WIGMORE HALL got the nod in a dramatic 51st John Smith’s Cup at York Racecourse.

Michael Bell’s three-year-old survived a photo-finish and a steward’s inquiry to claim victory in the £150,000 heritage handicap.

In a thrilling conclusion, Wigmore Hall and Kings Gambit, trained by Tadcaster’s Tom Tate went stride for stride as the post approached.

They flashed past the line together and it took a couple of minutes before the photograph gave Wigmore Hall, ridden by claimer Martin Lane, the verdict by a short head.

Almost as soon as the result was announced, a stewards inquiry was announced and a head-on shot of the action showed Wigmore Hall made contact with Kings Gambit on three occasions before the line.

But, after six or seven minutes of deliberation, the stewards decided the places should not be reversed, leaving 24-year-old Lane thrilled.

“There’s always a concern (about the stewards’ inquiry) when it’s a short head but thankfully we got through,” he said.

“This is by far the biggest win of my career and it’s a great day for me – a landmark in my career.”

Malton trainer Richard Fahey, looking for his third win in the race in four years, had his hopes raised as Demolition made a strong bid for glory under in-form jockey Paul Hanagan.

But the six-year-old, having headed the field, faded away from the two main challengers inside the last 200 yards and finished third.

But there was better luck for some of Fahey’s North Yorkshire colleagues, who together trained four of the seven winners at the meeting.

Hotham gave Noel Wilson the best welcome home present he could ask for when winning the opening John Smith’s Stakes.

The trainer has uprooted from his Lanarkshire base, having been previously based in York, and returned to new stables at Thirsk.

Hotham (20-1) tested his patience – forcing him to don a helmet to entice his misbehaving seven-year-old into the stalls.

But once the race started, Hotham, ridden by Malton claimer Barry McHugh, settled well and powered through in the final furlong to win by a short head from Discanti.

A delighted Wilson, who only came back to the region on Friday, said: “He was hard work. He’s had a busy time and he’s had a move down to the new yard to contend with before coming here.

“He will have a good break now and the Ayr Gold Cup will be next.”

Wilson added: “I am back in Yorkshire and I have got all my good owners behind me so it is onwards and upwards.”

David O’Meara secured the first York winner for his emerging Nawton yard when Christmas Light (3-1) won the John Smith’s Fillies’ Maiden Stakes.

The former jump jockey, who has only held a training licence for a few weeks, said: “This was fantastic. She’s a really tough filly and she showed a really good attitude. Things could not have gone better for the first few weeks.”

Capponi (3-1) swept to a two-and-a-quarter length victory over Magaling in the John Smith’s Racing Stakes for Middleham’s Mark Johnston and Brawby handler Geoff Oldroyd got in on the act as Lady Royale (7-1) claimed the John Smith’s Sprint Trophy.

Elsewhere, the Queen’s horse Free Agent (15-2) put in a regal shift to win the Listed John Smith’s Silver Cup.

It had looked Drunken Sailor’s race after he stormed clear with a quarter of a mile left to travel but, living up to his name, Luca Cumani’s five-year-old wobbled, edged right and was caught by the fast finishing Free Agent – trained by Richard Hannon and ridden by Ryan Moore.

The pair claimed a double when Jaahiz (13-8 fav) was a straightforward winner of the John Smith’s Median Auction Maiden Stakes.