Sunday proves a winner for York

York's first Sunday meeting yesterday pulled in a crowd of more than 22,500. James Brennan, the course's market manager, described the figure as "excellent", adding: "We are delighted with the way things have worked out. It looks like Sunday racing is here to stay."

York's first Sunday meeting yesterday pulled in a crowd of more than 22,500. James Brennan, the course's market manager, described the figure as "excellent", adding: "We are delighted with the way things have worked out. It looks like Sunday racing is here to stay."

But favourite backers were less pleased, with the first four market leaders all beaten before Pacific Alliance (7-1) came to their rescue.

Kevin Darley extended his lead over Pat Eddery in the jockeys' title race to 15 when he landed the Quintin Gilbey Silver Trophy on Style Dancer. Eddery was riding in Germany, but Richard Quinn, the third championship contender, drew a blank and is now 17 adrift of Darley, favourite to be champion.

Gary Carter was banned for five days (12-16 September inclusive) for irresponsible riding of a "major nature'' aboard unplaced Ryefield in the Polo Supermint Handicap. He will miss will miss the entire Ayr Gold Cup meeting next week.

Vicious Dancer earned a tilt at Saturday's Flying Childers Stakes at Doncaster when he trotted up by eight lengths in the finale.

John Gosden, who landed Kempton's top event, the Listed Sirenia Stakes, with Santolina, also scooped York's major prize, the £18,525 York Stakes, with Sharp Stepper.