Magical Zoe won the Sky Bet Ebor at York | report and free video replay.
By Ian Ogg
09:42 · SUN August 25, 2024
The well backed Magical Zoe won the Sky Bet Ebor at York, the most valuable flat handicap run in Britain.
Better known as a hurdler, the 11/2 favourite had her attentions switched to the flat by Henry de Bromhead this season and made her debut in a Listed race in April, finishing a close fifth.
She duly won her maiden before a staying on third in a Group Three but Magical Zoe, fourth in the County Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival, relished this first run in a big field handicap on the level.
Held-up in midfield by Billy Lee, she could be seen making rapid progress with a quarter of a mile to run and was in front at the furlong marker with the race looking all over bar the shouting and so it proved.
There were closers, of course, but they never looked like reaching the winner who had two and three quarter lengths to spare at the line.
Kihavah claimed second, a neck ahead of Oneforthegutter with Epic Poet and Hipop De Loire following them over the line.
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There was drama at the halfway stage of the race when leader Crystal Delight went badly wrong and suffered a fatal injury, leaving the Aidan O'Brien-trained Queenstown in the lead, and causing interference for those behind.
Queenstown was backpedaling by the time the field reached the three furlong pole in the straight as Chillingham took over.
Chillingham was still there a furlong later but by then Magical Zoe's relentless charge for glory was well under way.
It was Lee's only ride of the meeting and the delighted jockey was quick to pay tribute to his mare, saying: "We thought she had a good profile coming into the race and she just travelled lovely all the way.
"She was a bit het up going out, I think it was just the noise of the crowd before she went out onto the track, but she settled lovely in the race and she was A1 all the way; I was able to go where I wanted. When I switched out about three and a half down, I was just working my way into the race then and to be fair, when I gave her a kick she's picked up well and she's galloped right past the line.
"She's a fine, solid mare. She might not be overbig for jumping but the flat she's perfect. She should stay two miles no problem; Henry will have a plan for her but we'll enjoy today.
"I'm delighted. It's a big handicap and a great meeting to go to as well."
Billy Lee celebrates winning the Ebor
De Bromhead said: "I think she's been unlucky in a couple of races, things haven't quite gone right for her but she's got it all back there and delighted, brilliant.
"Billy had her nice and settled going to the start and everything went well. He gave her a super ride and when she got a bit of light, she just galloped to the line. I try and keep composed but it meant a lot, to come and win a race like this is incredible, it's steeped in history and I never dreamt I'd be winning it.
"It's a win and you're in for the Melbourne Cup and we'll give it serious consideration. It would look like a race that would suit her and I know Paddy and Scott (Bryceland, owners) are going anyhow, it's Paddy's birthday around then and they're going down for that, so I think that would definitely be under serious consideration. Obviously a lot of hoops to jump through but that could be one.
"This is becoming my new favourite racecourse! It's an amazing place, they do some job here. I think our whole industry can learn from York. It's amazing what you can do when you pull things together and do it right; great course here, they look after it so well and everyone could learn from here."
Completely heartbroken
Adrian Keatley was delighted with the performance of the 25/1 runner-up Kihavah, saying: “He’s a great horse and does brilliant things for our yard. Hopefully he’s around for a long time.
“The winner won well, but we ran a brilliant race and are delighted. The mile and six stretches his stamina and that’s as far as he wants to be going.”
Ian Williams said of the third placed Oneforthegutter: “I never expected him to get in off his mark, but he has run a huge race. He and Joe (Fanning) have just gelled together and ultimately just got outstayed. It was a huge performance and a little bit better than the what we were expecting.”
The race was marred by a fatal injury to Crystal Delight, who appeared to go wrong and unseated Tom Marquand when in the lead.
Trainer Harry Eustace told ITV Racing: “Everyone involved with Crystal Delight is totally and completely heartbroken. He was the most noble and kind warrior you could ever meet. We will miss him.”
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