The first of two June double-headers at Yorkshire’s Garden Racecourse began on Wednesday night and the feature race, the Directors Cup, resulted in a thrilling finish with Hyperfocus (pictured) narrowly getting the verdict over Ice Age. The Tim Easterby-trained gelding is likely to return for a crack at the William Hill Great St Wilfrid in August.
Earlier on Spartan Fighter got the better of A’Ali in the British Stallion Studs EBF Novice Stakes and both appear to have bright futures. Cardano followed up his success at Nottingham last month with another win and the progressive Mark’s Choice gained a third win of the season, a second at Ripon having won over 5f here in April.
Angel Gabrial notched his first success since winning the 2014 Northumberland Plate in the 2m handicap and favourite backers went home happy after Future Investment narrowly got the better of Dubai Tradition in the finale.
Thursday’s meeting kicked off with a most taking success for the Mark Johnston-trained Praxeology, who came clear of his rivals to score by 5 lengths. That was his third outing but there could still be plenty more to come from him.
Patchouli narrowly got the better of Neileta to win the Charlie Waller Memorial Handicap before Speed Company bounced back to form to take the Sky Sports Racing Sky 415 Handicap under former Champion jockey Paul Hanagan. Fayez, an impressive winner here last month, followed up in fine style in the Weatherbys TBA handicap and Magical Spirit looks one to keep onside following his success in the 6f 3yo handicap.
Maamora has been unlucky to bump into some very useful sorts when finishing third on her three previous runs this season but she made no mistake this time, making all under Franny Norton and clearing away to win by 6 lengths from eyecatching runner-up New Arrangement.
Optimistickhill took the finale from his stablemate Pearl Noir. The forecast was a particularly fitting result for trainer Scott Dixon who’s newborn son Charlie was making his racecourse debut!
