Closely watched Ebor receives final declaration from Willie Mullins
Willie Mullins has confirmed Love Me Tender will take his place in this year’s Sky Bet Ebor at York after the gelding secured the final available slot at the 48-hour declaration stage. The arrival of the colt completes a field that reads like a roll call of stamina specialists from Britain and Ireland and further strengthens the line-up for one of the flat season’s richest handicaps.
From Germany to York under Mullins’ care
Mullins acquired Love Me Tender in November from the yard of Arc-winning trainer Peter Schiergen. The horse progressed through minor successes in Germany, including victories at Cologne and Hoppegarten, before a fourth-place finish in a Listed race at Chantilly. After a minor summer setback postponed earlier targets, the gelding was prepared for a big-handicap campaign and found himself aimed at the Ebor by connections.
The gelding will be partnered at York by William Buick. Mullins’ team were pleased to gain entry at the bottom of the weights for the 22-runner contest, which carries huge prize-money and an international profile.
A star-studded field
The Ebor field contains a range of proven performers and improving types. Joseph O’Brien, who has recent success in staying handicaps and a Chester Cup on his CV, will run Emit with Ryan Moore an early booking for the ride. Emit brings Ascot form to bear and is expected to handle the step back up to 14 furlongs on York’s expansive track.
Home trainer representation is strong. William Haggas will be represented by Klassleader, and Andrew Balding will saddle Tarriance, both regarded as legitimate English contenders. Alan King will send Daiquiri Bay to York; the gelding arrives off a victory in the Copper Horse Handicap at Royal Ascot and is considered to have benefited from maturation and the gelding operation.
Other notable entries
- Beylerbeyi, trained by Ian Williams, made the cut after other entries stood as reserves; Clifford Lee takes the ride on the six-year-old, who won the Cesarewitch earlier in his career.
- Spinning Wheel, a four-year-old from the Simon and Ed Crisford team, arrives off a decisive win at Southwell and is intended to tackle York’s long home straight.
- Dancing In Paris and Enemy were initially listed among Ian Williams’ entries but stood as first and second reserves; their inclusion in the final field was dependent on declarations and withdrawals.
York’s Ebor: rich history and testing test
The Ebor is Europe’s richest flat handicap and routinely attracts a competitive international field. Recent renewals have been dominated by Irish-trained performers, but strong British contenders are set to challenge for the prize this year. The race’s 14-furlong trip on York’s generous, galloping track tests both stamina and tactical positioning, with the long run-in from the home turn suiting progressive types and proven stayers alike.
Connections and race planning
For several yards the Ebor is a season highlight and a target in its own right. Mullins’ decision to bring Love Me Tender to York follows a cautious approach after the gelding missed earlier summer targets owing to a setback. Other trainers have used preparatory assignments – including handicaps at Ascot and Southwell – to ready their runners for the unique demands of the Ebor.
All declared runners now await the final confirmations and race-day conditions, but the field as it stands promises a competitive renewal, with a mix of experienced staying handicappers and improving younger horses all set to contest York’s blue riband staying handicap.
Racing fans and racegoers at York can expect a deep, international Ebor line-up and the prospect of a lively atmosphere when the race goes to post.
