Four Irish runners go to post in the Ebor The Sky Bet Ebor Handicap is the highlight on the fourth and final day of York's flagship Festival meeting and there are four Irish-trained runners among the 22 declared. A high quality renewal is in store for this 1m6f stamina test, hardly surprising with half a million pounds on offer, and Karl Thornton must have breathed a huge sigh of relief when Shanroe just crept into the field off a rating of 101. The dual-purpose gelding won his place in the field with victory in the Race To The Ebor Handicap at the Curragh in June, and the Skerries trainer is hoping the forecast rain arrives. “We’ll see what the weather does. His work has been really good and everything seems to be going to plan. It’s a case of the more (rain) the better, that will definitely be to his benefit, so hopefully the rain does come now," said Thornton. “He definitely stays and everything’s gone to plan with him, so we’ll be hoping for a big run.” Johnny Murtagh has his team in good form with Create Belief and Earlswood both recently recording Group race wins, and the Curragh trainer is doubly represented by Sonnyboyliston and Mirann. Willie Mullins landed the Ebor back in 2009 with Sesenta and the champion jumps trainer has a leading contender with the well-backed Mt Leinster - 5/1 favourite with the sponsors. Jim Goldie is confident the burden of top-weight will not prevent Euchen Glen from putting up a bold bid. A former winner of the John Smith’s Cup on the Knavesmire, the popular veteran returns to the track having enjoyed another tremendous campaign — landing a pair of big-race victories at Sandown with wins in the Brigadier Gerard and Gala Stakes. “He’s in grand order. It’s a mighty task carrying that weight, but Red Rum carried 12st in the Grand National, so big weights can be carried," said the Scottish trainer “He’s won a John Smith’s Cup, so he obviously acts at York. Some might say being drawn one is a negative, but we’ll be going the shortest road. I would rather be one than 22, anyway. “We’ve got a good jockey (Paul Mulrennan) who knows him well so it will be interesting.” Proud Newmarket-based Yorkshireman William Haggas declared four runners in a bid to win the county’s most prestigious handicap for the first time. Dual course and distance winner Hamish is the trainer’s shortest-priced runner, despite having been off the track since finishing fourth in the Group Two Hardwicke Stakes at Royal Ascot last summer. The gelding’s involvement depends on significant rainfall, however. “He needs rain and quite a bit of it, so I don’t know if he’ll get it,” said Haggas. “We’ll decide about his participation nearer the time, but he’s trained very well. “He’s a smart horse and we’ve had this in mind for a while, so it would be nice to have a go, but we’ll see.” Hamish’s stablemate Ilaraab has proven his liking for the York track already, having won there twice to date. The Ebor represents a step up in trip for the colt, but Haggas is confident that he possesses the stamina necessary to succeed. “He’s in good shape and he’s ready to go,” the trainer said. “I think it looks like he’ll get the trip no problem. “He’s got a lot of weight (9st 11lb), but he’s a good horse and I think he prefers going left-handed, so that will suit him on Saturday.” Roberto Escobarr is one of two Haggas entrants owned by Hussain Alabbas Lootah, the other being his full-brother Pablo Escobarr. “Roberto stays well and likes fast ground. He should run well. He’s a very genuine, game horse,” Haggas added. “Pablo is Pablo. He ran a good race last weekend (third in the Geoffrey Freer Stakes) and enjoys his racing. He’s here hoping for the best.”
