The day Sarawat landed massive coup

Many a gamble has been successfully executed in the Ebor’s long and illustrious history, but few can rank with Sarawat’s swashbuckling success in 1993.

The Slip Anchor gelding had appeared to be firmly in the handicapper’s grip before the famous 1m6f handicap on the Knavesmire, but a switch to Reg Akehurst’s stable from Mary Reveley just weeks before the big race produced an astonishing upturn in form.

Backed from 40-1 to 14-1, the Stewart Aitken-owned horse was in cruise control when he took up the running from Million In Mind at the top of the straight, and quickly swept clear passing the three-furlong marker.