: J. Palmer-Brown, C. Engel and Partner
Trainer: Richard Hannon, Marlborough
Jockey: Thomas Greatrex
Form: 150 D Breeder: Yeomanstown Stud
Foaled 28 Feb. A winner at 6f on good to firm ground. Beaten 4 1/2l behind Hollywood Treasure at 8-1 when seventh of 11 on her latest outing at Newbury over 5f (good) earlier this month. Official BHA Rating 87 SP: 6-1
10
Justcallmesergio
(GB) (7) (4lb) 8-11 (55.8) (8)
B c Sergei Prokofiev (CAN) - Kaiulani (IRE) (Danehill Dancer (IRE))
Owner: The Star Wishers
Trainer: Clive Cox, Hungerford
Jockey: Marco Ghiani
Form: 1 D Breeder: The In Trutina Partnership
Foaled 9 Apr Half-brother to Oahu, won at 6f A winner at 5-1 at Bath over 6f (firm) on his latest outing earlier this month, beating Calafiori by 2 1/4l. Official BHA Rating - SP: 8-1
11 Calling A Star (GB) (28)
Ch f Showcasing - Dundunah (USA) (Sidney’s Candy (USA))
Foaled 26 Feb. Placed once in three starts. Beaten 1 3/4l by Golden Palace when second of 8 at 7-1 on her latest outing at York over 6f (good) last month. Official BHA Rating 74 SP: 18-1
12 Madame X (GB) (17)
B f Ardad (IRE) - Hoku (IRE) (Holy Roman Emperor (IRE))
Owner: Pall Mall Partners & Black Type Ltd
Trainer: Richard Hannon, Marlborough
(55.3) (9)
Jockey: John Fahy
Form: 20604
Breeder: Jocelyn Targett
Foaled 23 Feb. Placed once in five starts. Finished 5l behind Elara May when fourth of 9 at 20-1 on her latest outing at Yarmouth over 5f (good to firm) earlier this month. Official BHA Rating 66 SP: 40-1
13 Sioux Perfect (IRE) (25)
B f Sioux Nation (USA) - Perfecimperfection (IRE) (Camelot)
Owner: El Jefe
Trainer: Archie Watson, Upper Lambourn
8-10 (55.3) (10)
Jockey: William Cox
Form: 56402
Breeder: Shane & Michael O’Brien
Foaled 21 Mar Placed once in five starts. Beaten 1/2l by A’ali G when second of 7 at 12-1 on her latest outing at Ripon over 6f (good) last month. She is wearing blinkers for the first time Official BHA Rating 74 SP: 18-1
14 Diamond Ali (GB) (72) (6lb)
Ch c A’Ali (IRE) - Birthstone (Machiavellian (USA))
Owner: Sk & J Developments Ltd & partners
Trainer: Julia & Shelley Birkett, Newmarket
8-9 (54.9) (12)
Jockey: Dylan Hogan
Form: 00
Breeder: Amanda Rawding
Foaled 24 Apr Half-brother to Star Of Valour, won twice between 7f and 1m 1f Unplaced in both starts. Beaten 9l behind Timeforshowcasing at 66-1 when seventh of 8 on his latest outing at Chelmsford City over 6f in June. Official BHA Rating - SP: 300-1
15 Guernsey Angel (GB) (28) (2lb)
B f Harry Angel (IRE) - Aubrietia (Dutch Art)
Owner: Mr Trevor Gallienne
Trainer: David Evans, Abergavenny
(54.4) (7)
Jockey: Josephine Gordon
Form: 64
Breeder: J. Babb
Foaled 26 Apr. Half-sister to Dora Penny, won seven times at 5f and 6f. Unplaced in both starts. Finished 5l behind Lost Signal when fourth of 7 at 22-1 on her latest outing at Salisbury over 6f (good to firm) last month. Official BHA Rating - SP: 50-1
16 Anaisa (GB) (13) (4lb)
B f Ardad (IRE) - Secretarial (IRE) (Kingman)
Owner: Nick Bradley Racing 4 & Partner
(53.5) (1)
Jockey: Cam Hardie
Trainer: Tim Easterby, Malton Form: 612634
Breeder: Habton Racing
Foaled 20 Feb. A winner at 5f on good ground. Finished 2 3/4l behind Better And Better when fourth of 7 at 12-1 on her latest outing at Haydock over 6f (good to firm) earlier this month. Official BHA Rating 74 SP: 22-1
17 Hazy Cosmic Jane (IRE) (17) (4lb)
Ch f Starman - Single Thought (Teofilo (IRE))
Owner: Mr W. P. Flynn
(2)
Jockey: Georgia Dobie
Breeder: Michael Buckley
Trainer: Des Donovan, Exning Form: 6343
Foaled 1 Mar Placed once in four starts. Third of 8 behind Corniche Girl beaten 2 1/4l at 11-1 on her latest outing at Kempton over 6f earlier this month. Official BHA Rating 62
Br f Cable Bay (IRE) - Perfect Lady (Excelebration (IRE))
Owner: Mildmay Racing & Only Fillies RC
Trainer: Tom Ward, Upper Lambourn
Sean Dylan Bowen
Foaled 16 Feb. Half-sister to Balkan Leader, won six times at 5f. A winner at 9-2 at Southwell over 6f on her latest outing last month, beating Startled Lady by a neck. Official BHA Rating 69
19 Arduis Invicta (IRE) (10) (6lb)
B f Invincible Army (IRE) - First Link (USA) (First Defence (USA))
Owner: Hopyard Farm Racing
Trainer: Craig Lidster, Malton
(4)
Foaled 27 Mar A winner at 9-2 at Beverley over 5f (good to firm) on her latest outing earlier this month, beating Mossvale Diva by 1/2l. Official BHA Rating 70 SP: 20-1
20 Mythical Night (IRE) (23) (6lb) 8-4 (52.6) (11)
B f Invincible Army (IRE) - Dark Tulip (Dark Angel (IRE))
Foaled 16 Jan. Dam won at 5f Well beaten at 66-1 behind Aylin when last of 13 on her racecourse debut at Goodwood over 7f (heavy) last month. Official BHA Rating - SP: 300-1
NUMBER OF DECLARED RUNNERS 20..........................................................................................(EXACTA) Blinkers worn first time by No 13. Tongue Strap worn by No 5. STEWARDS NOTE
COURT ALERT: Following its run on 10/8/2025 it was re hung left-handed under pressure. ENTER SANDMAN: Following its run on 11/6/2025 it wa se hung left GUERNSEY ANGEL: Following its run on 26/7/2025 it wa se hung ANAISA: Follo reported denied a clear PROBABLE
Whilst Australia’s premier racecourse might be more than 10,500 miles from York, operating in a different hemisphere; the links between the Knavesmire and Flemington are actually very close.
Not only do the teams at the two venues regularly share best practice but their signature contests are interwoven by the participants.
As recently as 2022, Deauville Legend won the Sky Bet Great Voltigeur before being installed as favourite at Flemington. If we consider the last running not severely impacted by the pandemic, three thoroughbreds graced both the Sky Bet Ebor and the Lexus Melbourne Cup; with the Charlie Fellowes trained, Prince of Arran, being placed second in “the race that stops the nation” after a top ten finish at York. What’s more, in three of the last four prior to that, the Lexus Melbourne Cup the Sky Bet Ebor winner has made the top ten.
There is still a real challenge of doing the double. Deauville Legend (albeit actually a Sky Bet Great Voltigeur winner) became the latest to go close, finishing fifth after being sent off favourite. He joined Heartbreak City in 2016 and Purple Moon in 2007, who both headed down under as champions to find only one better in their bid for a famous double
The two courses offer valuable prize money and are widely regarded as a proper test of the racehorse, so it is not easy to land a major prize at either never mind, both. That honour so nearly went the way of Rekindling, who gave Joseph O’Brien a first major success in the Melbourne Cup of that November having been placed fourth in the Al Basti Equiworld, Dubai Dante Stakes in the northern hemisphere in the May of 2017
Prince of Arran
Heartbreak City (r)
Purple Moon (r)
FUN TIMES REMEMBERED
As well as the star horses, the same sense of fun is shared by the occasions that host the feature races.
In both 2019 and 2023, York Racecourse was honoured to be the only British host to the Lexus Melbourne Cup on its charitable global tour
Over a memorable few days in 2019 and 2023, the unique trophy was the star of numerous racegoers selfies as well as visiting racing yards and the East Yorkshire village that shares its name Though for many followers on Social media, it was the appearance with the irrepressible Yorkshire Terriers that captured their hearts.
A year later and Cross Counter gave the Godolphin operation their first victory at Flemington, however the Charlie Appleby trailblazer had only managed a close up second on the Knavesmire in the Sky Bet Great Voltigeur of that August. It had been the opposite way around for Max Dynamite in 2015, when the Ricci family owned gelding partnered Frankie Dettori into the York Winner’s Enclosure in the Weatherbys Hamilton Lonsdale Cup, to just miss out in Australia, behind Prince of Penzance. The 2023 Ebor champion Absurde took on the global challenge twice, finishing in the top 10 in each of the last two years. Interestingly the 2023 Melbourne Cup winner, Without A Fight’ had won twice at York, in his 2022 season.
In more than quarter of a century since Vintage Crop so memorably became the first European trained of Melbourne’s big race, only two other raiders have come home with the famous three-handled trophy. Whether any of this week’s champions will join that elite list, only time can tell, but York has certainly been an important part of the career of many who have already come close
How the last decade of Sky Bet Ebor winners fared in the Lexus Melbourne Cup 2024: Magical Zoe ................. n/a 2023: Absurde 7th/5th 2024 2022 : Trawlerman n/a 2021 :
2014: Mutual Regard 14th
2013: Tiger Cliff n/a
* Winners of 2020 & 2021 opted to skip a trip down under due to the ongoing Covid 19 pandemic
The Sky Bet Ebor
FACT
FILE:
Distance
One mile & six furlongs (2,800m)
Prize money £500,000
WERE YOU HERE THE DAY WHEN… OR FOR THE POST MILLENNIUM GENERATION…
Where have four decades gone, Sea Pigeon was a most popular winner in 1979 The nine-year-old gelding, once ante-post favourite for the Derby and a future dual Champion Hurdle winner, represented Yorkshire trainer Peter Easterby and carried 10 stone to victory He was ridden to victory by jump jockey Jonjo O’Neill – now a highly successful trainer
When the much missed Sergeant Cecil won another great race on Knavesmire? He won the 2005 Sky Bet Ebor on his first visit to York and added the Stobart Rail Northumberland Plate and the Cesarewitch in the same year to make history by becoming the first horse to land the three premier staying handicaps. The gelding always raised his game on the Knavesmire and later added the Yorkshire Cup, the Weatherbys Hamilton Lonsdale Cup and the rearranged 2006 Doncaster Cup to his triumphs here.
FIRST WINNER?
Pagan was the first winner of the race, ridden by Slim Templeman and trained by John Scott. The 6-1 shot carried 7st 13lb and was a popular winner. Soon the betting public was hooked and York’s fortunes blossomed.
WHY IS IT SPECIAL?
Simply it is York’s most famous race, and shares its name with the Roman city, EBORACUM that is now known as York. It is the biggest gambling heat of the week here on the Knavesmire and the oldest race of the Festival, first run 1843.
WILL IRISH EYES BE SMILING?
They were in 2009 and 2010 when Sesenta and Dirar won for Willie Mullins and Gordon Elliott respectively and again in 2014 when Mutual Regard won for Johnny Murtagh. But overall, runners from over the water don’t have the greatest of records, after a lean spell in the later years of last century and first decade of this, illuminated only by the Aidan O’Brien-trained Mediterranean in 2001, fortunes have been much better of late With the ill-fated Heartbreak City’s impressive triumph in 2016 and Mustajeer winning 2019’s race, this new era was confirmed by Sonnyboyliston, Absurde and last years winner Magical Zoe who took the prizes back to Ireland for Johnny Murtagh, Willie Mullins and Henry de Bromhead respectively All three of the above have contenders this afternoon. Jim Bolger as well as father and son, Aidan and Joseph O’Brien, taking the Irish contingent up to a likely eight of the field.
Sea Pigeon
John & Thady Gosden
LEADING TRAINER?
The retired Luca Cumani was the trainer to follow, having won it three times - Vicious Circle (1999), Mephisto (2004) & Purple Moon (2007). Johnny Murtagh has won two of the last twelve renewals, including the 2014 renewal, and with Sonnyboyliston in 2021. Willie Mullins saw his total double courtesy of Absurde in 2023. John & Thady Gosden went within one of Luca Cumani as Trawlerman joined Muntahaa (2018) as winners for Clarehaven. French Master represents them today.
LEADING RIDER?
The much missed Lester Piggott, whose statue is now on the Edwardian Weighing Room Lawn, leads the way with five victories. When it comes to the current crop, there are two to have won the race before, Jim Crowley and Jamie Spencer, who would add one were Charlus to oblige. While Frankie ended in style to make it three wins, the swansong coming aboard Absurde
THE 3-YEAR-OLD QUESTION?
With the Sky Bet Ebor becoming one of Europe’s richest and best handicaps, it was the right time to consider how the race best fits in to the overall racing programme. For the three-year-olds, the established Pattern programme has a proven rhythm and it is not the intention to alter running plans for the best of the Classic crop The investment in the Sky Bet Great Voltigeur keeps the pathway to a record level of £250,000 for the Betfred St Leger The Ebor will now focus on stayers aged four and upwards. The Race to The Ebor also links the more valuable Sky Bet Melrose with next season, so retaining a 3-y-o connection. In practical terms, the stats show that as the quality of the Ebor has increased, only two horses aged three actually made the stalls in the last decade (prior to the switch), with the last classic generation winner back in 2001, when Mediterranean took the spoils.
WHO ARE THE SPONSORS?
Sky Bet is the UK’s most popular online bookmaker
We’ve been making betting better for years and we’re home of First Race Specials and the Soccer Saturday Price Boost. We’re hugely passionate about sport which is why we sponsor the English Football League and recently have extended our partnership with York Racecourse, which includes the sponsorship of a lucky 13 races this week.
Lester Piggott
HOW DO YORKSHIRE STABLES FIGURE?
Yorkshire-trained horses have a good overall record, although Moyenne Corniche became only the fourth winner in the past 27 renewals when triumphing six years ago for Brian Ellison, more than a decade on will Onesmoothoperator complete a famous northern handicap double by adding the Sky Bet Ebor to his Northumberland Plate success? The late Jimmy Fitzgerald saddled Sapience to score in 1989, the record-breaking Mark Johnston’s Quick Ransom was the hero in 1992 and Les Eyre won with Far Ahead in 1997. Adrian Keatley (Kihavah), Karl Burke (Almosh’her), Brian Ellison (Onesmoothoperator) and David O’Meara (Stressfree) fly the Yorkshire flag today.
David O’Meara
Helping Yorkshire EBOR COMMUNITY SWEEPSTAKE
The Ebor Community sweepstake is an innovative initiative which seeks to thank, celebrate and reward some of the countless thousands who have helped others in the county.
Working with our partners at Sky Bet and others, we invited nominations. Out of the 170+ nominations, we now have shortlisted 22 who will all be joining us on Saturday – they will each be assigned a runner in the Sky Bet Ebor and the charity or community group attached to the winning horse will receive a prize of £20,000. What is more, the second placed horse will earn £5,000 for its connected good cause, £2,000 to the third place duo and all the others benefit from a £1,000 donation. The good causes were each allocated a stall number, then Thursday’s Draw matched them to a runner. They now appear below in the same racecard order as the runners themselves, with the technicality of the reserves worked through.
French Master (IRE)
London City (USA) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Organisation: Malton Free Fridge
Volunteers work to reduce food waste, by repurposing surplus food from shops and supermarkets.
Hipop de Loire (FR)
Organisation: Tommy’s Voice
Operating out of Huddersfield, in support of veterans and their families, ensuring a smooth transition to the next chapter.
Yashin (IRE)
Organisation: Declan John Foundation
Started in Garfoth, it provides items to hospitals maternity units for parents who have sadly lost a baby.
Queenstown (IRE)
Organisation: Beverley Community Lift
Provides accessible, door-to-door transport, for those in need due to age, disability or isolation.
Kihavah
Organisation: Carpets Like a Boss!!!!
Halifax based group helps alleviate carpet poverty, recycling those carpets destined for landfill to families in need.
Ethical Diamond (IRE)
Organisation: M.A.S.H
Volunteers use their Bridlington hub to support Armed Forces veterans, serving personnel and their families.
Organisation: Shopmobility York
Helps people with mobility issues, by providing wheelchairs and mobility scooters.
Celebrating 35 years of helping people with disabilities enjoy the great outdoors, across the whole county
Subsequent (IRE)
Organisation: Hornsea Inshore Rescue
An independent lifeboat ; they operate in the dangerous North Sea
Real Dream (IRE)
Organisation: DIAL Barnsley
Provides information, advice and support; run by and for disabled people, their families and carers.
Roaring Legend (FR)
Organisation: Nomad
Tackles hidden homelessness and housing insecurity in Sheffield.
Stressfree (FR)
Organisation: Ma Kellys Kitchen
A community group that feeds the elderly and in-need residents of Keighley.
Shadow Dance
Organisation: Partially Sighted Society
Supporting those with sight loss, through practical assistance, daily living aids & personalised advice from a Doncaster base
Siege of Troy
Organisation: Endo Buddies
Hull is home to a group offering people living with endometriosis practical and emotional support.
Provide vital, life-enhancing social connections for older people across the county.
Oneforthegutter
Organisation: Rotherham Pride
Volunteers hold regular events as well as the annual Pride celebration.
Ascending (IRE)
Organisation: Aphasia Support
From a Wakefield HQ, helping carers of and people with this complex language disorder, caused by damage to the brain, to rebuild their communication, confidence and independence.
Almosh’her
Organisation: Ripon Men’s Shed
Using practical skills and teamwork to support those who feel lost, lonely or isolated.
Majestic Warrior (IRE)
Organisation: Wakefield MS Support
Volunteers that have one form of MS, holds social events, assists with grants and short breaks.
Charlus (IRE)
Organisation: Rotherham Hospice
The only adult hospice in Rotherham.
Fleetfoot (IRE)
Organisation: Barnsley Foodbank
Focused on alleviating issues of food poverty, across Barnsley.
Mr Percy (IRE)
Organisation: Glen Gardens York
Residents that improve and maintain a local park for the benefit of all.
The mechanics of having reserves drawn for the race on Thursday, means that Glen Gardens York have had their allegiance switched to Mr Percy (drawn 23) due to Aeronautic (drawn in stall 4) not getting a run due to there being no non-runners.
This season sees the latest staging of the famous race as part of a an extensive partnership with Leeds-based Sky Bet. Today sees the fruition of a series entitled the “Race To The Ebor” which includes four high-class staying contests.
Sky Bet Melrose Handicap (3YO only)
York - 1m 6f
Saturday 24 August 2024
Sky Bet Jorvik Handicap (4YO+)
York - 1m 4f
Wednesday 14 May 2025
Sky Bet Stakes (Handicap, 4YO+)
The Curragh - 1m 6f
Wednesday 4 June 2025
Sky Bet Ebor (Handicap 4YO+)
York - 1m 6f
Saturday 23 August 2025
Sky Bet Grand Cup (Listed, 4YO+)
York - 1m 6f
Saturday 14 June 2025
The winners of the four races above would all have been guaranteed a start position in the Sky Bet Ebor of 2025 provided they were entered and confirmed in the normal way. As a consolation for connections, if their horse fails to finish in the top eight places, they will have their entry fee to the race (worth £5,000) refunded, the top eight receive £5,000 or more in prize money.
Both Table Talk and Al Qareem are now plying their trade in Pattern company with the latter finishing 4th in yesterday’s Group Two Weatherbys Lonsdale Cup. At 9st 2lb it is a moot point for Almosh’her and Mr Percy (our remaining duo), however for future reference if any of the “Race
To The Ebor” winners were set to carry the lowest weight in the Sky Bet Ebor, that horse’s weight would be raised to the equivalent of the lowestweighted horse that was set to run through the established entry process.
To complement this initiative York Racecourse invested in Britain’s largest set of starting stalls, able to accommodate 22 runners, an increase of two participants on the 2018 configuration. Jorvik winner Almosh’her will be hoping to bounce back from his Royal Ascot disappointment and looks to have every chance having being purchased by Wathnan Racing. Curragh victor Mr Percy is an interesting proposition for Joseph O’Brien. Whoever wins, they can look forward to a warmer November than is on offer in Yorkshire, as the Sky Bet Ebor winner now has a guaranteed start in the Lexus Melbourne Cup.
BIG RACE TRENDS THE SKY BET EBOR
PREVIOUS WINNERS - LAST TEN RUNNINGS
Year Winner Trainer
2024 Magical Zoe Henry De Bromhead W J Lee 11/2F 20 ran 2m
2023
2022 Trawlerman John & Thady Gosden Frankie Dettori 9/1 20 ran
2020 Fujaira Prince Roger Varian Andrea Atzeni 11/2F 21 ran 3m 4.22s S
2019
2018
2017 Nakeeta Iain Jardine Callum Rodriguez 12/1 19 ran 2m 56.54s G
2016 Heartbreak City A J Martin Adam McNamara 15/2 20 ran 2m 56.13s G
2015 Litigant Joseph Tuite Oisin Murphy 33/1 19 ran 3m 0.16s G
AGE
The seven-year-old Litigant became the oldest winner since Sea Pigeon back in 1979 when landing the spoils ten years ago but the group to focus on is the five and six-year-olds, who between them have landed seven of the last ten renewals They represent twelve of the twenty-two runner field this time around.
DRAW
Usually in races such as this, being drawn on the rail is an advantage but that hasn’t proved the case in the Sky Bet Ebor. The fact that seven of the last ten winners have been drawn in stall 12 or higher suggests that is in fact the higher drawn horses which seem to be favoured. With victory in the Ebor being held in such high esteem, those jockeys drawn low have shown a tendency to break far too quickly from the stalls in order to take advantage of their draw but only end up setting a furious early pace which can often set the race up for more patiently ridden rivals.
OFFICIAL RATINGS
10 of the last 12 winners have had a rating of 101 or higher, so it pays to keep the classier types onside. The highest rated winner in recent years was Muntahaa, who won off a mark of 109 in 2018. Surprisingly, Mustajeer, Fujaira Prince and Sonnyboyliston, were all rated 108. So take note of French Master who tops the weights here, incidentally, he is also rated 108!
CONCLUSION
RECENT FORM
Unexposed, dark horses do not win the Ebor. Eight of the last ten winners had achieved a top five finish on their most recent start. We can take this trend one step further when you consider that seven of the last ten winners had achieved a top two finish on either or both of their two latest starts. This bodes well for French Master, Kihavah, Oneforthegutter and Almosh'her.
BETTING
Whichever way you look at it, this is not a race in which following the favourite has proved a fruitful strategy - there have only been four winning favourites since 1998, although five of the last 12 winners came from the top three in the betting. In the last ten years, we have had winners at 20/1 and 33/1, so the best advice is to back your selection regardless of the starting price.
KEY TRENDS
Drawn stall 12 or higher
Five or Six-year-old
Top five finish last time
Rated 101+
With the record of classier and therefore higher rated animals too strong to ignore, it makes sense that we focus on those at the head of affairs. French Master must defy top-weight and there have been three winners of 108 to suggest that he could be in with a chance, albeit carrying top weight in an Ebor is no easy task. Hipop De Loire will no doubt prove popular for Willie Mullins however he failed to achieve a top three finish on either of his last starts. Kihavah is an obvious one to side with after his good run last year but is now eight, which would be a negative. Sticking with the trend that five or six year olds are the ones to lock onto, the unexposed Majestic Warrior is interesting but a chance is taken on ETHICAL DIAMOND to try and follow up his Royal Ascot victory. He fits the age bill and obviously finished in the top two last time out. Rated 104, he possesses enough class and should go close today.
Absurde
4th Race 3.35
The Sky Bet Ebor Stakes
(Heritage Handicap)(GBBPlus Race)
One Mile About Six Furlongs (2,800 metres)
See page 94 for conditions of this race.
Trifecta Rollover Race
RACE DESCRIPTION
Distance: 1m 6f
Race Type: Heritage Handicap
Prize Money: £500,000
Age: 4+
Stalls: Inside Rail
Probably our most famous race, the Sky Bet Ebor, is open to 4yo+ horses and over a trip of a mile and three quarters.
This race is theoretically open to any horse regardless of its official mark. The highest rated, still set to carry the most weight in this race today, is French Master
The runners are undoubtedly amongst the best in their class in Britain so remember to follow their progress in future contests, they could star in the Lexus Melbourne Cup as this is the only race outside Australia to provide a “ballot exemption” for the first Tuesday of November Perhaps take a close up look in the Parade Ring before they go to post to make your final selection.
LAST YEAR’S RACE
Winner: MAGICAL ZOE
Trainer: Henry De Bromhead
Jockey: W J Lee
Age/Weight: 6-9-6
Runners: 20 SP: 11/2F
A thrilling renewal of the Sky Bet Ebor Handicap last year saw Magical Zoe elude Kihavah and Oneforthegutter as they battled on gamely all the way but could not get near her
RACE FACTS & STATISTICS
THE TALE OF THE CLOCK
RaceiQ Par Time: 2m 58.32s
(Based on going description: Good to firm-good in places)
Course Record: 2m 51.89s by Tuning (19-Aug-98)
All times are based where possible on the corresponding race over the last seven years
Leading course trainer (20-25): A Balding (36 wins from 198 runners, 18%) runs SUBSEQUENT Trainer-in-form (last 14 days): D O’Meara (12 wins from 47 runners, 26%) runs STRESSFREE Fancy That: J & T Gosden won this race in 2018 and 2022. The stable runs FRENCH MASTER today. NOTE: All statistics are up to and including 21st August.
KNAVESMIRE TIP
Willie Mullins has won this twice before, most recently with Absurde in 2023, and last year’s fifth Hipop De Loire is back for more off 3lb higher after an easy maiden hurdle win at Galway He can go well but if FRENCH MASTER takes to a first-time visor, he may have the edge. Successful over this sort of trip at Goodwood and Ascot, he was only fifth in the Goodwood Cup but, back in handicap company, he could prove too good. Fleetfoot is just one other to consider, with his 4lb penalty unlikely to be enough to stop another bold effort.
Hipop De Loire
The Sky Bet Ebor Stakes
Distance: 1m 6f
Race Type: Heritage Handicap
Prize Money: £500,000
Age: 4+
Stalls: Inside Rail
Horse Age st-lb (kgs) Draw
1 French Master (IRE) (25)
4 9-12 (62.6) (22)
B c Frankel - French Dressing Jockey: Robert Havlin
Owner: Wathnan Racing
Trainer: John & Thady Gosden, Newmarket
Form: 11-2115 D
Breeder: Normandie Stud Ltd
He has won four times from 1m 4f to 1m 6f on good to firm and good ground and on the all-weather Finished 8l behind Scandinavia when fifth of 8 at 9-1 on his latest outing in the Group 1 Al Shaqab Goodwood Cup Stakes at Goodwood over 2m (good) last month. Has won at Ascot and Goodwood this season. Official BHA Rating 108 SP: 12-1
2
Hipop de Loire (FR) (53)
8 9-10 (61.7) (9)
B g American Post - Louve Rose Jockey: Colin Keane
Owner: Stawomir Pegza
Trainer: W. P. Mullins, Ireland Form: 2340/5-4 D Breeder: A & A Mottais
Successful at 1m 4f and 1m 6f on good ground, but last win was over three years ago; has also won a hurdle last month. Finished 3 1/2l behind Chally Chute when fourth of 11 at 10-1 on his latest flat outing at Roscommon over 1m 4f (yielding) last month. Official BHA Rating 106 SP: 11-2
3 Yashin (IRE) (41)
B g Churchill (IRE) - Mirdhak
Owner: Mizons, Bakers & Lewitts
6 9-9 (61.2) (3)
Archie Young (5)
Trainer: Michael Bell, Newmarket Form: 006-106 D Breeder: Mr Gerry Byrne
He has won four times from 1m 2f to 2m on good to firm and good ground. Well beaten at 5-1 behind Sibayan when last of 6 on his latest outing in the Group 2 Prix Maurice De Nieuil at ParisLongchamp over 1m 6f (good to soft) last month. Official BHA Rating 105 SP: 40-1
4
Queenstown (IRE) (35)
B g Galileo (IRE) - Where (IRE)
Owner: Mrs J Magnier/M Tabor/D Smith/Westerberg
Trainer: Aidan O’Brien, Ireland
(5)
Jockey: Ryan Moore
Form: 2200-66
Breeder: Coolmore
A winner at 1m 4f on heavy ground. Finished 7l behind Al Riffa when sixth of 7 at 18-1 on his latest outing in the Group 2 Curragh Cup at Curragh over 1m 6f (good) last month. Official BHA Rating 104 SP: 20-1
5 Kihavah (GB) (111)
Ch g Harbour Watch (IRE) - Roheryn (IRE)
Owner: JAB
8 9-8 (60.8) (7)
Jockey: P. J. McDonald
Trainer: Adrian Keatley, Malton Form: 0021-15 C D
Breeder: The Roheryn Partnership
Winner of six races from 1m 4f to 1m 6f on ground varying from good to firm to good to soft; has also won three hurdles. Finished 2 1/2l behind Story Horse when fifth of 10 at 6-1 on his latest flat outing at Newmarket over 1m 6f (good to firm) in May. Official BHA Rating 104 SP: 22-1
6
Ethical Diamond (IRE) (64)
B g Awtaad (IRE) - Pearl Diamond (GER)
Owner: H. O. S. Syndicate
Trainer: W. P. Mullins, Ireland
5 9-8 (60.8) (21)
Jockey: William Buick
Form: 431/24-1
Breeder: Mr W. J. Kennedy
Successful twice at 1m 4f on good to firm and yielding ground; has also won a hurdle in February. Won on his latest outing when 3-1fav at Ascot over 1m 4f (good to firm) in June, beating Mutaawid by 2l. Official BHA Rating 104 SP: 9-1
7 London City (USA) (35)
Gr c Justify (USA) - Winter (IRE)
Owner: Mr M. Tabor, D. Smith & Mrs John Magnier
Trainer: Aidan O’Brien, Ireland
4 9-8 (60.8) (18)
Jockey: Sean Levey
Form: 6/115-05 C
Breeder: Orpendale, Chelston & Wynatt
Successful at 1m 3f and 1m 4f on good ground and on the all-weather Finished 7l behind Al Riffa when fifth of 7 at 33-1 on his latest outing in the Group 2 Michael John Kennedy Curragh Cup at Curragh over 1m 6f (good) last month. Official BHA Rating 104 SP: 16-1
8
Onesmoothoperator (USA)
B or Br g Dialed In (USA) - Sueno d’Oro (USA)
Owner: Mr P. Boyle
Trainer: Brian Ellison, Malton
(42) 7 9-8 (60.8) (1)
Jockey: Ben Robinson
Form: 5-03504
Breeder: Triple D Partners Llc
Winner of five races from 1m 2f to 2m on good ground and on the all-weather Finished 4 1/2l behind Al Qareem when fourth of 6 at 33-1 on his latest outing over this course and distance (good to firm) last month. Official BHA Rating 104 SP: 40-1
9
Subsequent (IRE) (21)
Ch g Galileo (IRE) - After (IRE)
Owner: Mrs Fitri Hay
Trainer: Andrew Balding, Kingsclere
4 9-8 (60.8) (12)
Jockey: Oisin Murphy
Form: 5121-60 D
Breeder: Coolmore
He has won four times from 1m 4f to 1m 6f on good to firm and soft ground. Beaten 13l behind Sam Hawkens at 28-1 when 11th of 14 on his latest outing at Goodwood over 1m 6f (good to soft) earlier this month. He is wearing a tongue-tie for the first time Official BHA Rating 104 (-2) SP: 150-1
10
Real Dream (IRE) (43)
B g Lope de Vega (IRE) - Laganore (IRE)
Owner: Macable Partnership
6 9-7 (60.3) (20)
Jockey: Joe Leavy
Trainer: Ian Williams, Alvechurch Form: 0-34033 D
Breeder: Newtown Anner Stud
He has won three times from 1m 4f to 1m 6f on good to firm and good to soft ground and on the all-weather, but last win was over two years ago Third of 13 behind Oneforthegutter beaten 3l at 11-1 on his latest outing at Newmarket over 1m 6f (good to firm) last month. Official BHA Rating 103 SP: 40-1
11 Roaring Legend (FR) (43)
Gr g Roaring Lion (USA) - Amarysia (FR)
Owner: Mr Alan Peterson
5 9-6 (59.9) (14)
Jockey: Hollie Doyle
Trainer: Hugo Palmer, Malpas Form: 116604 D
Breeder: S.C.E.A. Marmion Vauville et al
Winner of five races from 1m 4f to 2m on good to firm and good to soft ground and on the all-weather; has also won two hurdles. Finished 4 1/2l behind Oneforthegutter when fourth of 13 at 28-1 on his latest outing at Newmarket over 1m 6f (good to firm) last month. Official BHA Rating 102 SP: 66-1
12
Stressfree (FR) (21)
Ch g Anodin (IRE) - Gwenseb (FR)
Owner: Akela Thoroughbreds Limited
Trainer: David O’Meara, Upper Helmsley
5 9-5 (59.4) (10)
Jockey: Daniel Tudhope
Form: 321050
Breeder: Wertheimer & Frere
He has won four times from 1m 1f to 1m 4f on ground varying from good to heavy; has also won a hurdle in February Beaten 10l behind Sam Hawkens at 25-1 when 9th of 14 on his latest outing at Goodwood over 1m 6f (good to soft) earlier this month. Official BHA Rating 101 (-1) SP: 80-1
13 Shadow Dance (GB) (25)
Gr g Almanzor (FR) - Skyline Dancer
Owner: Newsells Park Stud-Ardiles/Brazil/Hoddle
Trainer: Roger Varian, Newmarket
9-4 (59.0) (8)
Jockey: Silvestre De Sousa
Form: 2/0213-0 C
Breeder: Newsells Park Stud
Successful twice at 1m 4f on good ground. Beaten 6l behind Westridge at 16-1 when 9th of 18 on his latest outing at Goodwood over 1m 2f (good) last month. Official BHA Rating 100 SP: 16-1
14
Siege of Troy (GB) (16)
B f Siyouni (FR) - Roheryn (IRE)
Owner: Qatar Racing Limited
Trainer: J. P. Murtagh, Ireland
Jockey: Patrick McGettigan (7)
Form: 30-4443
Breeder: The Roheryn Partnership
A winner at 1m 2f on good ground. Third of 6 behind Sons And Lovers beaten 1l at 12-1 on her latest outing in the Group 3 Tote Ballyroan Stakes at Leopardstown over 1m 4f (good) earlier this month. Official BHA Rating 99 SP: 22-1
15 Enemy (GB) (14)
B g Muhaarar - Prudenzia (IRE)
Owner: Tracey Bell & Caroline Lyons
Trainer: Ian Williams, Alvechurch
9-2 (58.1) (6)
Jockey: Richard Kingscote
Form: 066-066 D
Breeder: Ecurie Des Monceaux & Skymarc Farm Inc
Winner of five races from 7f to 1m 6f on ground varying from good to firm to good to soft and on the all-weather Finished 4 1/2l behind Fireblade when sixth of 9 at 40-1 on his latest outing at Ascot over 2m (good to firm) earlier this month. Official BHA Rating 98 (-1) SP: 40-1
16
Oneforthegutter
(GB) (43)
9-2 (58.1) (19)
B g Muhaarar - Rainbow Springs Jockey: Saffie Osborne
Owner: Tracey Bell & Caroline Lyons
Trainer: Ian Williams, Alvechurch
Form: 363-021 D
Breeder: Michael E Wates CBE
He has won four times from 6f to 1m 6f on ground varying from good to firm to good to soft and on the all-weather A winner at 12-1 at Newmarket over 1m 6f (good to firm) on his latest outing last month, beating Endless Victory by 1/2l. Official BHA Rating 98 SP: 25-1
17
Ascending (IRE) (67)
B g Awtaad (IRE) - Midnight Martini
Owner: C. Jones
Trainer: Henry de Bromhead, Ireland
6 9-2 (58.1) (16)
Jockey: Seamie Heffernan
Form: 2//221-11
Breeder: Karis Bloodstock Ltd & Rathbarry Stud
He has won four times from 1m to 2m 4f on ground varying from good to firm to soft and on the all-weather A winner at 20-1 at Ascot over 2m 4f (good to firm) on his latest outing in June, beating Nurburgring by a neck. Has also won at Cork this season. Official BHA Rating 98 SP: 18-1
18 Almosh’her (GB) (64)
4 9-2 (58.1) (2)
B g Sea The Stars (IRE) - Orange Sun Jockey: Clifford Lee
Owner: Wathnan Racing
Trainer: K. R. Burke, Leyburn Form: 1-2110 C
Breeder: Effevi SRL
He has won three times from 1m to 1m 4f on good to firm ground and on the all-weather Beaten 10l behind Ethical Diamond at 7-1 when 12th of 18 on his latest outing at Ascot over 1m 4f (good to firm) in June. Has won here and at Kempton this season. Official BHA Rating 98 SP: 18-1
19 Majestic Warrior (IRE) (133)
Ch h Churchill (IRE) - Zam Zoom (IRE)
Owner: Mr Saeed Manana
5 9-2 (58.1) (17)
Rossa Ryan
Trainer: James Tate, Newmarket Form: 141/-1 Breeder: Rabbah Bloodstock Limited
He has won three times from 1m 1f to 1m 4f on good ground and on the all-weather Won on his latest outing when 2-1fav at Thirsk over 1m 4f (good) in April, beating Knightswood by 4 1/2l. Official BHA Rating 98 SP: 16-1
20 Charlus (IRE) (22)
(11)
B g Churchill (IRE) - Nobilis Jockey: Jamie Spencer
Owner: The Why Knot Partnership
Trainer: W. P. Mullins, Ireland Form: 1/112-03
Breeder: RJB Bloodstock
He has won three times from 1m 1f to 1m 2f on soft ground and on the all-weather; has also won a hurdle in January. Third of 7 behind Taipan beaten 8l at 5-1 on his latest outing at Galway over 1m 6f (yielding) earlier this month. Official BHA Rating 97 SP: 66-1
21 Fleetfoot (IRE) (10)
5 9-1 (57.6) (15)
B g Teofilo (IRE) - Fleeting Smile (USA) (in 4lb ex) Jockey: Ross Coakley
Owner: Mrs.J.S.Bolger/Frederick Tylicki
Trainer: J. S. Bolger, Ireland
Form: 22-0141
Breeder: Shadwell Estate Company Limited
He has won four times from 1m to 1m 4f on ground varying from good to heavy Won on his latest outing when 2-1fav at Gowran Park over 1m 4f (good) earlier this month, beating Gambino by 1 3/4l. Carries a 5lb penalty today for that success. Official BHA Rating 93 SP: 66-1
22 Mr Percy (IRE) (80)
B g Sir Percy - Lady Westminster (IRE)
Owner: Mr Simon Munir/Mr Isaac Souede
Trainer: Joseph Patrick O’Brien, Ireland
5 9-1 (57.6) (23)
Jockey: Tom Marquand
Form: 52/221-1 D
Breeder: Westminster Race Horses GmbH
Successful twice at 1m 6f on good ground; has also won two hurdles (latest NH win was in April). A winner at 2-1 at Curragh over 1m 6f (good) on his latest flat outing in June, beating Jabbar by a neck. Official BHA Rating 95 SP: 20-1
Visor worn first time by No. 1. Tongue Strap worn first time by No. 9. Sheepskin Cheek Pieces worn first time by No. 15, 21. Hood worn by No 6, 20 Blinkers worn by No 4. Tongue Strap worn by No 3, 5, 11, 14, 21, 24 Sheepskin Cheek Pieces worn by No 14, 16, 22. Running for the first time since Gelding No 8, 18. STEWARDS NOTE
FRENCH MASTER: Following its run on 29/7/2025 it was reported that the horse was slowly away. STRESSFREE: Following its run on 2/8/2025 it was reported that the horse was denied a clear run. ALMOSH’HER: Following its run on 20/6/2025 it was reported that the horse hung left-handed. PROBABLE S.P.’S
1. French Master & 2. Hipop De Loire both hold an entry in the QIPCO British Champions Sprint Stakes on Saturday 18th October, for which supplementary entries can be received by noon on Monday 13th October for a stake of £37,500
FOURTH RACE PRESENTATION & BEST TURNED OUT
The trophy for this race will be presented to the winning owner after the race by Steve Birch, Chief Commercial Office, Flutter & Laura Birch.
Sky Bet have generously given £500 to the racing groom responsible for the best turned out horse in this race and £500 to the groom responsible for the winning horse.
UNDER JOCKEYS ORDERS
ENJOY SOME PROPER RACING FIXTURES 2026
Dante Festival
Wednesday 13 May
Thursday 14 May
Friday 15 May
Tattersalls Musidora Stakes
Al Basti Equiworld, Dubai Dante Stakes
Boodles Yorkshire Cup
May Spring Meeting
Saturday 23 May
June Meeting
Friday 12 June
Saturday 13 June
William Hill Brontë Cup
Mid-Summer Raceday
55th Macmillan Charity Raceday
Summer Music Saturday
Saturday 27 June
Summer Music Saturday
John Smith’s Cup Meeting
Friday 10 July
Saturday 11 July
William Hill Summer Stakes
67th John Smith’s Cup
Music Showcase Weekend
Friday (eve) 24 July
Saturday 25 July
EBF Lyric Stakes and live music
Sky Bet York Stakes and live music
Sky Bet Ebor Festival ON SALE FROM SUNDAY 24 AUGUST OM
Wednesday 19 August
Thursday 20 August
Friday 21 August
Saturday 22 August
Juddmonte International
Pertemps Network Yorkshire Oaks/Ladies Day
Coolmore Nunthorpe
Sky Bet Ebor
September Meeting
Sunday 6 September
October Meeting
Friday 9 October
Saturday 10 October
YorkMix Family Raceday
Finale Friday
Coral Sprint Trophy
To book your raceday experience go to yorkracecourse.co.uk 01904 620911
TOP JOCKEY AT YORK
UNMISSABLE CONTENT DELIVERED
The Sky Bet Constantine Stakes (Heritage
Handicap)
Six Furlongs (1,200 metres)
See page 94 for conditions of this race.
RACE DESCRIPTION
Distance: 6f
TWO TRIBES Nimitz 5th Race 4.10
Race Type: Heritage
Rating: 0-110
Prize Money: £120,000
Age: 3+
Stalls: Centre
Getting the hang of handicaps? Well, this is a still quite a new one, your vital statistics are; 3yo+ rated 0-105, going six furlongs.
The boosted £120,000 prize money as well as handicap rating band means that it will attract some pretty smart types (like for Test cricketers score of over 100 denotes a top performer). The best (on past performance) will be the highest rated, Two Tribes, who will carry most weight.
If you are looking for a tip then perhaps follow the racecourse tipster, Baron Ferdinand, who has marked his selections with a red bi plane
LAST YEAR’S RACE
Winner: ELMONJED
Trainer: William Haggas
Jockey: Tom Marquand
Age/Weight: 3-8-7
Runners: 19 SP: 7/2F
Elmonjed took this competitive race in style despite being up 2lb Prominent throughout, he took the lead inside the final half a furlong and wasn’t for catching.
RACE FACTS & STATISTICS
THE TALE OF THE CLOCK
RaceiQ Par Time: 1m 10.46s
(Based on going description: Good to firm-good in places)
Course Record: 1m 8.23s by Mince (09-Sep-12)
All times are based where possible on the corresponding race over the last seven years
Leading course trainer (20-25): A Balding (36 wins from 198 runners, 18%) runs
Trainer-in-form (last 14 days): A Balding (10 wins from 50 runners, 20%) runs TROPICAL
Weightwatcher: SAINT LAWRENCE won off a handicap mark of 100, his rating is now down 8lb to 92.
Longest Traveller: NIMITZ trained by H Engblom, Norway
NOTE: All statistics are up to and including 21st August.
KNAVESMIRE TIP
Nimitz looks overpriced after finishing ninth at Goodwood when drawn away from the action and, with an added furlong, he could mount a challenge Tropical Storm has a two-out-of-two record here but he needs to bounce back from a poor run at Ascot, and TWO TRIBES gets the nod. After supplementing his International triumph with an easy victory in the Stewards’ Cup, Richard Spencer’s four-year-old has been upped a further 8lb but Ryan Moore takes the ride and he can land the hat-trick.
The Sky Bet Constantine Stakes
1
Distance: 6f
Race Type: Heritage Handicap (0-110)
Prize Money: £120,000
Age: 3+
Stalls: Centre
Horse Age st-lb (kgs) Draw
Two Tribes (GB) (21)
Ch g Rajasinghe (IRE) - Warsash (IRE)
Owner: Phil Cunningham
Trainer: Richard Spencer, Newmarket
4 9-12 (62.6) (2)
Jockey: Ryan Moore
Form: 440311 D
Breeder: Miss Carla M Bowers
He has won three times from 5f to 7f on good and good to soft ground. A winner at 11-2 at Goodwood over 6f (good to soft) on his latest outing earlier this month, beating Strike Red by 2 1/4l. Has also won at Ascot this season. Official BHA Rating 103 SP: 8-1
2 Jordan Electrics (GB) (3)
9 9-9 (61.2) (5)
B g Dandy Man (IRE) - Ruby Slippers Jockey: Paul Mulrennan
Owner: BJordan,BrianJordan,SJordan&NMcConnell
Trainer: Jim Goldie, Glasgow Form: 025-000 D
Breeder: T. J. Cooper
Has won 16 races from 5f to 6f on ground varying from good to firm to good to soft. Beaten 9l behind Trefor at 10-1 when 15th of 20 on his latest outing here over 5f (good to firm) earlier this month. Official BHA Rating 100 SP: 18-1
3
Commanche Falls (GB) (21)
(9)
Br g Lethal Force (IRE) - Joyeaux Jockey: Connor Beasley
Owner: Doug Graham, Ian Davison, Alan Drysdale
Trainer: Michael Dods, Darlington
Form: 002600 CD
Breeder: Redgate BStock & Peter Bottowley BStock
Has won 12 races at 6f on ground varying from good to firm to soft Beaten 4l behind Two Tribes at 28-1 when seventh of 27 on his latest outing at Goodwood over 6f (good to soft) earlier this month. Official BHA Rating 98 SP: 16-1
4 Tropical Storm (GB) (28)
(14)
B c Eqtidaar (IRE) - Avon Breeze Jockey: Oisin Murphy
Owner: Teme Valley
Trainer: Andrew Balding, Kingsclere
Form: 14-6100 C
Breeder: Hellwood Stud Farm & R. C. Dollar
Successful twice at 5f on good to firm ground. Well beaten at 7-1 behind Cover Up when last of 14 on his latest outing at Ascot over 5f (good) last month. Official BHA Rating 101 SP: 22-1
5 We Never Stop (IRE) (63)
B g Cotai Glory - Deliziosa (IRE)
Owner: Mr B. T. McDonald
4 9-6 (59.9) (12)
Jockey: Shane Gray
Trainer: Kevin Ryan, Hambleton Form: 601100 D Breeder: Padraig O’Reilly
Winner of five races from 5f to 6f on good to firm ground and on the all-weather Well beaten at 25-1 behind Get It when 27th of 28 on his latest outing at Ascot over 6f (good to firm) in June Official BHA Rating 97 SP: 40-1
6 Completely Random (GB) (21) 4 9-6 (59.9) (17)
Gr g Havana Grey - Random Success (IRE)
Owner: Paul Inglett and Beckhampton
Trainer: Harry Charlton, Beckhampton
Jockey: Trevor Whelan
Form: 4-11550 D Breeder: Beckhampton & Inglett
He has won three times from 5f to 6f on good ground and on the all-weather Beaten 4 1/2l behind Two Tribes at 14-1 when eighth of 27 on his latest outing at Goodwood over 6f (good to soft) earlier this month. Has won at Leicester and Southwell this season. Official BHA Rating 97 SP: 20-1
7 Northern Ticker (IRE) (36)
B g Mehmas (IRE) - Moment of Hope (IRE)
Owner: Sekura Group
Trainer: Michael Dods, Darlington
(10)
Jockey: Daniel Tudhope
Form: 3113-04 D
Breeder: Rabbah Bloodstock Limited
Successful twice at 6f on soft ground and on the all-weather Finished 1 1/4l behind Nariko when fourth of 14 at 22-1 on his latest outing at Hamilton over 6f (good) last month. Official BHA Rating 99 SP: 33-1
8 Twilight Calls (GB) (21) 7 9-5 (59.4) (11)
B g Twilight Son - Zawiyah
Owner: Phil Cunningham
Trainer: Richard Spencer, Newmarket
Jockey: Saffie Osborne
Form: 500005 D
Breeder: James Ortega Bloodstock Ltd
He has won three times from 5f to 6f on good to firm and good ground, but last win was over three years ago Finished 3 1/2l behind Two Tribes when fifth of 27 at 50-1 on his latest outing at Goodwood over 6f (good to soft) earlier this month. Official BHA Rating 96 SP: 14-1
Horse Age st-lb (kgs) Draw
9 Pocklington (GB) (28)
4 9-4 (59.0) (6)
B c Blue Point (IRE) - Ladies Are Forever Jockey: P. J. McDonald
Owner: Bond Thoroughbred Limited
Trainer: Geoff Oldroyd, Pocklington
Form: 1500-25 D
Breeder: Bond Thoroughbred Limited
Successful twice at 6f on the all-weather Finished 3/4l behind Elmonjed when fifth of 19 at 11-2 on his latest outing over this course and distance (good) last month. Official BHA Rating 95 SP: 15-2
10
Strike Red (IRE) (21)
B g Dark Angel (IRE) - Capulet Monteque (IRE)
Owner: Mr Peter Timmins
Trainer: Richard Fahey, Malton
9-4 (59.0) (20)
Jockey: Billy Garritty
Form: 560562 CD
Breeder: Yeomanstown Stud
Has won eight races at 6f on ground varying from good to soft and on the all-weather Beaten 2 1/4l by Two Tribes when second of 27 at 9-1 on his latest outing at Goodwood over 6f (good to soft) earlier this month. Official BHA Rating 95 SP: 16-1
11 Run Boy Run (GB) (21)
4 9-4 (59.0) (16)
B g Rajasinghe (IRE) - Instructress Jockey: George Wood
Owner: Phil Cunningham
Trainer: Richard Spencer, Newmarket Form: 242064 D Breeder: Phil Cunningham
He has won four times from 6f to 7f on good to firm and soft ground and on the all-weather Finished 3 1/2l behind Two Tribes when fourth of 27 at 10-1 on his latest outing at Goodwood over 6f (good to soft) earlier this month. Official BHA Rating 95 SP: 20-1
12 Badri (GB) (12)
8 9-4 (59.0) (1)
B g Dark Angel (IRE) - Penny Drops Jockey: Jason Hart
Owner: RJH Ltd and Mr D Padgett
Trainer: Michael Herrington, Willoughton
Form: 302213 D BF
Breeder: Mr & Mrs G. Middlebrook
Has won 11 races from 5f to 7f on ground varying from good to firm to good to soft and on the all-weather Third of 12 behind Chief Mankato beaten 2 1/4l at 4-1fav on his latest outing at Windsor over 6f (good to firm) earlier this month. Has won there and at Southwell this season. Official BHA Rating 95 SP: 18-1
13 Milford (GB) (14)
3 9-2 (58.1) (18)
B g Kodiac - Penlight (IRE) Jockey: Callum Rodriguez
Owner: Judy & Richard Peck
Trainer: Julie Camacho, Malton Form: 030322 Breeder: Blue Diamond Stud Farm (UK) Ltd A winner at 5f on soft ground. Beaten 1l by Prince Of India when second of 10 at 9-2 on his latest outing at Ascot over 6f (good to firm) earlier this month. Official BHA Rating 96 SP: 20-1 14
Jubilee Walk (GB) (28)
B g Study of Man (IRE) - Starlit Sands
Owner: China Horse Club International Limited
Trainer: James Ferguson, Newmarket
9-2 (58.1) (4)
William Buick
06-0032 C D Breeder: Miss K. Rausing
He has won three times from 5f to 6f on good ground and on the all-weather. Beaten a neck by Elmonjed when second of 19 at 13-2 on his latest outing over this course and distance (good) last month. Official BHA Rating 93 SP: 17-2
15 Saint Lawrence (IRE) (21)
B g Al Kazeem - Affluent
Owner: Mr D. J. Deer
Trainer: Archie Watson, Upper Lambourn
Tom Marquand
0-00000 D
D. J. and Mrs Deer
He has won three times from 6f to 7f on ground varying from good to firm to good to soft, but last win was over two years ago Beaten 10l behind Two Tribes at 40-1 when 20th of 27 on his latest outing at Goodwood over 6f (good to soft) earlier this month. Official BHA Rating 92 SP: 80-1
16 Dark Thirty (IRE) (23)
B g Starspangledbanner (AUS) - Beach Wedding (IRE)
Owner: Martin Hughes & Michael Kerr-Dineen
9-1 (57.6) (8)
Jockey: Sean Levey
Breeder: Lynn Lodge Stud
Trainer: Richard Hannon, Marlborough Form: 102100 C D
Winner of six races from 6f to 7f on good to firm and good ground. Beaten 5l behind Stormy Impact at 12-1 when 11th of 12 on his latest outing at Wolverhampton over 6f last month. Has won at Salisbury and Doncaster this season. Official BHA Rating 92 SP: 40-1
17 Zayer (IRE) (14)
B c Starspangledbanner (AUS) - Looks A Million
Owner: Mr E. A. Al Afoo
Trainer: Archie Watson, Upper Lambourn
3 9-1 (57.6) (15)
Jockey: Hollie Doyle
Form: 6-40430
Breeder: Looks A Million Partnership
A winner at 5f on good to firm ground Beaten 18l behind Prince Of India at 5-1 when 9th of 10 on his latest outing at Ascot over 6f (good to firm) earlier this month. Official BHA Rating 95 SP: 40-1
18 Super Saiyan (IRE) (21)
Ch g Night of Thunder (IRE) - Sand Shoe
Owner: Mr Ryan Kent
8-13 (56.7) (13)
Jockey: Sean Kirrane
Trainer: Billy Aprahamian, Towcester Form: 41/-1 D
Breeder: N. Hartery
Successful at 6f and 7f on good to firm ground and on the all-weather A winner at 15-2 at Doncaster over 6f (good to firm) on his latest outing earlier this month, beating Valley Ofthe Kings by 4l. Official BHA Rating 90 SP: 14-1
19 Nimitz (SWE) (25)
B g U S Navy Flag (USA) - Ocean Magic (AUS)
Owner: Torgny Karlsson HB
Trainer: Henrik Engblom, Sweden
4 8-13
Jamie Spencer
Form: 04-1110 D
Breeder: Tor Harry Sigfridsson
Has won nine races from 6f to 7f on ground varying from good to soft. Beaten 6l behind Brazen Bolt at 40-1 when 9th of 20 on his latest outing at Goodwood over 5f (good) last month. Official BHA Rating 90 SP: 80-1
20 Chief Mankato (GB) (12)
B g Sioux Nation (USA) - Armageddon
Owner: Mr J. H. Widdows
Trainer: Jack Channon, West Ilsley
(56.2) (3)
Jockey: Edward Greatrex
Form: 202131 D
Breeder: Crossfields Bloodstock Ltd
He has won three times at 6f on good to firm ground. A winner at 9-1 at Windsor over 6f (good to firm) on his latest outing earlier this month, beating Trefor by a neck. Has also won at Chepstow this season. Official BHA Rating 89
SP: 20-1
NUMBER OF DECLARED RUNNERS 20..........................................................................................(EXACTA)
Blinkers worn by No 1, 3, 5, 15 Visor worn by No 11. Tongue Strap worn by No 14, 20 Sheepskin Cheek Pieces worn by No 17, 20 STEWARDS NOTE
JORDAN ELECTRICS: Following its run on 20/8/2025 it was reported that the horse was denied a clear run.
COMMANCHE FALLS: Following its run on 2/8/2025 it was reported that the horse suffered interference in running. TROPICAL STORM: Following its run on 26/7/2025 it was reported that the horse lost its action. PROBABLE S.P.’S
15-2 Pocklington (GB), 8-1 Two Tribes (GB), 17-2 Jubilee Walk (GB), 14-1 Twilight Calls (GB), Super Saiyan (IRE), 16-1 Commanche Falls (GB), Strike Red (IRE), 18-1 Jordan Electrics (GB), Badri (GB), 20-1 Completely Random (GB), Run Boy Run (GB), Milford (GB), Chief Mankato (GB), 22-1 Tropical Storm (GB), 33-1 Northern Ticker (IRE), 40-1 We Never Stop (IRE), Dark Thirty (IRE), Zayer (IRE), 80-1 Saint Lawrence (IRE), Nimitz (SWE)
RESULT & PRIZE MONEY INFORMATION
1st £61848
3rd £14508
TIME
2nd £29004
4th £7248
DISTANCES
FIFTH RACE PRESENTATION & BEST TURNED OUT
The trophy for this race will be presented to the winning owner after the race by Rebecca Sturgeon, Finance Director, Flutter & Family.
Sky Bet have generously given £200 to the racing groom responsible for the best turned out horse in this race and £200 to the groom responsible for the winning horse
TOP TRAINER AT YORK AWARD
The Championship will be determined by the number of winners recorded and in the event of a tie, placed efforts will prove the deciding factor. The winner will receive the coveted Charles Clinkard Trophy and a smart pair of shoes plus £2,500 for the stable to share and a Christmas Party here at York in December.
Lifeplan produced a memorable performance to land the Group Two Al Basti Equiworld, Dubai Gimcrack for local trainer, Declan Carroll.
Drive freely with Autohorn
Autohorn
Race 4.45
The Julia Graves Roses Stakes
(Listed Race)
Five Furlongs (1,000 metres)
See page 94 for conditions of this race.
RACE DESCRIPTION
Distance: 5f
Race Type: Listed
Prize Money: £100,000
Age: 2
Stalls: Centre
The final leg in our Pattern Race journey this week, this Listed race is for 2yo horses over five furlongs. The shorter distance usually makes for a tight finish.
Weight allowances mean the boys carry more weight to reflect their greater strength; Our Cody is one of the three fillies who start from the lower mark today.
Maybe an in-form yard is the way to go, check out the table before this race.
LAST YEAR’S RACE
Winner: TROPICAL STORM
Trainer: Andrew Balding
Jockey: Oisin Murphy
Age/Weight: 2-9-2
Runners: 16 SP: 5/2F
Tropical Storm enjoyed his return to the minimum trip, though it did look very close between him and Magnum Force who flew up in the final furlong to challenge Just doing enough to hold on at the line.
RACE FACTS & STATISTICS
THE TALE OF THE CLOCK
RaceiQ Par Time: 57.99s
(Based on going description: Good to firm-good in places)
Course Record: 57.11s by Big Time Baby (20-Aug-16)
All times are based where possible on the corresponding race over the last seven years
Leading course trainer (20-25): K R Burke (29 wins from 259 runners, 11%) runs ZELAINA Trainer-in-form (last 14 days): T Easterby (9 wins from 85 runners, 11%) runs REVIVAL
Longest Traveller: EXCLAMATION trained by G Harris, Shirenewton, 232 miles.
NOTE: All statistics are up to and including 21st August.
KNAVESMIRE TIP
DICKENSIAN only found one too good in the Windsor Castle at Royal Ascot and followed that up with a fine third in the Molecomb A reproduction of either of those efforts would give the son of Pinatubo a big chance here. That said, this a very competitive event and Rydale Frosty was only narrowly behind the selection at Goodwood. David Simcock’s colt has to be of interest, while Military Code is another with strong form claims. The shortlist is completed by Revival Power and Silent Applause
DICKENSIAN Rydale Frosty
The Julia Graves Roses Stakes
1 Dickensian (GB) (24)
B c Pinatubo (IRE) - Yourtimeisnow
Owner: Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum
Trainer: Kevin Ryan, Hambleton
Distance: 5f
Race Type: Listed
Prize Money: £100,000 Age: 2
Stalls: Centre
(3)
Jockey: Shane Gray
Form: 1623 D
Breeder: Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum
Foaled 30 Apr A winner at 5f on good ground. Third of 8 behind Lady Iman beaten 2l at 11-1 on his latest outing in the Group 3 HKJC World Pool Molecomb Stakes at Goodwood over 5f (good) last month. Official BHA Rating 96 SP: 13-2
2 Exclamation (IRE) (31)
Gr c Acclamation - Amanda (FR)
Owner: Foxhills Racing Limited
(58.1) (2)
Jockey: Rossa Ryan
Trainer: Grace Harris, Shirenewton Form: 33201 D Breeder: A. V. Bloodstock
Foaled 18 Feb. A winner at 7-4 at Doncaster over 5f (good to soft) on his latest outing last month, beating U S S Charleston by 4 1/2l. Official BHA Rating 83 SP: 33-1
3 Kinnalargy (GB) (29)
B c Havana Grey - Rose Ransom (IRE)
Owner: Mr P and Mrs S Dunne
(58.1) (7)
Kevin Stott
Trainer: Kevin Ryan, Hambleton Form: 013 D Breeder: Paradise Farm Stud
Foaled 13 Feb. A winner at 5f on good to firm ground. Third of 12 behind Lifeplan beaten 1 1/4l at 9-2 on his latest outing at Thirsk over 6f (good) last month. Official BHA Rating 85 SP: 16-1
4 Military Code (GB) (24)
B c Wootton Bassett - Wishfully (IRE)
Owner: Godolphin
Trainer: Charlie Appleby, Newmarket
(58.1) (9)
Jockey: William Buick
Form: 11020 D
Breeder: Godolphin
Foaled 19 Mar Successful twice at 5f on good to firm and good ground. Beaten 9l behind Lady Iman at 7-2 when seventh of 8 on his latest outing in the Group 3 HKJC World Pool Molecomb Stakes at Goodwood over 5f (good) last month. Has won at Ascot and Newmarket this season. Official BHA Rating 99 SP: 11-2
5 Rydale Frosty (GB) (24)
Gr or Ro c Havana Grey - Primrose Valley
Owner: Mr A. M. Pickering
Trainer: David Simcock, Newmarket
(5)
Jockey: Jamie Spencer
Form: 4214
Breeder: Alan Pickering CBE
Foaled 29 Jan. A winner at 6f on good to firm ground. Finished 2 1/4l behind Lady Iman when fourth of 8 at 7-1 on his latest outing in the Group 3 HKJC World Pool Molecomb Stakes at Goodwood over 5f (good) last month. Official BHA Rating 96 SP: 6-1
6
Silent Applause (IRE) (15)
(4)
B g Acclamation - Blue Willow Jockey: Ryan Moore
Owner: Godolphin
Trainer: Charlie Appleby, Newmarket
Form: 5211 D Breeder: Corduff Stud
Foaled 2 May. Successful twice at 5f on good to firm and good ground. Won on his latest outing when 5-6fav at Haydock over 5f (good) earlier this month, beating Under The Radar by 4l. Has also won at Nottingham this season. Official BHA Rating 96SP: 11-4 7 Our Cody (IRE) (8)
B f Kodi Bear (IRE) - Dubai Sunset (IRE)
Owner: Mrs J.Woods,Mr R. P. Gallagher & Partner
Trainer: Richard Hughes, Upper Lambourn
(1)
Jockey: Oisin Murphy
Form: 421P4 D Breeder: Ballyphilip Stud
Foaled 10 Mar A winner at 5f on good to firm ground. Finished 1 1/4l behind Hollywood Treasure when fourth of 11 at 10-1 on her latest outing at Newbury over 5f (good) earlier this month. Official BHA Rating 90 SP: 12-1
8 Revival Power (IRE) (24)
Ch f Bungle Inthejungle - Titian Saga (IRE)
Owner: King Power Racing Co Ltd
Trainer: Tim Easterby, Malton
(55.8) (6)
Jockey: David Allan
Form: 102 D Breeder: Newlands House Stud
Foaled 22 Apr A winner at 5f on good to firm ground. Beaten 1 3/4l by Spicy Marg when second of 11 at 12-1 on her latest outing at Goodwood over 5f (good) last month. Official BHA Rating 87 SP: 8-1
No Horse
9 Zelaina (GB) (24)
B f Mehmas (IRE) - Atlantic Drift
Owner: Wathnan Racing
Trainer: K. R. Burke, Leyburn
Jockey: Clifford Lee
Form: 100 D BF
Breeder: Newsells Park Stud
Foaled 12 Apr A winner at 5f on good ground. Beaten 8l behind Spicy Marg at 7-4fav when eighth of 11 on her latest outing at Goodwood over 5f (good) last month. Official BHA Rating 92 SP: 14-1
NUMBER OF DECLARED RUNNERS
STEWARDS NOTE
ZELAINA: Following its run on 30/7/2025 it was reported that the trainer could not explain the poor run. PROBABLE S.P.’S
The trophy for this race will be presented to the winning owner after the race by Ian Graves.
The Family of Julia Graves have generously given £100 to the racing groom responsible for the best turned out horse in this race and £50 to the racing groom responsible for the winning horse
The Sky Bet Steve Birch Finale Stakes
(Heritage Handicap) (GBBPlus Race)
One Mile about Two Furlongs (2,000 metres)
See page 94 for conditions of this race.
RACE DESCRIPTION
Distance: 1m 2f Race Type:
Rating: 0-105
Prize Money: £100,000 Age: 3+
Stalls: Inside Rail
A farewell competitive heritage handicap. This one is for 3yo+ horses run over a mile and a quarter, with Sir Busker (in likely his farewell run) , at the top of the scale
The high handicap rating band of 0-105 means that it too will attract some pretty handy types Known as “the get out stakes” in punting circles, it could be time for a pin or your favourite colour.
If you win this race you can claim bragging rights until YorkMix Family Sunday on 7 September Thank you for your support this week.
LAST YEAR’S RACE
Winner: SIR BUSKER
Trainer: Brandon Wilkie
Jockey: William Knight
Age/Weight: 8-9-7
Runners: 17 SP: 14/1
Veteran Sir Busker shone with a skilful ride by Brandon Wilkie to weave him through the traffic and down the best part of the track to deny his stablemate Dual Identity by a length.
RACE FACTS & STATISTICS
THE TALE OF THE CLOCK
RaceiQ Par Time: 2m 9.37s
(Based on going description: Good to firm-good in places)
Course Record: 2m 4.32s by City Of Troy (21-Aug-24)
All times are based where possible on the corresponding race over the last seven years
Leading course trainer (20-25): R Fahey (27 wins from 439 runners, 6%) runs CASTLE STUART
Trainer-in-form (last 14 days): C Johnston (10 wins from 59 runners, 17%) runs
& THUNDER WONDER
Weightwatcher: SIR BUSKER won off a handicap mark of 105, his rating is now down 5lb to 100
Longest Traveller: DAIN MA NUT IN trained by L Russell & M Scudamore Kinross, 239 miles.
NOTE: All statistics are up to and including 21st August.
KNAVESMIRE TIP
Westridge was an impressive winner of a valuable handicap at Glorious Goodwood and has to be respected, although an 8lb rise demands more. As a result, preference is for GREEK ORDER, who has been running consistently well in top mile handicaps this year and the step up in trip could bring about improvement. Erzindjan’s fourth in the John Smith’s Cup over C&D brings him into the equation, while Marhaba Ghaiyyath and Tony Montana are others who could make the frame
GREEK ORDER
The Sky Bet Steve Birch Finale Stakes
1
Distance: 1m 2f
Race Type: Heritage Handicap (0-105)
Prize Money: £100,000
Age: 3+
Stalls: Inside Rail
Horse Age st-lb (kgs) Draw
Westridge
(FR) (25)
B g Blue Point (IRE) - Embiyra (IRE)
Owner: Mr & Mrs Manchester & N Wrigley
Trainer: John & Thady Gosden, Newmarket
4 9-12 (62.6) (7)
Jockey: Ryan Moore
Form: 0-52121 D
Breeder: Mr Samuel De Barros
He has won three times from 1m to 1m 2f on good to firm and good ground. A winner at 6-1 at Goodwood over 1m 2f (good) on his latest outing last month, beating Naqeeb by 3 1/2l. Has also won at Windsor this season. Official BHA Rating 100 SP: 11-2
2 Sir Busker (IRE) (25)
B g Sir Prancealot (IRE) - Street Kitty (IRE)
Owner: Kennet Valley Syndicates XI Racing
9 9-12 (62.6) (1)
Jockey: Callum Shepherd
Trainer: William Knight, Newmarket Form: 0-00020 CD Breeder: Ms Ann Foley
Winner of seven races from 6f to 1m 2f on ground varying from good to firm to good to soft and on the all-weather Beaten 18l behind Westridge at 33-1 when 15th of 18 on his latest outing at Goodwood over 1m 2f (good) last month. Official BHA Rating 100 SP: 40-1
3 Erzindjan (IRE) (42)
B g Lope de Vega (IRE) - Eshera (IRE)
Owner: Mr Mohammed Al Suboosi
Jockey: Ray Dawson
Breeder: His Highness the Aga Khan’s Studs S.C.
Trainer: T. J. Kent, Newmarket Form: 60000-4
Successful at 7f and 1m on soft and heavy ground, but last win was over four years ago Finished 2l behind Fox Legacy when fourth of 18 at 80-1 on his latest outing over this course and distance (good to firm) last month. Official BHA Rating 99 SP: 14-1
4
Greek Order (GB) (22)
B g Kingman - Trojan Queen (USA)
Owner: Greek Order Partnership
5 9-9
Oisin Murphy
Breeder: Juddmonte Farms Ltd
Trainer: Michael Bell, Newmarket Form: 0-04434 D
Successful at 1m and 1m 2f on good and good to soft ground, but last win was over two years ago. Finished 2 1/2l behind Rhoscolyn when fourth of 15 at 6-1 on his latest outing at Goodwood over 1m (soft) earlier this month. Official BHA Rating 97 SP: 7-1
5
Tony Montana (GB) (25)
B g Kingman - Mischief Making (USA)
Owner: Amo Racing Limited
Jockey: Rowan Scott
Trainer: Michael Bell, Newmarket Form: 35-2200 D
Breeder: Highclere Stud
He has won three times at 1m 2f on good ground. Beaten 8l behind Westridge at 10-1 when 10th of 18 on his latest outing at Goodwood over 1m 2f (good) last month. Official BHA Rating 96 SP: 14-1
6 Marhaba Ghaiyyath (IRE) (23)
B c Ghaiyyath (IRE) - Zam Zoom (IRE)
Owner: Mr Jaber Abdullah
Trainer: Charlie Johnston, Middleham
Jockey: James Doyle
Form: 102122
Breeder: Ballymaglassan Farm Limited
He has won three times from 1m to 1m 1f on good to firm ground and on the all-weather Beaten a neck by Best Secret when second of 18 at 6-1 on his latest outing at Goodwood over 1m 2f (good) last month. Has won at Redcar and Wolverhampton this season. Official BHA Rating 102 SP: 6-1
7
Ron O (GB)
Ch g Toronado (IRE) - Xaloc (IRE)
Owner: Mr Ray Craggs
(21) 7 9-1 (57.6) (2)
Jockey: Jason Hart
Trainer: David Thompson, Darlington Form: 250-605 CD Breeder: Mr M. J. Rozenbroek
Has won nine races from 7f to 1m 2f on good to firm and good to soft ground and on the all-weather Finished 4l behind Rhythm Master when fifth of 13 at 40-1 on his latest outing at Thirsk over 7f (good to firm) earlier this month. Official BHA Rating 89 SP: 40-1
8 Dain Ma Nut In (IRE) (43) 4 9-0 (57.2) (8)
B g Phoenix of Spain (IRE) - Jive Lady (IRE)
Owner: Lamont Racing
Trainer: Lucinda Russell & Michael Scudamore, Kinross
Jockey: Daniel Tudhope
Form: 11-3061 CD
Breeder: Glenanore Stud
He has won four times from 1m to 1m 2f on good ground. A winner at 15-2 over this course and distance (good) on his latest outing last month, beating I Still Have Faith by 2 3/4l. Official BHA Rating 88 SP: 12-1
9 Seagolazo (IRE) (23)
Gr g Havana Grey - Soho Susie (IRE)
Owner: Two Plus Three Two Plus Four
3 8-12 (56.2) (5)
Jockey: Richard Kingscote
Breeder: Soho Susie Partnership
Trainer: Hugo Palmer, Malpas Form: 042-030
A winner at 7f on good ground. Beaten 14l behind Best Secret at 28-1 when 13th of 18 on his latest outing at Goodwood over 1m 2f (good) last month. He is wearing a tongue-tie for the first time. Official BHA Rating 93 SP: 40-1
10
Castle Stuart (IRE) (53)
B c Dubawi (IRE) - Golden Crown
Owner: P. D. Smith Holdings Ltd
Trainer: Richard Fahey, Malton
3 8-12 (56.2) (13)
Jockey: Barry McHugh
Form: 5315-31
Breeder: Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum
Successful at 1m and 1m 1f on good and soft ground. A winner at 10-3 at Musselburgh over 1m 1f (good) on his latest outing last month, beating Rhythm Master by 1 1/4l. Having his first run for a new stable today, previously with K R Burke. Official BHA Rating 93 SP: 16-1
11
Classic Encounter (IRE) (43)
B g Shamardal (USA) - Zhukova (IRE)
Owner: Mr George Waud
Trainer: George Boughey, Newmarket
Jockey: William Buick
Form: 123146 C BF Breeder: Godolphin
Successful at 1m and 1m 1f on good to firm and good ground. Finished 7l behind Dain Ma Nut In when sixth of 9 at 11-8fav on his latest outing over this course and distance (good) last month. Has won here and at Redcar this season. Official BHA Rating 86 SP: 7-1
12
Dark Moon Rising (IRE) (28)
B g Night of Thunder (IRE) - Al Nassa (USA)
Owner: Mrs Angie Bailey
(9)
Jockey: Saffie Osborne
Breeder: Mr N. Al Habtoor
Trainer: Kevin Ryan, Hambleton Form: 300000 C
Winner of five races from 7f to 1m 5f on good ground and on the all-weather. Beaten 16l behind Beylerbeyi at 7-1 when eighth of 9 on his latest outing here over 1m 4f (good) last month. Official BHA Rating 85 SP: 20-1
13 Thunder Wonder (IRE) (16)
3 8-11 (55.8) (4)
Ch c Night of Thunder (IRE) - Princess Yaiza (IRE) Jockey: Joe Fanning
Owner: John Brown & Megan Dennis
Trainer: Charlie Johnston, Middleham Form: 106500
Breeder: Mr L. H. LaRoche
He has won three times from 7f to 1m 1f on good and good to soft ground. Beaten 6l behind Storm Catcher at 10-3 when seventh of 10 on his latest outing at Chelmsford City over 1m 2f earlier this month. Has won twice at Musselburgh this season. Official BHA Rating 92 SP: 40-1
14
Zain Blue (IRE)
(30)
B c Blue Point (IRE) - Affability (IRE)
Owner: Mr Asaad Al Banwan
Trainer: John Butler, Newmarket
Jockey: Connor Beasley
Form: 51-0540 C
Breeder: A. Stroud and J. Hanly
Successful twice at 1m on good to soft ground. Well beaten at 8-1 behind Andaleep when last of 13 on his latest outing at Yarmouth over 1m 2f (soft) last month. Official BHA Rating 82 SP: 28-1
15 Per Contra (IRE) (2)
B g Footstepsinthesand - Nonetheless (IRE)
Owner: Ryedale Partners No 3
Trainer: Tim Easterby, Malton
(6)
Jockey: Silvestre De Sousa
Form: 352363
Breeder: Mr James Ross Ancell
He has won three times from 7f to 1m 4f on good to soft and soft ground and on the all-weather Third of 13 behind Circus Of Rome beaten 4l at 6-1 on his latest outing at Newcastle over 1m 4f earlier this week. Official BHA Rating 82 SP: 16-1
NUMBER OF DECLARED RUNNERS 15...........................................................................................(EXACTA)
Tongue Strap worn first time by No 9. Sheepskin Cheek Pieces worn first time by No 13. Blinkers worn by No 9, 12.
Sheepskin Cheek Pieces worn by No 1, 2, 11, 14
STEWARDS NOTE
ZAIN BLUE: Following its run on 24/7/2025 it was reported that the horse stopped quickly PROBABLE S.P.’S
11-2 Westridge (FR), 6-1 Marhaba Ghaiyyath (IRE), 7-1 Greek Order (GB), Classic Encounter (IRE), 12-1 Dain Ma Nut In (IRE), 14-1 Erzindjan (IRE), Tony Montana (GB), 16-1 Castle Stuart (IRE), Per Contra (IRE), 20-1 Dark Moon Rising (IRE), 28-1 Zain Blue (IRE), 40-1 Sir Busker (IRE), Ron O (GB), Seagolazo (IRE), Thunder Wonder (IRE)
SEVENTH RACE
RESULT & PRIZE MONEY INFORMATION
PRESENTATION & BEST TURNED OUT
TIME
2nd £24170 4th £6040
The trophy for this race will be presented to the winning owner after the race by Steve Birch & Family and Friends.
Sky Bet have generously given £200 to the racing groom responsible for the best turned out horse in this race and £200 to the groom responsible for the winning horse
Chef Hannah’s tisserie es patisserie cak serie cakes
Today’s Race Conditions
FIRST RACE 1.50 - The Sky Bet Strensall Stakes (Group 3)
(CLASS 1) Distributed in accordance with the Stakes and Prize Money Code £96407 to the winning horse The second to receive £36550, the third £18292, the fourth £9112, the fifth £4573 and the sixth £2295 for three yrs old and upwards. Enter by noon August 18th and pay £1700 stake, Declare by 10.00 a.m. August 21st. Weights: 3-y-o colts and geldings 9st; fillies 8st 11lb 4-y-o and up colts and geldings 9st 7lb; fillies 9st 4lb Penalties, after 2024, a winner of a Group 3 race 3lb Of a Group 2 race 5lb Of a Group 1 race 7lb SKY BET has generously sponsored this race and will present a memento to the winning owner The BHA Department of Equine Regulation, Safety and Welfare will be performing pre-race examinations of all horses at this meeting. The winner of the Sky Bet Strensall Stakes is eligible for automatic entry and a travel package to the Bahrain International Trophy. See bahrainturfclub.com for more information. All number cloths to be carried in this race have been sponsored and will carry the name/logo of SKY BET The sponsorship payment of £500 will be distributed equally amongst all horses starting in this race in accordance with paragraphs 24 to 27 of the Stakes and Prize Money Code 12 entries at £1700 - Closed August 18th, 2025 Owners Prize Money Winner £75752; Second £31093; Third £15555; Fourth £7769; Fifth £3893; Sixth £1938 Penalty Value: £96407 A SS For race details see page 35
SECOND RACE 2.25 - The Sky Bet Melrose Stakes (Class 2 Heritage Handicap) (GBBPlus Race)
(CLASS 2) Distributed in accordance with the Stakes and Prize Money Code £87618 to the winning horse The second to receive £41089, the third £20553, the fourth £10268, the fifth £5134 and the sixth £2567. for three yrs old only Enter by noon, August 18th and pay £850 stake, Declare by 10.00 a.m. August 21st. Lowest weight 8st 2lb; Highest weight not less than 9st 9lb Penalties, after August 16th, 2025, for each race won 6lb NOTE: Any horse rated above 105 shall initially be treated as having that rating and the highest weight allotted shall be 9st 9lb Subsequently the excess over 105 in any rating shall be allotted to that horse without limitation to the highest weight to be carried. SKY BET has generously sponsored this race and will present a memento to the winning owner The BHA Department of Equine Regulation, Safety and Welfare will be performing pre-race examinations of all horses at this meeting. The British Horseracing Authority’s Development Fund has generously contributed £15000 towards the prize money for this race. All number cloths to be carried in this race have been sponsored and will carry the name/logo of SKY BET The sponsorship payment of £500 will be distributed equally amongst all horses starting in this race in accordance with paragraphs 24 to 27 of the Stakes and Prize Money Code 2026 Sky Bet Ebor: Race to the Ebor The winner of the 2025 Sky Bet Melrose Handicap Stakes will receive a guaranteed start position for the 2026 Sky Bet Ebor Although the start is guaranteed, the horse must still be entered in the 2026 Sky Bet Ebor in the normal way, paying the corresponding entry stake and fees at the scratching and confirmation stages. In the event that the horse is set to carry the lowest weight in the 2026 Sky Bet Ebor, the horse’s weight will be raised to the equivalent of the next highest horse in the weights. PLEASE NOTE: In accordance with the provisions of paragraph 9 of the Weights and Handicapping Code a horse must have run three times or more in order to qualify to run in this race. 17 entries at £850 - Closed August 18th, 2025 Owners Prize Money Winner £69071; Second £34544; Third £17272; Fourth £8636; Fifth £4318; Sixth £2159 Penalty Value: £87618 Weights raised 5lbs and paragraphs 27 to 31 of the Weights and Handicapping Code complied with where applicable SS For race details see page 41
THIRD RACE 3.00 - The Sky Bet City Of York Stakes (Group 1) (CLASS 1) Distributed in accordance with the Stakes and Prize Money Code £377121 to the winning horse The second to receive £142975, the third £71554, the fourth £35644, the fifth £17888 and the sixth £8977 for three yrs old and upwards. Enter by noon, July 1st and pay £2625 stake, Scratch by noon, July 29th or pay £3000 Confirm by noon, August 18th and pay £1875, Supplementary Entry by noon, August 18th and pay £40000 stake, Declare by 10.00 a.m. August 21st. Weights: 3-y-o colts and geldings 9st 3lb; fillies 9st 4-y-o and up colts and geldings 9st 8lb; fillies 9st 5lb NOTE: Horses will only be eligible to run in this race provided that they have a current BHA Handicap Rating of 80 or higher at midday of the confirmation stage Horses which do not qualify for a rating may also be eligible providing the BHA Handicapper is satisfied that the horse’s racecourse performances up to and including the day before confirmation merit a provisional assessment of 80 or higher Horses which have not run will not be eligible SKY BET has generously sponsored this race and will present a memento to the winning owner The BHA Department of Equine Regulation, Safety and Welfare will be performing pre-race examinations of all horses at this meeting. All number cloths to be carried in this race have been sponsored and will carry the name/logo of SKY BET The sponsorship payment of £1000 will be distributed equally amongst all horses starting in this race in accordance with paragraphs 24 to 27 of the Stakes and Prize Money Code 41 entries, 8 at £2625, 20 at £5625, 11 at £7500, 2 at £40000 - Closed July 1st, 2025 Owners Prize Money Winner £296324; Second £121629; Third £60848; Fourth £30391; Fifth £15229; Sixth £7581 Penalty Value: £377121.50 A SS For race details see page 53.
FOURTH RACE 3.35 - The Sky Bet Ebor Stakes (Class 2) (Heritage Handicap) (GBBPlus Race) (CLASS 2) Distributed in accordance with the Stakes and Prize Money Code £300000 to the winning horse The second to receive £89950, the third £47500, the fourth £25000, the fifth £14300, the sixth £7500, the seventh £4750 and the eighth £2850 for four yrs old and upwards. Enter by noon, July 8th and pay £875 stake, Scratch by noon, July 29th or pay £1000, Confirm by noon, August 18th and pay £625, Declare by 10.00 a.m. August 21st. Lowest weight 8st 2lb; Highest weight not less than 9st 12lb Penalties, after July 19th, 2025, a winner of a race 4lb Of 2 races 7lb NOTE: Any horse rated above 110 shall initially be treated as having that rating and the highest weight allotted shall be 9st 12lb Subsequently, the excess over 110 in any rating shall be allotted to that horse without limitation to the highest weight to be carried. SKY BET has generously sponsored this race and will present a memento to the winning owner The BHA Department of Equine Regulation, Safety and Welfare will be performing pre-race examinations of all horses at this meeting. The winner of the Sky Bet Ebor is ballot exempt for the Lexus Melbourne Cup on 4th November 2025 Please see www.vrc.com.au for details. All number cloths to be carried in this race have been sponsored and will carry the name/logo of SKY BET The sponsorship payment of £500 will be distributed equally amongst all horses starting in this race in accordance with paragraphs 24 to 27 of the Stakes and Prize Money Code The British Horseracing Authority will amend paragraphs 28 to 32 of the Weights and Handicapping Code and the Declaration of Jockey section of the Race Entries Code in the event that raising of the weights at the 24-hour stage proves necessary The British Horseracing Authority has granted special permission to the York Racecourse Executive to stage a public Draw at which the stall numbers for declared runners will be allocated. The Draw will be broadcast live and will be overseen by a British Horseracing Authority official. Further details of the draw procedure will be published in due course This race will utilise York Racecourse’s 22-bay starting stalls. This race will be restricted to 22 runners plus two reserves. The two reserves will be nominated as R23 and R24. The procedure for the allocation and operation of the reserves protocol will be as detailed in the notice headed ‘Reserves’ which has been published in The Racing Calendar and which also appears in the important notices following the Standard Conditions on the Racing Bulletin area of the BHA Racing Administration Internet site www.racingadmin.co.uk. Trainers are reminded of the provisions of paragraph 41 of the Race Entry Code which require that they must notify the Racing Calendar Office immediately when the decision has been made not to run. This will maximise the list of runners and determine whether the weights will need to be raised. The British Horseracing Authority has modified the Declaration of Jockey section of the Race Entries Code and the Division of Races section of the Race Administration Code of the Rules of Racing for the purposes of this race. PLEASE NOTE: The winners of the following “Race to the Ebor” races will be guaranteed a starting place in the 2025 Sky Bet Ebor (Class 2) (Heritage Handicap) and will not be subject to elimination, provided it is entered and declared in the normal way Sky Bet Melrose Handicap (Class 2) run at York on Saturday 24th August, 2024 Sky Bet Jorvik Stakes (Class 2) run at York on Wednesday 14th May 2025, Sky Bet Premier Handicap run at The Curragh on Wednesday 4th June 2025, Sky Bet Grand Cup (Listed) run at York on Saturday 14th June 2025 PLEASE ALSO NOTE: If, at the declaration stage, the winner of a “Race to the Ebor” race is set to carry the lowest weight in the 2025 Sky Bet Ebor, its weight will be raised to the next lowest weight. PLEASE NOTE: In accordance with the provisions of paragraph 9 of the Weights and Handicapping Code a horse must have run three times or more in order to qualify to run in this race. 65 entries, 14 at £875, 25 at £1875, 26 at £2500 - Closed July 8th, 2025 Owners Prize Money Winner £233850; Second £78250; Third £41300; Fourth £21800; Fifth £12400; Sixth £6450; Seventh £4100; Eighth £2550 Penalty Value: £300000 Weights raised 2lbs and paragraphs 27 to 31 of the Weights and Handicapping Code complied with where applicable 21 Eliminated Under Rules (I)9 and (I)10 SS For race details see page 71.
FIFTH RACE 4.10 - The Sky Bet Constantine Stakes (Class 2 Heritage Handicap) (CLASS 2) Distributed in accordance with the Stakes and Prize Money Code £61848 to the winning horse The second to receive £29004, the third £14508, the fourth £7248, the fifth £3624 and the sixth £1812. for three yrs old and upwards. Enter by noon, August 18th and pay £600 stake, Declare by 10.00 a.m. August 21st. Lowest weight 8st 2lb; Highest weight 9st 12lb Penalties, after August 16th, 2025, for each race won 3yo 6lb; 4yo to 6yo 5lb; 7yo and up 4lb NOTE: Any horse rated above 110 shall initially be treated as having that rating and the highest weight allotted shall be 9st 12lb Subsequently, the excess over 110 in any rating shall be allotted to that horse without limitation to the highest weight to be carried. SKY BET has generously sponsored this race and will present a memento to the winning owner The BHA Department of Equine Regulation, Safety and Welfare will be performing pre-race examinations of all horses at this meeting. All number cloths to be carried in this race have been sponsored and will carry the name/logo of SKY BET The sponsorship payment of £500 will be distributed equally amongst all horses starting in this race in accordance with paragraphs 24 to 27 of the Stakes and Prize Money Code PLEASE NOTE: In accordance with the provisions of paragraph 9 of the Weights and Handicapping Code a horse must have run three times or more in order to qualify to run in this race. 24 entries at £600 - Closed August 18th, 2025 Owners Prize Money Winner £48756; Second £24384; Third £12192; Fourth £6096; Fifth £3048; Sixth £1524 Penalty Value: £61848 12 Eliminated Under Rules (I)9 and (I)10 SS For race details see page 79
SIXTH RACE 4.45 - The Julia Graves Roses Stakes (Listed Race)
(CLASS 1) Distributed in accordance with the Stakes and Prize Money Code £56710 to the winning horse The second to receive £21500, the third £10760, the fourth £5360, the fifth £2690 and the sixth £1350 for two yrs old only Enter by noon, August 18th and pay £500 stake Declare by 10.00 a.m. August 21st. Weights: Colts and geldings 9st 2lb; fillies 8st 11lb Penalties, a winner of a Listed race 3lb Of a Pattern race 5lb THE FAMILY OF JULIA GRAVES has generously sponsored this race and will present a memento to the winning owner The BHA Department of Equine Regulation, Safety and Welfare will be performing pre-race examinations of all horses at this meeting. 15 entries at £500 - Closed August 18th, 2025 Owners Prize Money Winner £44560; Second £18290; Third £9150; Fourth £4570; Fifth £2290; Sixth £1140 Penalty Value: £56710 A SS For race details see page 85.
SEVENTH RACE 5.20 - The Sky Bet Steve Birch Finale Stakes (Class 2 Heritage Handicap) (GBBPlus Race) (CLASS 2) Distributed in accordance with the Stakes and Prize Money Code £51540 to the winning horse The second to receive £24170, the third £12090, the fourth £6040, the fifth £3020 and the sixth £1510. for three yrs old and upwards, Rated 0-105 (also open to such horses rated 106 and 107 - see Standard Conditions). Enter by noon, August 18th and pay £500 stake, Declare by 10.00 a.m. August 21st. Lowest weight 8st 2lb; Highest weight 9st 12lb Penalties, after August 16th, 2025 for each race won 3yo 6lb; 4yo to 6yo 5lb; 7yo and up 4lb SKY BET has generously sponsored this race and will present a memento to the winning owner The BHA Department of Equine Regulation, Safety and Welfare will be performing pre-race examinations of all horses at this meeting. All number cloths to be carried in this race have been sponsored and will carry the name/logo of SKY BET The sponsorship payment of £250 will be distributed equally amongst all horses starting in this race in accordance with paragraphs 24 to 27 of the Stakes and Prize Money Code PLEASE NOTE: In accordance with the provisions of paragraph 9 of the Weights and Handicapping Code a horse must have run three times or more in order to qualify to run in this race. 33 entries at £500 - Closed August 18th, 2025 Owners Prize Money Winner £40630; Second £20320; Third £10160; Fourth £5080; Fifth £2540; Sixth £1270 Penalty Value: £51540 Weights raised 5lbs and paragraphs 27 to 31 of the Weights and Handicapping Code complied with where applicable SS For race details see page 89
The Small Print
An A-Z of information for racegoers
Abandoned Racing
In the event of racing being abandoned, refunds on badges and tickets purchased will only be paid in the following circumstances.
a) before the first race - 100% refund.
b) before the completion of three races.
c) thereafter - no refund applies. Refunds cannot be made on racedays. To obtain a refund, racegoers who purchased their admission on the day should send the ticket they were given on entrance with their full name and address to: York Racecourse, York, YO23 1EX within 30 days. Racegoers who booked in advance direct with the track and so paid by card will receive an automatic refund. A similar process will apply for those who paid in advance by cheque. Please visit the racecourse website www.yorkracecourse.co.uk for more information.
Alcohol And Public Order
The Racecourse takes its responsibilities under Licensing Laws very seriously and puts in place training and measures to exceed these obligations. Racegoers are urged to drink responsibly. Alcohol cannot be brought into the stands side enclosures. York Racecourse reserves the right to expel any person found to be drunk or behaving in a disorderly manner.
The “Challenge 25” initiative will be in operation to ensure that only those aged 18 and over are served with alcohol. Thank you for your support of this obligation.
Cameras
Please feel free to take a souvenir photo of your day. However we would remind you that the preparation and performance of the sport must be ensured, so please note:1. Kindly refrain from flash photography.
2. Avoid taking photos in restricted areas used by the sporting professionals i.e. Saddling Boxes, Stables, Unsaddling Boxes & Weighing Room.
3. Respect the privacy of others.
Cigarettes and e-cigarettes
The current smoking legislation regarding smoking in public places applies at the racecourse. The use of e-cigarettes is permitted, however they will be treated the same as tobacco products.
Common Courtesy/Entry Conditions
All persons visiting York Racecourse are admitted subject to Racecourse Regulations and the Rules of Racing. The Racecourse reserves the right to refuse admission or remove from the racecourse any person refusing to comply with the Rules and Regulations or whose presence is a source of danger or annoyance to others. A full set of entry rules can be viewed at www.yorkracecourse.co.uk.
Dogs
Racegoers are requested to leave their pets including all dogs at home. Guide and Assistance dogs are welcome.
First Aid
There are first aid posts in the Edwardian Weighing Room, other such buildings have been designated as isolation rooms, should they be required.
Dress Standards
Most racegoers like to make racing at York a special occasion and choose to dress accordingly. Gentlemen (and those identifying as such) in the County Stand are required to wear a jacket, collared shirt and tie. It has always been the case that shorts and t-shirts have been welcome in Grandstand and Paddock. All racegoers are reminded that the removal of shirts is not encouraged and that basic decency and not causing offence to fellow racegoers by clothing choices, is required. York Racecourse reserves the right to refuse or, to require anyone to leave who does not observe the above code.
Drugs
A zero tolerance policy on drug abuse is in force, be warned, North Yorkshire Police and our own team are watching with some canine help, sniffing.
Litter
Racegoers are requested to place all litter in the receptacles provided. If you do not need your racecard please place it in a bin as you leave the racecourse.
Noise
So that the horses have the best chance to perform and so your fellow racegoers have the opportunity to enjoy them please do not cause any distractions; the waving of flags or banners, use of radios or making of sudden noises are examples of things to avoid. Racegoers are reminded of Public Health England advice that shouting increases the risk of the spread of diseases, so to consider wearing your face covering when part of a cheering crowd.
Parade Ring
For safety reasons children under the age of twelve are not permitted into the Parade Ring or Unsaddling Enclosure.
Photo Finishes And Stewards’ Enquiries/Objections
In any race where Photo Finish has been called by the Judge, this information will be displayed on the Giant Screen. An announcement will also be broadcast. Race Results and Photographs will also be displayed on the York Racecourse television monitors.
Radios and Mobile Telephones
The use of all types of communication equipment is strictly controlled at all racecourses. Members of the public may not use two-way radios, scanning receivers etc., for any purpose at the racecourse.
Track Safety
For your own safety and the welfare of the horses, jockeys and stable staff please keep off the track. Anyone trespassing on the track: Will be liable to arrest and prosecution Will be ejected immediately Will be banned from all future York race meetings May face a nationwide racecourse ban.
Knavesmire Notes
Keep a note of any horses that catch your eye today. You never know, they may be future winners here at York.
SAFE JOURNEY OME…
Thank you for your support this year. If you have any comments, please email to feedback@yorkracecourse.co.uk
Please could we request that a special effort is made to respect our neighbours, with particular regard to noise in the surrounding streets. We look forward to welcoming you back on Sunday 7th September for the finale of the Sky Bet Sunday Series, our Family Raceday, which features the Listed Garrowby Stakes as well as the YorkMix Family Entertainment Zone.
Please use the toilets on exit or as provided on the walking route to the city.
