CHAMPAGNE corks were popping at the Parsonage Country House Hotel in Escrick last night after owner Phil Smith realised a racing dream.

The hotelier fulfilled a long-held ambition when Ski Jump, trained by Richard Fahey at Malton and ridden by apprentice Tony Hamilton, won the John West Tuna Stakes at sun-kissed York Races yesterday.

Fahey also saddled third-placed Sualda, who had looked the likely winner two out, only for Ski Jump (11-2) to get on top inside the final furlong and then hold the strong challenge of Sunday Symphony by a head.

It was no surprise that Ski Jump survived a stewards' inquiry, and Fahey said: "That was good. Phil has had winners before, but never one at York, and that is all he has ever wanted."

Fahey's success completed a North Yorkshire treble.

Richmond trainer David Barker won the opener, the Grampian Country Food Group Handicap, with Mecca's Mate in the hands of Fergal Lynch.

The county's success followed in the Hearthstead Homes Stakes. It looked a competitive event on paper, but Dispol Katie (25-1), trained by Thirsk's David Barron bolted home in the hands of apprentice Phillip Makin.

The four-year-old filly struck the front with a quarter of a mile to run and swept clear to pass the post with four lengths to spare over Fullandby, which is trained by Tim Etherington at Norton, near Malton.

Lucky Spin was well beaten when she visited York for the Royal Ascot meeting last month, but it was a totally different story in the feature race yesterday.

The Richard Hannon-trained filly ran out a clear-cut winner of the Group Three Cuisine De France Summer Stakes under Ryan Moore.

The jockey brought Lucky Spin (8-1) with a strong run to sweep past La Cucaracha inside the final furlong and draw away to score by three lengths.

There was a nail-biting finish to the Tulip Bacon Stakes, but Philip Robinson kept the Michael Jarvis-trained Ofaraby (4-1) going well to hold off several challengers to take the prize.

YORK RACES RESULTS

2.00 Grampian Country Food Group Handicap (5f): 1 Mecca's Mate (F Lynch) 5-1, 2 Whistler 12-1, 3 Fictional 7-1. 10 ran. Distances: 1l, hd. Winning trainer: David Barker, Richmond, North Yorkshire. Non-runner: Melandre. Mecca's Mate was Evening Press tipster Tom O'Ryan's Nap selection.

2.35 Hearthstead Homes Handicap (7f): 1 Dispol Kate (P Makin) 25-1, 2 Fullandby 16-1, 3 No Grouse 18-1, 4 Tedsdale Mac 33-1. 16 ran. Distances: 4l, 2l. Winning trainer: David Barron, Maunby, Thirsk.

3.05 John West Tuna Handicap (1m 4 f): 1 Ski Jump (T Hamilton) 11-2, 2 Sunday Symphony 5-1, 3 Syalda 16-1. 9 ran. Distances: hd, 5l. Winning trainer: Richard Fahey, Malton).

3.40 Cuisine De France Summer Stakes (6f): 1 Lucky Spin (RL Moore) 8-1, 2 La Cucaracha 6-1, 3 Indian Maiden 7-2. 11 ran. Distances: 3l, 1l. Winning trainer: Richard Hannon, Marlborough.

4.15 Tulip Bacon Handicap (1m 2 f): 1 Ofaraby (P Robinson) 4-1, 2 Torrid Kentavr 7-1, 3 Strong Hand 8-1. 9 ran. Distances: sh, l. Winning trainer: Michael Jarvis, Newmarket.

4.50 Fit As A Butchers Dog Challenge Maiden Stakes (7f): 1 Silent Times (G Gibbons) 11-4 fav, 2 Sweet Lime 5-1, 3 Grand Opera. 13 ran. Distances: 5l, l. Winning trainer: Eoghan O'Neill, Newmarket.

Updated: 10:28 Saturday, July 09, 2005