The ever-anticipated York Ebor meeting was kicked off with a local winner as Air Force One deservedly returned to the Knavesmire winners’ enclosure.
The Starspangledbanner gelding was an unlucky loser in the race last season, but was still 7lbs higher. He was again luckless in defeat at York last time out. But it was a clear career best when comfortably fending off joint-favourites Corolla Point and Toca Madera.
P J McDonald exuded confidence throughout, sat in touch with the leaders toward the far-side. He avoided trouble, and once in the clear success was inevitable. Based closely in Pocklington, Geoff Oldroyd has always viewed York as his favourite track and it was pleasing to see a local winner kick off the meeting.
Speaking to the Press Association after, via At The Races, Bond Thoroughbreds’ Charlie Bond said: ““It was the perfect distance – five and a half furlongs for this horse is great. I was a bit concerned about the rain that came a bit earlier.
“It’s a great start to the week and we’re very excited about the filly tomorrow. The two of them are work partners, so she’s got to be good if she can go with him. She wasn’t ready at Carlisle, but she won well and she’s come on, so we’ll see how we go.”
The filly in question is In The Black, who lines up in the Lowther. She was an easy winner at Carlisle, despite hanging and looking green throughout. She’s had wind surgery in the meantime, and from the family of El Caballo she’s bred to be very smart.
“We can relax for the rest of the meeting now!” – Charlie Bond
With a winner on board, Bond won’t be too downhearted should In The Black fail to land a blow. Bond continued, and was full of plaudits for his trainer: “Geoff is fantastic at this meeting. We were very unlucky last year. I think we had three or four placed horses who were beaten less than a length between them.
“Geoff had this horse really ready for today. We got a bit unfortunate last time – PJ said he wished he’d kicked on. But he’s rode him brilliantly today, we had a great target in front and he’s picked up well. It’s nice when you can cheer for one here at York so far out!
“The old man loved the racing and loved York. We’re a big sponsor here now, York are very good to us and we’re very good to York, to have a winner here is just amazing. We can relax for the rest of the meeting now.”