Sir Busker claims biggest career win after beating Dubai Honour for York Stakes glory
Sir Busker ridden by Oisin Murphy
William Knight’s Sir Busker, so often the sideshow in major races, claimed his biggest win to date after edging out the Champion Stakes runner-up Dubai Honour in the York Stakes.
The six-year-old was competing over 10 furlongs for the first time, having spent most of his career chasing such rivals as Palace Pier and Baaeed over a mile.
While he has enjoyed the occasional big day in the spotlight, those successes came behind closed doors with none of his Kennet Valley Thoroughbred members able to cheer him home.
That was not the case at Ascot as he powered to a famous victory after a fearsome battle with William Haggas' Dubai Honour.
The eventual winner dug deep for Ben Curtis and ultimately held out for the verdict by no more than a nose.
"I'm very proud and just so pleased for the horse," said Knight of the 15/2 winner.
"He's deserved that, he's run some massive races over the last couple of years and it's so nice to get his head in front in a big one.
What a finish!
— Racing TV (@RacingTV) July 23, 2022
The admirable Sir Busker has run so many fine races in defeat and strikes on his first start at 10 furlongs, landing the £125,000 Sky Bet York Stakes for @WKnightRacing ? @_benacurtis | @yorkracecourse pic.twitter.com/dT4v21dwhu
"He's obviously loved the step up to a mile and a quarter - we probably should have done it earlier!
"I thought it was a competitive race, but I thought we looked a big price this morning if the step up in trip worked.
"We put him in the Juddmonte thinking if he won today it would look silly if we weren't in it. It's such good prize money and it will have to be seriously considered. He's picked up a lot of money for coming placed in his career."
