York races: Friday and Saturday

Brilliant weather for both days, the going was good to firm which resulted in plenty of non runners making the field of races smaller on the day but raising money for Macmillan.

Friday- it was definitely a day for the favourites with many photo finishes. A favourite was placed in every race with 4 of the 7 winning.

The first race was won by the William Haggas trained Tulip Fever by only a short head. In the early stages of the race Hard Graft led and was pushed out in front, chased by Magic Mark and Rumshak, however in the final stages of the race there were many changes in positions as Sosian, ridden by Paul Hanagan,  went forward at 1 furlong marker and Tulip Fever who had been in the rear moved into contention. Tulip Fever and Sosian both quickened to fight for the lead but  Tulip Fever narrowly held on to win, Sosian finished second with Magic Mark in third.

At 3:30 there was a surprise when a 33-1 shot won the 7 furlong race. Shouranour led the race by setting a steady pace with Classic Seniority, God Willing and Roaring Forties giving chase. At the two furlongs marker Classic Seniority and Sun Lover (an ironic name for the day) made moves up the field. With one furlong to go it was clear that Be Kool who was off the pace was going to be the winner finishing 1 3/4 lengths ahead of the second placed horse. Sun Lover finished second with nearest horse 1 1/4 lengths behind. Classic Seniority was third War Department finished fourth. War Department really progressed in the closing stages on the race.

Saturday- even better weather than the previous day and fantastic racing which was  even more unpredictable. The best ride of the day going to Josie Gordon.

The 2:25  was a very interesting race with Golden Stunner looking as if he was going to win the race without any competition or pressure from the rest of the field until 2 furlongs out when Arabian Hope,  ridden by Josie Gordon, challenged the leader. In the battle between the horses both at times being headed by each other Arabian Hope got his head in front and went on to win by a head. Golden Stunner finished second and Thinkriyaat third by 3/4 of a length. Thinkriyaat was held up in the rear but got a clean run at the 1 furlong marker to be placed. This was a great ride from  Josie Gordon who timed the ride brilliantly and in my opinion was the best ride of the day.

In the 3:30 Carlton Frankie soon led, with Justanotherbottle and Poet's Society prominent in the race. However The Wagon Wheel and Golden Apollo made headway at two furlongs out, altering the proceedings and both went on to race keenly. With one furlong to go  Justanotherbottle was in the lead but was swiftly joined by The Waggon Wheel and Golden Apollo. Poet's Society was unfortunately outpaced. Golden Apollo kept on strongly, vying for the first place with The Waggon Wheel who was winning with only 75 yards to go. The Waggon Wheel was sadly piped at the post by Golden Apollo, the winning distance only a neck. Justanotherbottle finished third a length behind.