Air Force One takes off for York victory

Air Force One finished like a rocket to earn a memorable victory for North Yorkshire trainer Geoff Oldroyd in the Hong Kong Jockey Club World Pool Handicap at the Ebor Festival.

Third in this race last year, the Starspangledbanner gelding has a good track record on the Knavesmire with a victory and three further placed finishes in eight previous starts.

He was in fourth when jockey PJ McDonald pushed Air Force One through the gears at the two-furlong pole and he continued to pick up as he secured a length-and-a-quarter triumph at 13-2, with joint-favourites Corolla Point and Toca Madera coming home in second and third respectively.

Oldroyd, who turns 80 in December and trains in nearby Pocklington, declared York as his favourite racecourse and provided owners Bond Thoroughbred Limited with more success in their long-time partnership.

Owner Charlie Bond said: “It was the perfect distance – five and a half furlongs for this horse is great. I was a bit concerned about the rain that came a bit earlier.

“It’s a great start to the week and we’re very excited about the filly tomorrow (In The Black, Lowther Stakes). The two of them are work partners, so she’s got to be good if she can go with him.

“She wasn’t ready at Carlisle, but she won well and she’s come on, so we’ll see how we go.”

He added: “Geoff is fantastic at this meeting. We were very unlucky last year – I think we had three or four placed horses who were beaten less than a length between them.

“Geoff had this horse really ready for today. We got a bit unfortunate last time – PJ said he wished he’d kicked on. But he’s rode him brilliantly today, we had a great target in front and he’s picked up well. It’s nice when you can cheer for one here at York so far out!

“The old man (Reg Bond) loved the racing and loved York. We’re a big sponsor here now, York are very good to us and we’re very good to York, and to have a winner here is just amazing – we can relax for the rest of the meeting now.”