Trainer Brian Ellison

Brian Ellison upbeat ahead of York mission for Fortification

Horse Racing

Thu June 11, 2026 · 3w ago

Brian Ellison reckons Fortification holds solid each-way claims at York this Saturday in the feature race – the Churchill Tyres Supporting Macmillan Sprint Handicap.

Fortification steps up to six furlongs for the first time after fine performances over the minimum distance on the Knavesmire.

The Mehmas gelding was victorious at last month’s Dante Festival, surging late on to score by half a length in the Irish Thoroughbred Marketing Handicap. Eight days afterwards he finished fourth over course and distance, going down by only a length.

Now Fortification, drawn 22, is poised to return for his third run inside a month at York where he will face 21 rivals in an ultra-competitive £125,000 contest.

Malton-based Ellison said: “I think we’ve got a good each-way chance. He’s in great form. He’s working very well – he did a nice bit of work the other day. I’m very happy with him.

“He’s never run over six before – that’s the only query. But for the money we’re taking our chance.

“If they like York, it’s worth keep going back and that’s what we’re doing. He’ll probably go back there on (June) the 27th as well."

Ellison has acquired the services of jockey Joanna Mason, who rode Hucklesbrook to victory in last year’s renewal of the race.

He added: “I think she’s a very capable jockey. She listens, is very sensible.”

Fellow Malton trainer Tim Easterby will saddle Red Spells Danger, who is prominent in the early betting for the race.

Newmarket trainer Charlie Appleby and reigning Champion Trainer on the Knavesmire, William Haggas, are represented by Man Of Vision and Thunder Call respectively.

Saturday’s strong seven-race card also includes the Listed Sky Bet Race To The Ebor Grand Cup.

The mile and six-furlongs contest which offers a £70,000 purse has attracted a select field of six runners, including last year’s winner, Al Qareem. The first race of the afternoon is scheduled for 13:50.

Sporting Life Plus - click here to login

Did you know you're probably already a Sporting Life Plus member?

All you need is a Sky Bet, Paddy Power or Betfair account and, using the same login details, you can access:

Timeform racecards featuring flags, comments, ratings and analysis
Premium content including Value Bet and Kieran Shoemark
Timeform TV Focus tips and big-meeting best bets
Free video replays for every UK and Irish meeting
Free horse, trainer and jockey tracking with My Stable
Live on-site betting across web and mobile web platforms
Enhanced football accumulators from This Week's Acca
Early access to top sports previews including the Open and Wimbledon

Everything is underpinned by our brands' combined 200-plus years of expertise.

Everything is completely free. No catch, no payment if you reach a certain threshold, just free for everyone in the UK and Ireland.

If you're yet to sign up for Sporting Life Plus and don't have one of those accounts, you can do so HERE.

If you do have an account, login now for the complete Sporting Life experience.

Safer gambling

We are committed in our support of safer gambling. Recommended bets are advised to over-18s and we strongly encourage readers to wager only what they can afford to lose.

If you are concerned about your gambling, please call the National Gambling Helpline / GamCare on 0808 8020 133.

Further support and information can be found at begambleaware.org and gamblingtherapy.org.

Like what you've read?