Sir Xaar just edged out Johannes in an exciting renewal of the Ripon Champion Two Yrs Old Trophy at the North Yorkshire track.

The locally-trained duo dominated the betting for the six-furlong listed contest at 2-1 favourite and 5-2 respectively, and it was a similar story in the race itself with Johannes making the running tracked by his market rival.

The Philip Robinson-ridden Sir Xaar threw down a strong challenge at the furlong pole and looked set to go clear but he faced a worthy opponent in Johannes, who pushed the market leader all the way to the line.

The winning distance was a neck with three and a half lengths back to the third, Campbeltown.

''I'm thrilled to bits. He's a very tough horse,'' said Sir Xaar's Thirsk-based trainer Bryan Smart. ''I lost the plot running him over seven furlongs because he doesn't stay. He's in the Mill Reef at Newbury but it depends on the ground - he wants good, fast ground.''

Robinson added: ''He's a real battler and he'll definitely make a three-year-old.

''It was a hell of an effort by the second horse. He set a good gallop, I went by him but he just wouldn't give up.''

David Nicholls, who trains at the other side of Thirsk to Smart, was pleased with Johannes' run.

He said: ''The winner was beaten five lengths in the Gimcrack so it was a top drawer effort.

''That may be his last run of the year because he wants fast ground and I wouldn't want to run him on soft.''

Borderlescott drifted right across the full width of the track from his number one draw in the Billy Nevett Memorial Handicap but that proved no bar to success as the 4-1 favourite romped home under top weight.

In the early stages those drawn high had the call with Wonderful Mind and Knot In Wood disputing the lead on the far side with Almaty Express and Borderlescott prominent against the stand rail.

Almaty Express began to drift towards the centre with Royston Ffrench following on the eventual winner but drew clear to beat Knot In Wood in great style by three and a half lengths.

Winning trainer Robin Bastiman has always held the gelding in high regard. He said: ''He's a good horse and he's got an engine. He doesn't show it at home but it's there.

''I'll have to run him again quickly. On a Monday you've got a fortnight before they run off their new mark.

''He isn't in anywhere yet but I'm sure I'll find one somewhere for him.''

Granston benefited from a good ride from Graham Gibbons to take the Ripon Rowells Handicap for James Bethell and in doing so evoked memories of one of the trainer's former stable stars.

Gibbons settled the 15-2 chance on the inside just off a good pace set by San Antonio and Leo's Lucky Star and waited until approaching the final furlong before unleashing his mount.

Bethell's charge quickened well to take the lead and still had enough in reserve to hold the late challenge of Langford by a length.

''I haven't won this race since Hunters Of Brora 11 years ago,'' declared Bethell on greeting the winner. ''Graham rode him very well. It's amazing how well they go when a fellow gets confidence.

''San Antonio beat us in the Jubilee in May and I thought he was going to beat us again.''

Saleem Golam, who rode the runner-up, was banned for three days (September 9, 10 and 11) for careless riding after he was found guilty of causing interference to the unplaced Tough Love.

There was an exciting finish to the Bank Holiday Is For Racing Selling Stakes with three horses almost inseparable as they flashed across the line.

But after studying the photo the judge announced Magnolia Blossom the short-head winner from Upthedowns with just a head back to the third, Madam Cantyre.

The principals were three of the eight horses who raced on the favoured far side.

They had the six-furlong contest to themselves throughout the final furlong with the Richard Fahey-trained Magnolia Blossom just proving the stronger.

''I bred this one myself. She's by Superior Premium out of Cautious Joe, my one and only mare,'' said Fahey. ''I trained both the sire and the dam.

''I don't want to lose her for sentimental reasons.''

And he was in luck as there was no bid for the winner at the post-race auction.

Ffrench went on to complete a 104-1 double after making all the running on Ellerslie Tom in the Family Day Maiden Stakes.