York Ebor report: Nakeeta denies Ebor favourite

Runner-up in big handicaps at Newmarket, Ascot, Leopardstown, Chester and on the Knavesmire in the past, the six-year-old finally enjoyed his day in the sun as he stuck his head out to win in a photo finish at 12/1.

Favourite Flymetothestars (7/1) had scythed through the field under Luke Morris, albeit with a bump or two along the way, but had every chance when he hit the front a furlong from home.

However, on this occasion Nakeeta was not to be denied as he plundered Europe's richest handicap under 5lb claimer Callum Rodriguez.

A delighted Rodriguez said: "It's unbelievable, it's been a great year for me, I moved to Michael Dods in March and my career has gone from strength to strength.

"Mr Jardine has been a good supporter of mine throughout the year and we've spent a lot of time with this horse over the last couple of months, going up on my Sundays off and riding out and I think he has had this race in mind for a long time.

"We know he stays two miles and likes a strong pace to aim at, we thought the Ebor would suit him down to the ground. He's better coming through horses, when he gets to the front he doesn't do a lot and I still probably got there a bit too soon.

"I was a little bit worried, but he saw it out well when the other horse came to him and did it well in the end."

Jardine said: "He's run well in so many big races, we decided to claim off him today. Callum gave him a great ride, I've got my own apprentice (Jamie Gormley), but Callum just has that bit more experience.

"He's come close so many times he deserves this, I'm so glad he's won one. He came from a different parish. He's a hold-up horse and needs cover. When the favourite came at him, I knew he'd stay on strongly.

"He's been unlucky in the past, but it all worked out today.

"We were second in the Ebor last year with Shrewd. Nakeeta missed the cut last year and ran in the two-mile race at the meeting instead and was second. I've been training six or seven years now and it is days like today why we do it.

"Days like this are what it's all about, it's brilliant."

Natural Scenery, selected by Ben Linfoot, was third at 14/1 with Arch Villain a 50/1 fourth, but this was all about a thrilling duel between the first two over the closing furlong.

Sky Bet cut the winner to 16/1 from 25s for the Betfred Cesarewitch, although the horse he denied here is their 12/1 favourite.

"What a thrilling renewal of the Ebor at the end of what's been a brilliant week," said spokesman Michael Shinners.

"Both these horses are entitled to huge respect if lining up in the Cesarewitch, especially Flymetothestars given his potential to keep on improving."

However, Tim Palin of owners Middleham Park Racing warned: "I wouldn't know where he'll go next, this was an afterthought really. The Cesarewitch wouldn't be his race, he's too keen for a race like that.

"We might look to France, he'll probably get his ground there, I just hope he's fine in the morning."

William Butler, assistant to Sir Mark Prescott, trainer of Flymetothestars, said: "So close, it's frustrating, but you can't win them all. He hit the front and was just collared in the end. I'll be glad if he's sound in the morning, he's very fragile but very talented.

"I'm not sure if the Cesarewitch is his race, he has too much class and speed and may not stay. We'll see. It might have been his last handicap."

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