Hector Crouch rode a treble on Hungerford Stakes Day at Newbury on Saturday and is back on Day 1 of York’s Ebor Festival.
It was nice to ride some good winners at Newbury on Saturday, right on the eve of this week’s big week of racing at York. It was just as satisfying to see Valvano get his head back in front, who has been something of a frustrating animal the last 12 months or so. Fingers crossed the run continues to the Ebor Meeting 2026.
York Ebor Festival 2026: Wednesday
A good book of rides on Wednesday, starting with Gold Star Hero (1.50) in the opening sprint handicap over five and a half furlongs. The trip should be perfect for him – he ran well before tiring in The Stewards’ Cup when not really seeing out a strong six furlongs. He goes well with a bit of juice in the ground and the straight five furlongs should suit.
Siouxperb (2.25) runs in the Acomb Stakes rather than the nursery later in the week, so fingers crossed he is rewarded for connections rolling the big dice. He was a good second last time out under a penalty to a nice horse of the Crisfords and is still a juvenile with a lot of raw talent.
Duke of Oxford (4.10) is probably a stone better horse on the all-weather, and Kempton in particular, but tries really hard and will run his best in the Stayers’ Handicap but will likely need a lot of help from the handicapper before becoming competitive on the turf again from his current mark.
Havana Sprite (5.20) followed-up her listed success when dead heating at Newmarket, with a win in nursery company last time out and arrives at York chasing the four-timer. A makr of 92 seems well within her grasp and she’s a filly with a great attitude. Fingers crossed she isn’t done with that winning feeling just yet.
York Ebor Festival 2026: Thursday
The Goffs Half Million looks a potentially one horse race with recent Phoenix Stakes winner Sun Goddess very difficult to beat if turning up in a similar mood. I can’t remember many Group 1 winners, if any, turning up in these sales races, but it could look a clever bit of placing from Aidan O’Brien and ‘the lads’.
I ride The Bookkeeper (1.50) who was a good third in a 7f Nursery last time out at Goodwood and should be fine with the drop back in trip. Needless to say, with 32lb to find at the weights, we need the favourite to underperform!
Arctic Dawn (3.00) will have life tough under a 6lb penalty for scoring two weeks ago at Newmarket, when putting in a career-best performance. He wasn’t completely at home the ground that day when it was rattling quick at HQ and should be happier with a bit of ease in the ground. He is in good form but needs a career-best here.
Soldier of the Sea (4.45) is probably my best chance of a winner on Thursday, for trainer William Knight in the 7f Nursery. He made a winning debut at Ffos Las before bettering that with a good second under a penalty at Salisbury. The winner ran well to finish second in the Acomb Stakes on Wednesday and that form looks strong. With further improvement likely, he holds strong claims.
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