Last October William Haggas launched a late challenge to pip Andrew Balding as York’s top trainer for 2025.

Twelve months later and Haggas is planning a repeat performance as the Knavesmire stages its final meeting of 2026 tomorrow and Saturday.

Balding currently leads the way in the Blue Frog Bedding-sponsored race. So far this season he has posted 13 York winners – two more than his closest rival, Haggas.

But Haggas is quick to recall how events unfolded at York’s finale fixture a year ago.

The proud Yorkshireman, who trains at Somerville Lodge in Newmarket, said: “I was two behind and he had two winners and we had five – and we did him. So, more of the same, I hope!”

Balding was York’s top trainer in 2024 and is keen to claim the title for a second time.

He said: “We’ve got quite a few going and a couple with chances. Regency Royal, I think, would have a good chance in the two-year-old final (the British EBF £100,000 Final). Old Is Gold would have a good chance in the sprint (Sky Bet Sprint Trophy).

“And I run a nice two-year-old on Saturday called Royal Authority, who was a bit green first time out – I’d hope he’d have a good chance.”

From the Haggas team, look out for six-length Haydock debut scorer Sharadd, who is declared to run in the William Hill Epic Boosts EBF Novice Stakes.

“He’ll take a bit of beating on Friday”, commented his trainer, who also sends Sharadd’s brother Binhareer as defending champion for the Sky Bet Sprint Trophy.

Haggas added: “We’ve got a few others, but they’re handicaps and they’re competitive. It will be tough.”

Whichever of the pair wins the first prize of a lorry load of Blue Frog Bedding, £2,500 and a Christmas Party at York Racecourse, both Balding and Haggas will look back fondly on how their respective strings have performed at York in 2026.

Reflecting on a series of highlights, Kingsclere trainer Balding said: “Item was the stand-out – his three victories at York (the Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Dante Stakes, the Sky Bet York Stakes and the Juddmonte International).

“Particularly, the Juddmonte International was special and Kalpana’s Yorkshire Oaks win.

“It’s been a very happy hunting ground for us over the last few years. If you’re going to have a lucky track, York is very high on the list.

“The staff love going there, the owners love going there, the prize money is fantastic, so I’m glad the horses seem to enjoy it as well.”

Haggas loves to have winners at York and has had several big moments to savour at the track across the latest campaign.

He noted: “Our highlights at York this year – Maltese Cross winning the Great Voltigeur and Elmonjed winning the Minster Stakes.”

Also drawing to a conclusion will be the 2026 Living North-sponsored jockeys’ race. William Buick has eight winners and holds a slender lead of one over Oisin Murphy. P J McDonald and Rossa Ryan have both recorded six successes.

The William Hill Gold Weekend Autumn Mile is the first race of the meeting at 1.30pm tomorrow, part of a seven-race programme with a brace of £100,000 contests.

The final card of the year on the Knavesmire will take place on Saturday and opens with the Sky Bet Rockingham Stakes, a six-furlong Listed contest for talented two-year-olds.