Fidaawy fights hard to claim York spoils

Fidaawy showed plenty of guts to outbattle Red Galileo and claim the Sky Bet First Race Special Handicap at York.

Trained by Sir Michael Stoute and ridden by Jim Crowley, Fidaawy was settled on the heels of pacesetter Mukhayyam and travelled well into the race, making his move over two furlongs from home.

Red Galileo went with him, but Fidaawy (11-1) assumed control a furlong and a half out and held on all the way to the line. Erik The Red finished with real purpose to claim third.

Angus Gold, racing manager to owner Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum, said: "He's one of those horses that likes things to go his own way.

"Jim said this track played to his strengths. He gave him a peach of a ride, he was always in the right spot and kicked on three out. He knew it would be hard for anything to pass him then.

"He likes a track like this with plenty of room. He's a talented horse, but he chooses his moments to win."

He added: "I'll leave plans to the maestro (Stoute), but the one thing we have learnt today is that he is a good horse on a galloping track, so there's no point going anywhere too sharp with him. He doesn't do anything in a hurry."