"PJ McDonald finds a valuable bonus in his journeys on horseback, as he wins the race in Acomb with Gewan"
Racing Roundup: A York Success for Santorini Star and Trefor's Ayr Gold Cup Hopes
In a thrilling day of racing at York, several horses shone, with Santorini Star and Trefor stealing the spotlight.
Santorini Star, a daughter of Golden Horn, justified her 10-3 favouritism in the 2m1⁄2f handicap, ridden by Tom Marquand. After finishing fourth in a Group 3 at Fairyhouse, Santorini Star stepped up in trip and reeled in the leader Almuhit to win by a length and a quarter. Marquand commented that Santorini Star reeled in the leader well when he put her under pressure.
Trainer Andrew Balding saddled Gewan, a son of Night Of Thunder, to victory in the Group 3 Acomb Stakes. Despite being inexperienced, only being on his second start, Gewan finished the race strongly to secure the win. PJ McDonald rode Gewan to victory, with Italy, who was also keen in the early stages and finished second in the Acomb Stakes, close behind.
Meanwhile, Trefor, who was cut from 25-1 to 12-1 by Coral for the Ayr Gold Cup following his victory at York, is likely to be aimed at the Ayr Gold Cup. Kieran Shoemark won aboard Trefor in the 5.5-furlong handicap under trainer Charlie Hills, adding another triumph to his Ebor festival victory.
In the 5f fillies' handicap, there was a close call between Star Of Mehmas and another horse. Ryan Moore won his first race of the meeting with Star Of Mehmas in a photo-finish, despite Star Of Mehmas being one of Ryan Moore's less-fancied mounts following defeats on Delacroix, Italy, and Lambourn.
Aidan O'Brien, who won the Acomb Stakes last year with The Lion In Winter, was not in the winner's circle this year, with Distant Storm, the favourite, failing to mount a challenge due to being keen from the stalls.
Lastly, Santorini Star's 2m1⁄2f handicap win was extended to two miles and a half, which seemed to suit her well. Oisin Murphy is no longer the retained jockey for Imad Alsagar, who did not have a winner at the meeting.
Read also:
- United States tariffs pose a threat to India, necessitating the recruitment of adept negotiators or strategists, similar to those who had influenced Trump's decisions.
- Weekly happenings in the German Federal Parliament (Bundestag)
- Southwest region's most popular posts, accompanied by an inquiry:
- Discussion between Putin and Trump in Alaska could potentially overshadow Ukraine's concerns
