DANDY Nicholls’ good fortune of late was dealt a blow on Sunday when Inxile was demoted to third place by the French stewards, despite making every yard to win the Prix de Saint-Georges (Group 3) at Longchamp.

A lengthy stewards’ inquiry found the first-past-the-post had caused interference to the third finisher Benbaun, who, ironically, is trained by Kevin Ryan. Despite the decision, Nicholls was philosophical and was already planning to come to the track in October for the Abbaye.

He said: “His half-brother Tax Free is pretty good and this is a younger fellow. We’ve won the race, but you can’t predict what the stewards will do and they’ve only done what they think is right.”

James Bethell has his horses in rude health at present, after enjoying winners last week with Snowed Under, Liberty Ship and Granston. The Middleham handler was also at Thirsk last Saturday evening to watch Gertmegalush make a winning start for the stable in the two year-old race.

There were also plenty of local winners at Redcar on Monday; Kevin Ryan, who was also successful with Harry Up on the same day at Wolverhampton, enjoyed an easy win in the seller with Northern Empire ridden by Jamie Spencer.

Ryan’s neighbour Bryan Smart also tasted victory in the fillies handicap with Strawberry Moon, who was recording her second course and distance win. Strawberry Moon was the second winner of the day for jockey Tom Eaves, who half an hour earlier had ridden Laura’s Lady to victory in the fillies maiden over the 6f trip for trainer Alan Swinbank.

Swinbank, who is as adaptable as ever, enjoyed yet another fine week with Roses winning the bumper at Southwell last Sunday and Sarwin coming home in front in the 1mi handicap at Beverley on Tuesday.

Back at Redcar, Tarzan completed the fine day for the locals when he came home in front in the 9f handicap for trainer Mark Johnston and jockey Greg Fairley.

With Flat racing in full swing now, jumping has taken a back seat, but there have still been plenty of decent cards. Haydock last Saturday fell into that category, and Ferdy Murphy had a nice winner with the brave Elzahann who is owned by popular racegoer Ian Todd, who lives near Piercebridge.

Murphy was also on the score sheet at Hexham on the same afternoon with I’m Delilah, who won the novice hurdle in good style under Ewan Whillians.

Middleham trainer Jedd O’Keeffe was also triumphant at Hexham when Moonwalking followed up his recent Wetherby win.

Today, the crowds will flock back to York for the last day of their Dante Festival, which is proving to be a major success.

The highlight today is the Emirates Airline Yorkshire Cup, in which Geordieland bids to win the race for the second year in a row.

The talented – but quirky – eight year-old is sure to be popular with the racegoers, but Frankie Dettori could spoil the show for Geordieland supporters as he rides Veracity for Saeed Bin Suroor.

A winner last time out, Veracity could still be improving, and shortly after 2.40 this afternoon Dettori could be doing one of his flying dismounts on the Knavesmire.

It’s another busy weekend ahead in the racing calendar, starting off with Thirsk tomorrow who stage a seven-race card tomorrow starting at 2pm.

Many of the trainers and jockeys who are in action at Thirsk will travel down the A1 to Doncaster’s evening fixture which gets under way at 6pm.

On Sunday, Ripon race again, first race due off at 2.10pm and there should be a good crowd for some competitive racing.

Wetherby races next Thursday, and the women should be out in force. That’s because the search is on for the best-dressed female racegoer in Yorkshire.

Each of the nine racecourses in Yorkshire will launch a series of ladies’ days running from May to September, and the winners will be invited to a grand finale which will be held during the St Leger Festival at Doncaster on September 10.