Horse Racing News: Tabletalk Denies The Equator in Thrilling Sky Bet Melrose Handicap at York
In an exciting conclusion to the Sky Bet Ebor Festival at York Racecourse, Tabletalk (12/1) emerged victorious in the Sky Bet Melrose Handicap, denying a late challenge from The Equator.
The son of Camelot, ridden by Rossa Ryan, looked in trouble when The Equator surged into the lead approaching the final two furlongs. However, Tabletalk responded gamely, switching to the inside and using the rail to his advantage. With his stamina kicking in, the tough colt crossed the line a length ahead of the Aidan O’Brien-trained runner-up.
“There might have been a slight concern about the trip,” said jockey Rossa Ryan, “but he had the right attributes to get the 14 furlongs and he’s as tough as they come.” Ryan praised the training efforts of Tom Clover, whose in-form stable also saw Al Nayyir finish a narrow second in the Group Two Lonsdale Cup at York on Friday.
Tabletalk, who was making just his fifth career start and second in a handicap, showed notable improvement since his Derby outing at Epsom. “That run the last day at Ascot I thought was a massive run and I’d say he’d get better as time goes on,” Ryan commented.
The result completed an impressive festival for the Clover yard, further cementing their reputation as a rising force in the sport. Rounding out the placings were Master Builder and Wild Waves, while the inexperienced Sun God faded to fifth after briefly threatening a bigger challenge.
The thrilling conclusion to the Sky Bet Ebor Festival at York provided yet another memorable chapter in the annals of British horse racing.
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