Millman back in spotlight at York

It is 10 years since the magnificent Sergeant Cecil strode up the Knavesmire to win the Ebor during a fabulous campaign in which he also claimed the Northumberland Plate and the Cesarewitch.

The popular stayer returned to the track to win the Lonsdale Cup, the Yorkshire Cup and the rearranged Doncaster Cup before the end of his career and while Master Carpenter has some way to go to reach those heights, he provided his trainer with a welcome Saturday success after a lean campaign so far.

The chestnut four-year-old brought plenty of class to the party having won a French Group Three last year and while he has largely struggled since, he has kept good company.

There have been definite signs of a revival since having his sights lowered, with his close-up third in a similarly competitive handicap at Sandown just a week ago suggesting his turn was near, and he displayed tenacity to go with his talent in front of the packed grandstands.

Always well positioned, Master Carpenter was strongly pressed in the final throws of the extended 10-furlong feature and stuck to his guns to see off long-time leader Kelinni by a neck, having led two out.

Millman was represented by his son and assistant, James.

The former jockey, who is now studying law at Leeds University, said: “This is a great result, we’re having a quiet season. We’ve only had four winners and we’d normally be well into double figures by now.

“Phil gave him a great ride, he kicked and just had enough left to hold on.

“This is our star horse. He won a Group Three for us in France last year, which was a great result at the time, but because of that he’s obviously been very high in the handicap and it’s been tough for him.

“On quick ground like this, stepping up to a mile and a quarter has helped him and he’s a classy horse. his obviously brings back memories of Sergeant Cecil and to win a big Saturday race like this is great for everyone in the yard. The Cambridgeshire might be a possibility for him, but we’ll have to see what the handicapper does.”

The victory was the highlight of four winners on the afternoon for Makin, who said: “It’s great, you need these days to keep your name there and in the picture. It’s great that it’s all worked out.”

Owner Evan Sutherland is dreaming of a potential tilt at next month’s Nunthorpe after the David O’Meara-trained Out Do came home fast and late to land the John Smith’s City Walls Stakes.

O’Meara and Makin had earlier combined to land the John Smith’s Racing Stakes as Birdman clinched his fifth success of the season with a dominant display. The North Yorkshire rider brought up his four-timer when driving Dark Defender to victory in the concluding John Smith’s Stakes.

Territories ran out a very cosy winner of the Prix Jean Prat at Chantilly.

Held up last by Mickael Barzalona, the Andre Fabre-trained colt made effortless progress down the home straight to collar Dutch Connection, without his rider having to get anything like serious.

Although the winning margin was a narrow one, Territories appeared to have plenty in hand, on his first run since finishing second to dual 2000 Guineas and St James’s Palace Hero Gleneagles at Newmarket in May.

Dutch Connection ran a fine race for Charlie Hills and Jim Crowley, leading two out and finishing well clear of the third, Sir Andrew.