JUST eight days after a fantastic third at Glorious Goodwood, Stars Over The Sea landed the feature race at Pontefract on Wednesday for Mark Johnston and Joe Fanning.

The third place last week came behind stablemate Fire Fighting and here the five-year-old was always in command under a well-judged ride from Fanning, with the well-supported 10-11 favourite pulling clear to romp home by five lengths from Mukhayyam.

Afterwards, the winning jockey said: "That was great, he's a nice big horse to ride and I love riding at Pontefract. It's been a lucky track over the years and one I always enjoying coming too."

It's a big weekend for the Leyburn-based rider as he's been nominated to be captain for the home team in the Shergar Cup at Ascot tomorrow.

The meeting features some of the best jockeys from around the world and Fanning said: "It's great to be asked and I'm looking forward to getting down there and soaking up the atmosphere.

"There will be great camaraderie in the weighing room and I'm particularly looking forward to racing against Hayley Turner for one last time, and hopefully beating her!"

Molecomb Stakes winner Yalta is likely to be supplemented for the Coolmore Nunthorpe at York.

Following two disappointing runs over six furlongs in the Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot and the July Stakes at Newmarket, the Exceed And Excel juvenile dropped to the minimum distance on the Sussex Downs last week and produced a dominant performance from the front under James Doyle.

Even trainer Johnston has admitted he was shocked by the performance, but he is now keen for Yalta to line up at Group One level on the Knavesmire on August 19, when he will receive a significant weight-for-age allowance from his elders.

"It was a blistering performance. I was quite shocked, actually," Johnston told At The Races.

"I was amazed how much early speed he had down the hill. Clearly five (furlongs) is his trip.

"I think the Gimcrack will probably be overlooked and, ground-dependent and well-being-dependent, he'll probably be supplemented for the Nunthorpe.

"Two-year-olds have got a good record in the race and he's a big, strong horse and was an early foal, so he's perhaps the ideal type for it."

ON Sunday, there is a chance for all to visit the impressive new yard of dual purpose trainer Philip Kirby as he opens the gates to his Green Oaks base at East Appleton, just a couple of miles away from Catterick racecourse.

The 100-acre farm has been turned into a fantastic purpose-built yard and Kirby is excited at what lies ahead, saying: "We had a great time in Middleham for three years, but having our own yard with such great facilities is fantastic."

The open morning gets underway at 10.30am, with lots going on, including a parade of horses and a Shetland Grand National.

Refreshments will be available and there will also be a cake stall in aid of the Yorkshire Air Ambulance.

Everyone is welcome and full details can be found at philkirbyracing.co.uk.