The next multi-day meeting of the 2025 flat campaign sees the action head north for the York Ebor Festival. Kicking off on Wednesday and concluding on Saturday the four-day fixture is littered with highlights.
Day one belongs to the outstanding Juddmonte International, the fillies and mares take their turn in the spotlight in the Yorkshire Oaks on day two, the Sky Bet City Of York Stakes dominates day four, and the titular handicap takes centre stage on the concluding Saturday.
Intriguing events, one and all, but the day three feature of the Coolmore Wootton Bassett Nunthorpe Stakes may steal the limelight. Offering £600,000 in prize money, this Group 1, 5f contest presents the ultimate clash of the generations. Whilst it is far from unusual to see the Classic generation of three-year-olds tackle their elders, very few races also allow two-year-olds to enter the fray.
Given the difference in physical maturity between juveniles and runners aged three and above, very few two-year-olds have contested the Nunthorpe Stakes. Even fewer have succeeded in outpacing their elders. However, in 2025, not only is a youngster set to take her place in the line-up, but the market suggests she is the horse they all have to beat.
Lady Iman Bids for Win Number Five
Sired by July Cup and Duke Of York Clipper Logistics Stakes winner, Starman, and a half-sister to the George Scott-trained sprinting star West Acre, Lady Iman is bred to make her presence felt on the sprinting scene.
In five career outings, the Ger Lyons-trained star is well on her way to surpassing those pedigree hopes. Kicking off with an effortless win at Dundalk, she followed up when mastering recent Phoenix Stakes 1-2 Power Blue and True Love in a Listed event at the Curragh. Stepped into Group company following that win, Group 3 victories in the Coolmore Stud Irish EBF Blackbeard Sprint Stakes and Molecomb Stakes sandwiched a runner-up effort in the Airlie Stud Stakes.
Lady Iman looked to have her stamina tested in that Airlie Stud Stakes over 6f and may have run into a superstar in the shape of Aidan O’Brien’s Beautify. Over the 5f trip of the Nunthorpe, her record stands at a perfect three wins from as many outings, and she oozed class at Goodwood last time out.
Trainer Unsure but Owners Can’t Resist
Following that win at the Qatar Goodwood Festival, it isn’t surprising to see Lady Iman in the Nunthorpe Stakes mix. Nevertheless, Ger Lyons didn’t sound particularly keen on the idea when commenting that he “doesn’t like babies taking on older horses.”
In contrast, owners Anne, Tony, Henry, and Roger O’Callaghan appear to be of the opinion that if you aren’t in it, you can’t win it. Summing up the family’s decision to take a shot at glory, Roger O’Callaghan stated:
“Sometimes in racing we’re all afraid to have a go. But why? Why not have a lash? If it doesn’t happen, so what? At least we can say we’ve had a shot at it.”
A Tough Task, but Not an Impossible One
Heading the betting at a best price of 4/1, the market suggests that Lady Iman has every chance of proving herself the quickest of them all. History paints a slightly different picture. Since the inaugural edition of 1922, only five two-year-olds have won the Nunthorpe Stakes.
If successful, Lady Iman will become the first youngster to prevail since Kingsgate Native in 2007 and the first juvenile filly to come home in front since Lyric Fantasy in 1992.
Talented Rivals Lie in Wait
Lady Iman has one significant factor in her favour, namely the weight conditions of the Nunthorpe Stakes. While the four-year-olds must carry 9st10lb or 9st13lb, depending on their sex, and the three-year-olds 9st8lb or 9st11lb, Lady Iman will shoulder a mere 8st on the day. That weight rules out regular partner Colin Keane, handing a Group 1 opportunity to veteran rider Joe Fanning, who is one of only a few riders who can make such a low weight.
Receiving 22lb and more from her rivals gives Lady Iman a chance. However, the rising star will still need to be at her best to conquer a quality field expected to include:
- Arizona Blaze – Hot on the heels of a famous big-race double in the Phoenix Stakes and Phoenix Sprint Stakes, Irish trainer Adrian Murray takes aim at this Group 1 prize. Successful in Group 3 and Group 2 company, could this be the day Arizona Blaze claims an elusive Group 1?
- Asfoora – This Aussie mare is no stranger to top-level success, having blazed to victory in the 2024 King Charles III Stakes at Royal Ascot. Not beaten far when fourth in this race 12 months ago, she is likely to be in the mix once again
- Sayidah Dariyan – Having recently grabbed a first Group 1 success with No Half Measures in the July Cup, Richard Hughes has his eye on another top-level sprint. Hughes won this race as a rider in 2003 and 2004 and has high hopes for this filly, who won the Group 3 Summer Stakes at this track in July
Can Lady Iman add her name to the exclusive list of juvenile winners, or will this prove to be a step too far? All eyes on the Knavesmire for what promises to be a fascinating contest and a bold bid for glory from this exceptional horse’s owners.