Camdonium defies odds in feature win at Helmsley Races

Determined not to be be defeated by the weather, organisers moved heaven and earth to rearrange one week later and their efforts were rewarded as a sizeable crowd were treated to some great racing in front of one of the most stunning backdrops.

The feature race, the Eccles Heddon Solicitors Mixed Open, featured a stacked line up and was fiercely contested,

Last year's Aintree Foxhunters champion Gracchus De Balme was favourite and previous top Yorkshire horse Surprise Attack also staked a strong claim, challenging over the final fence.

However, it was Camdonian and rider Christy Furness who clinched victory in the final strides, securing a tenth win from 15 outings and retaining the silver cup he won when victorious in the same race last year

Owner Grania Furness, who trained Camdonian at home before his move to Jack Teal's yard in Malton, was full of praise.

She said: "I must thank Jack for doing such a good job tuning him up for this."

Christy, her son and the winning jockey, shared his surprise at their success, stating: "On the line! I thought it wasn't going to be his day today but he tried so hard.

"He's so genuine and just put his head down and battled”.

Echoing his triumph from last year, Camdonian's win allowed him to retain his title in great style.

Another racer who repeated last year's feat in the Helmsley meet was Line Em Up, owned by Beryl Close.

He secured the second leg of a double for Huntingdon trainer-rider Dale Peters in the Group Industrial Intermediate race, effortlessly outpacing the fast-finishing Diamond Flush.

Following the race, Dale spoke of his horse's potential, declaring: "He's really growing into himself now. He's filled out and strengthened up over the summer and just keeps getting better and better."

The Peters’ success began with Byorderofthecourt, the red hot favourite for the Bedding Barn Restricted off the back of romping to an easy victory at Sheriff Hutton last month

Though hard-pushed, he managed to defeat his closest rival, the John Dawson-ridden Hugo Moss by one-and-three-quarter lengths.

Dale commented afterwards: "He didn't really enjoy the tacky ground today but I was glad to see him tough it out."

Tom Easterby also notched up a double in the saddle, beginning with The Story So Far's win in the Ripon Farm Services Sinnington Hunt Members, Subscribers, and Farmers race.

Despite spending much of the race towards the rear of the field, Tom chased down the long-time leader and urged his mount to a three-and-a-half length triumph.

Following the race, Tom admitted: "He's got ability but we just need to get it out of him."

Tom completed his double in the final race, the Cliff Stud four, five and six year olds flat race, with Pinged.

It was his first time racing Pinged, who made the cut with a strong half-length win over Amber Dancer.

Tom enthused: "He was very straightforward with a good attitude and he battled well all the way to the line."

Jack Teal had a successful day too, adding another win as a trainer to Camdonian's victory.

His mount, Job Well Done, claimed victory in the 16-strong Moneyweb Maiden race after a fine finish.

Jack's sister Lois, who rode Job Well Done, said: "She ran well at Charm Park late last season and then ran a stormer at Alnwick first time out this season.

"She's an absolute gem."

The easiest win of the day came courtesy of the Clark family’s Tag Man in the Spillers Yorkshire Area Conditions Level 2.

Jockey Lucy Brown guided him to a ten-length victory over Red Opium, ending the day with a standout win.

Looking ahead, the next Yorkshire area meeting will be the Scarborough Races at Charm Park near Wykeham on Sunday.

Gates open at 11.30 am and the first race signals off at 12.30pm. Entrance costs £15 but is free for under 16s.