Race number nine of the Go Racing In Yorkshire Future Stars Apprentice Series, supported by White Rose Saddlery, took place at York’s finale meeting on Friday, October 9.

Welcome rain in the preceding days and on the morning of racing meant the ground was riding soft, but that didn’t deter the 20 declared runners, who all lined up for the seven-furlong contest.

Given the size of the field, there was plenty of jostling for the early position, as runners tended towards the far side rail.  Stanley Spencer, under Kyle McHugh took advantage of his stall 2 draw and was keen to lead, along with Magic Boy and Alex Jary who did similar out wide.

Diligent Resdev and Golden Pharao were both up with the pace and this quartet largely made up the front four as far as the half way point.

With a couple of furlongs left to go, The Childe Of Hale ridden by Liam Wright laid down a challenge and First Time and Warren Fentiman made some eye catching smooth headway through the field down the middle of the track, but on the far rail, his stable mate, Golden Strike, partnered by former series winner, William Pyle, was also being put into the race.

In the final furlong, First Time, Golden Strike, Quest For Fun and King’s School were battling it out, whilst Tolstoy and Mason Paetel were making a late run.

As they crossed the winning line, it was Golden Strike who prevailed by three quarters of a length to stablemate First Time.  Tolstoy ran on well to be half a length further back in third and Quest for Fun and Jack Dickson were a neck behind in fourth.

This was the first time that William Pyle had ridden in the series and took the 18 points, meaning there was no change to the first six places on the leaderboard.  Although he missed this race and will miss the next at Catterick due to a suspension, Conor Whiteley remains at the top with 48 points, closely followed by Cian Horgan on 42 and Harry Vigors sits in third with 37.

The next race takes place at Catterick on Saturday, October 17.