York City Stakes triumph scores another win for long-time supporter Andrew Balding in the City of York race event
Never So Brave Wins Inaugural Group 1 City of York Stakes
In a thrilling display of horse racing, Never So Brave, a gelding trained by Andrew Balding, claimed victory in the recently elevated Group 1 City of York Stakes. The seven-furlong race, transformed into Britain's first all-aged seven-furlong Group 1 event, saw a competitive field of runners vying for the top spot.
Never So Brave, who started the race at 10-1 odds (as per Paddy Power), came from off the pace at halfway to lead just over a furlong out and score by half a length. This marked the gelding's fourth win in a row, following its victory in the Buckingham Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot and its Group 2 debut in the Summer Mile.
The City of York Stakes, first run at Group 1 level for the first time this year, saw several notable performances. Shine So Bright's victory in the inaugural running of the Group 2 race boosted the race's year-on-year ratings average significantly. Meanwhile, Tarriance's win in the Melrose Stakes was seen as a promising sign for its future, with the horse's performance exciting Juddmonte.
However, not all favourites fared well. Richard Hannon's Rosallion, which showed resilience under pressure, finished in fourth place. Despite the disappointing result, Hannon expressed optimism about Rosallion's future, citing various options for the horse.
The transformation of the City of York Stakes relied on a huge injection of cash by the track and the support of trainers. This investment has paid off, with the race attracting top-class runners and boosting its prestige in the racing calendar.
Interestingly, this is not the first time Andrew Balding has tasted success in the City of York Stakes. He won the race three times when it was a Listed race, and this year's victory marks his fifth win overall. The trainer's rival, Sir Michael Stoute, who has City of York history, had a horse dead-heat with Balding's horse in the race back in 2009.
Meanwhile, Ethical Diamond, ridden by William Buick and trained by Willie Mullins, claimed victory in the Ebor Stakes, another significant race held during York's annual meeting. The horse's performance was described as "game over" once it let go, securing a well-deserved victory.
As the dust settles on another exciting racing season at York, trainers and jockeys will be looking forward to next year's meetings, with the City of York Stakes set to continue its rise as one of the premier races in the British racing calendar.
