Sky Bet Ebor Handicap

THE Ebor is one of Britain’s most compelling handicaps, and usually carries a story which does justice to its heritage and standing among die-hard fans. This year it produced a fitting denouement to the John Gosden/Frankie Dettori soap opera which began at Royal Ascot and has rumbled on through the summer.

There was a distinct cooling of relations between jockey and trainer after some less-than-vintage riding from Dettori at Ascot, notably aboard Stradivarius in the Gold Cup, but fences were largely mended after a short ‘sabbatical.’

Wounds

It takes something special to fully heal such wounds, however, and Dettori provided that with a never-say-die ride on Trawlerman in the Ebor, conjuring up a final burst which took him past Alfred Boucher (Ian Williams/Jim Crowley) close home after the latter had looked to have done enough to win his second race of the week on the Knavesmire.

The 9/1 chance was drawn in stall 20, and Dettori elected to keep him wide on the track until moving across to lead after five furlongs, a ploy similar to that utilised by Jim Crowley on Gosden’s Muntahaa in the 2018 contest.

Dividends

That tactic once again paid dividends, although Trawlerman was passed by both Alfred Boucher and Earl Of Tyrone (Paddy Twomey/Billy Lee) in the closing stages, having to battle back under strong Dettori drive in the final furlong to score a thrilling victory, and a large measure of recompense for his veteran rider.

The margins were fine, with a short head separating the first two, and a length back to Earl Of Tyrone, whose tendency to race freely may have cost him victory.