RACING Ebor Festival: First past the post on Knavesmire

Ahead of first race - Gleneagles will not run in the Juddmonte International Stakes at York today, said trainer Aidan O’Brien.

Gleneagles could head for the Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown next month after being declared a non-runner due to unsuitable ground.

The dual 2000 Guineas winner had been set to have his first start over 10 furlongs in a clash with unbeaten Derby hero Golden Horn, but persistent rain throughout Tuesday led to a marked softening of ground conditions.

1.55: Caspian Prince ended a lean spell to post a front-running success in the Symphony Group Handicap at York.

Making a sharp exit from the stalls, the Robert Winston-ridden six-year-old had enough in hand to take a slender win in the extended five-furlong contest.

Although the staying-on Highland Acclaim came with a strong late run inside the final furlong, it was not enough to reach the 20-1 shot with half a length separating the pair at the line.

It was a first victory for Caspian Prince since switching to the yard of Dean Ivory having previously been with Tony Carroll.

Winston, who has suffered with injury in recent weeks, said: “It’s brilliant. All credit to Dean who has stood by me.

“The horse has done it really well. It was a major advantage (to be in front). He’s a front runner and he likes easy ground and I was able to get a breather into him.”

2.30: Recorder handed the Queen a winner after carrying the royal silks to glory with a stylish victory in the Tattersalls Acomb Stakes.

Despite being slow away, the 4-1 joint-favourite followed up his maiden win at Newmarket last time out with a ready win in the Group Three seven-furlong contest, won 12 months ago by subsequent Jersey Stakes victor Dutch Connection.

After travelling powerfully into race, the William Haggas-trained colt slip-streamed the prominently-ridden Mohab before striking the front a quarter-of-a-mile from home.

Bing Bang Bong, racing up the stands side rail, tried to go with the winner but he could not quite find enough to bridge the gap as Recorder and Frankie Dettori claimed the prize by a length-and-a-quarter.

Paddy Power introduced Recorder at 33-1 for next year’s Qipco 2000 Guineas, as did William Hill.

Dettori said: “I’m honoured to wear these colours. He still felt like he had more to give and I thought it was a good performance.”

3.05: Storm The Stars gave his St Leger hopes a major boost after grinding out a slender victory in a dramatic Betway Great Voltigeur Stakes.

The ante-post favourite for the final Classic of the season at Doncaster next month repelled the late thrust of Bondi Beach to get the better of a rousing finish to the mile-and-a-half Group Two prize.

Racing just in behind the early pace set by Medrano, the Investec Derby third moved into the lead on the run down to the final two furlongs.

Although in control, it looked as though the William Haggas-trained colt was to be a sitting duck for the strong-travelling pair of Tashaar and Bondi Beach.

As the former saw his run come to an end when asked the question, it was left to the 3-1 winner and Aidan O’Brien’s 11-4 favourite to battle it out.

Despite drifting across the track, Storm The Stars showed just what a tough character he is by digging deep to pull out victory by half a length, and while a stewards’ inquiry was immediately called the placings ultimately remained unaltered.

3.40: Arabian Queen caused arguably the biggest upset of the season in flooring Derby and Eclipse winner Golden Horn with a battling success in the Juddmonte International.

Showing a willing resolve, the 50-1 shot answered everything asked of her by title-chasing jockey Silvestre de Sousa to claim a shock victory in the Group One event and bring to an end the unbeaten run of John Gosden’s Epsom hero.

In a slight change of tactics, the David Elsworth-trained three-year-old was anchored in behind Dick Doughtywylie, pacemaker for Golden Horn, instead of assuming her usual front-running role.

Having raced prominently throughout, Arabian Queen hit the front well over two furlongs out, just as Golden Horn, who was being closely tracked by The Grey Gatsby, began to make his move.

Although Frankie Dettori had to get serious aboard the 4-9 favourite it looked like he was in line to pick up the Jeff Smith-owned filly.

But as Golden Horn ranged up to Arabian Queen, she was not to be denied, finding just enough to stick her head out in front where it mattered and score by a neck.

4.20: Details to follow.