Ray Dawson after winning the 67th John Smith's Cup

Added: Saturday 11th July 2026

The 5-1 shot Raammee trained by Roger Varian and ridden by Ray Dawson has won the John Smith's Cup, Europe's richest middle distance handicap.

He came home three quarters of a length clear of late challenger Hand of God, with the minor places changed by the stewards after a rough race.

Ray Dawson's enjoying his best ever season- and he spoke with Mike Vince afterwards.

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The 67th John Smith's Cup

Added: Friday 10th July 2026

A maximum field of 22 head to post for Europe's richest middle distance handicap, the John Smith's Cup being run for the 67th time at York tomorrow.

A fiercely competitive race is in prospect for the £200,000 prize fund with a Royal Runner, Warrant Holder, among the favourites.

The big prize hasn't stayed in Yorkshire since 2009, but hopes are high that run could end with Ed Bethell's Danger Baby, who won Redcar's Zetland Gold Cup last time.

Bethell's been speaking with Mike Vince.

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Juddmonte International to be worth £1.5m

Added: Wednesday 10th December 2025

York's flagship race, the Juddmonte International is to be worth one and a half million pounds in 2026, making it the most valuable race in York's history.

In addition,bonuses linking the winner with the Japan Cup are to be enhanced.

An extra quarter of a million pounds is being put into the race by York to try and attract overseas runners to the contest once again.

York's Head of Marketing & Sponsorship, James Brennan, has been speaking with Mike Vince.

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Hoping for further interest from Japan for the Juddmonte International

Added: Thursday 4th December 2025

York Racecourse are hoping for further interest from Japan in their flagship Juddmonte International in 2026.

Danon Decile finished fifth to Ombudsman on the Knavesmire in August and went on to third in last weekends Japan Cup in Tokyo. They also had a York runner in 2024.

York are expected to announce more details of their plans for the race and the prize money in the next couple of weeks, and Chief Executive William Derby, just back from being trackside for Japan's big race, won by a European trained horse for the first time has spoken positively of his hopes.

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