Aviator first up at York's Ebor meeting

Another jewel in British racing's summer crown starts at York tomorrow.

The four-day Ebor meeting provides a superb mix of top-grade races, valuable handicaps, staying races and sprints, headlined on day one by the Gr.1 Juddmonte International (15.40).

The 13-strong field includes Postponed, Hawkbill and Highland Reel whose most recent races resulted in respective victory in the Gr.1 Coronation Cup, Gr.1 Eclipse Stakes and Gr.1 King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes sponsored by QIPCO underlining the race's place as one of the highlights of the European sporting year.

The supporting card includes another famous race, the Gr.2 Great Voltigeur Stakes (15.05), which has drawn just six runners including Qatar Racing's Imperial Aviator (pictured below). Rivals include Idaho, one of three Aidan O'Brien runners, and placed in the Epsom and Irish Derbys on his two latest outings.

Imperial Aviator, who is owned in partnership with Daniel Hunt and Eileen Markham, tackled the Prix du Jockey-Club (French Derby) when he last raced, but after two smart wins at Leicester and Newbury there was to be no hat-trick. Tomorrow he returns after a good break, stepping up to 12 furlongs for the first time, and trainer Roger Charlton says: ‚"Imperial Aviator is in good form having not run for ten weeks. On ratings he will need to find considerable improvement to beat Idaho, but the race I hope will answer several questions.‚"

Honorina's win at Kempton today was excellent news for her future as a broodmare, and a boost to hopes of further Qatar Racing success at York. Other entries later this week include proven stalwarts Pallasator, Pearl Secret and Simple Verse.

Photo: Laurence Squire