The Ebor Festival
Date: Tuesday, 28 July-Saturday, 1 August
Coverage: First race at 1410 BST. Commentary of all the main races on BBC Radio 5 Live and via the 5 Live website (UK users only); follow Cornelius Lysaght at twitter.com/5liveracing.More racing coverage details  Ghanaati and Richard Hills won the Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot |
Since the 1970s great Brigadier Gerard suffered his only ever defeat in what’s now the Juddmonte International Stakes, life has not always been easy for the big names contesting York’s £600,000 first-day feature (1525). Two examples: 25 years ago, the soon to be legendary stallion Sadlers Wells was well-beaten, while in 1997 the brilliant filly Bosra Sham had her colours dramatically lowered. And four opponents, headed by Irish 2000 Guineas winner Mastercraftsman, from the Aidan O’Brien stable, will try to ensure that dual Classic hero Sea The Stars does not have everything his own way this time around. However, the John Oxx-trained favourite, successful in the Newmarket 2000 Guineas and the Epsom Derby, and subsequently the Eclipse Stakes, travels to York from Ireland bursting with form credentials. Mastercraftsman has around four lengths to make up on him, having finished 5th in the Newmarket Guineas, while form analysis suggests Tartan Bearer, looking for a first win at Group One level, also has plenty on his hands. In contrast to last year when the whole Ebor fixture was lost to heavy rain, prevailing fine weather has provided good to firm going which suits Sea The Stars well. His clash with Mastercraftsman is the first of what should be a series of quality races at the 4-day meeting, which is traditionally known as the Royal Ascot of the North.
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