A review of the feature action at York where Dal Harraild grabbed Listed honours and there was a win for our columnist Fran Berry.
Dal Harraild gave weight and a comprehensive beating to his rivals in the Grand Cup at York.
The William Haggas-trained four-year-old was burdened with a penalty for winning a Listed prize at Newmarket last autumn and as a result had to concede 3lb to each of his nine opponents on the Knavesmire.
After having blown away the cobwebs with a creditable comeback effort in last month's John Porter Stakes at Newbury, Dal Harraild was a 3/1 joint-favourite for his latest assignment and dual champion jockey Paul Hanagan was content to bide his time in the rain-softened ground.
Clever Cookie, the other 3/1 joint-favourite and winner of this prize in 2014 and 2015, disputed the running with Harrison, but dropped away tamely early in the home straight.
Harrison stuck to his guns for a little longer, but had no answer when Dal Harraild was produced with his challenge as the Newmarket raider extended impressively to score by three and a half lengths.
Nakeeta finishing strongly to fill the runner-up spot, while Seamour just beat Harrison to third place.
The opening Constant Security Handicap went to Golden Stunner, given a fine ride from the front by Sporting Life columnist Fran Berry.
Sent off at 7/1, Ralph Beckett's charge looked vulnerable as Berry quickened the tempo but the jockey had kept plenty in reserve as they stretched clear to beat favourite Firmament.
