The Sky Bet Ebor Festival at York Racecourse is a highlight for Yorkshire racing fans, as significant as Royal Ascot is to the south. The historic Knavesmire, where the racecourse now stands, was once the site of Dick Turpin's public hanging, but this week's crowds come for betting, not highway robbery.
Local Trainers in Focus
This four-day meeting often attracts trainers from the surrounding Moors and Dales. This year, David O'Meara, based just 20 minutes away, brings his horses in top form. After a quiet season by his standards, his August performance is picking up, mirroring last year's trend. A treble across the cards last Tuesday confirmed his stable's form, with a monthly strike-rate of 18 per cent.
O'Meara has been a friend to punters at the Ebor, especially in handicaps. Backing his runners at single-figure odds in handicaps over the last ten years has yielded over 110 per cent profit on investment. His interesting runners this year include Toca Madera, Manatee Mehmas, and Cerulean Bay.
Bethell's Strong Team
Ed Bethell, another Yorkshire trainer, is sending his strongest team to the Ebor since taking over from his father, James, five years ago. Based on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales, he has a strike-rate above 40 per cent this month. Though he hasn't had a winner at the Ebor since Point Lynas's 25-1 shock in his first season, he is unlikely to leave empty-handed this week. Corolla Point, Rogue Jewell, and new recruit Capall Rasa are among his best chances.
