Haggas hunting down Balding once more in race to be top trainer at York William Haggas is heading into the final two days of York’s season two behind Andrew Balding as he aims to repeat his feat of last year when he reeled in the Kingsclere handler to be top trainer on the Knavesmire. Haggas, whose highlights at one of his favourite tracks includes seeing Maltese Cross win the Great Voltigeur and Elmonjed the Minster Stakes, had five winners across the final two days 12 months ago, leaving Balding exasperated. Yorkshireman Haggas, who trains at Somerville Lodge in Newmarket, said: “I was two behind and he had two winners and we had five — and we did him. So, more of the same, I hope!” Sharadd Leads York Charge Looking ahead to some of his best chances, Haggas pointed to the two-year-old Sharadd in Friday’s William Hill Epic Boosts EBF Novice Stakes. “He’ll take a bit of beating on Friday,” said Haggas, who also sends Sharadd’s brother Binhareer north as defending champion in the Sky Bet Sprint Trophy on Saturday. He added: “We’ve got a few others, but they’re handicaps and they’re competitive. It will be tough.” Balding was York’s top trainer in 2024 and is keen to claim the title for a second time. He said: “We’ve got quite a few going and a couple with chances. Regency Royal, I think, would have a good chance in the two-year-old final (the British EBF £100,000 Final, Friday). Old Is Gold would have a good chance in the sprint (Sky Bet Sprint Trophy). “And I run a nice two-year-old on Saturday called Royal Authority, who was a bit green first time out — I’d hope he’d have a good chance.” Stellar Season Leaves Mark Looking back on what has been a stellar season all round for the yard, Balding can point to three big days at York in particular. He said: “Item was the standout — his three victories at York (Dante Stakes, Sky Bet York Stakes and the Juddmonte International). “Particularly, the Juddmonte International was special, and Kalpana’s Yorkshire Oaks win. “It’s been a very happy hunting ground for us over the last few years. If you’re going to have a lucky track, York is very high on the list. “The staff love going there, the owners love going there, the prize-money is fantastic, so I’m glad the horses seem to enjoy it as well.” The Blue Frog Bedding-sponsored top trainer award includes a lorry load of their product, £2,500 and a Christmas party at York Racecourse Frost Chasing EBF Bounty Another yard targeting the big bounty of the EBF Final is that of Kevin and Lauren Frost with Capitano Josepi who has won his only start to date. Kevin Frost said: “He’s a big horse that took time to come to himself but was very impressive on his first run and he’s been kept with this race in mind. “It’s just well worth a go. When you get people putting up such lovely prize-money and you’ve got a horse that can get in the race, then it doesn’t make much sense not to run him in there. “His work had always been really good. I’m not known for two-year-old runners, but he’d been working with horses that are rated quite highly and always been able to sort of swing alongside them. “He was very green — I think Jack Mitchell’s quote when he got off him was, ‘I’ve never sat on a horse as green that won first time’. “He’s come on for that and we’re looking forward to seeing him run against some good quality horses and find out where we are with him.”
