History was made in the York Stayers' Handicap yesterday on Knavesmire.

The two-and-a-half-mile race was the first to be staged over the new track extension which gives the course a complete circuit as opposed to its previous horseshoe layout.

A total of 20 runners went to post and there was a good finish to the contest, with the Michael Kinane-ridden Vicars Destiny (4-1 favourite) catching Restart right on the line to triumph by a neck.

Sue Lamyman, trainer of the winning horse, said: "Vicars Destiny needs this sort of distance and we might come back here for the Royal Ascot at York meeting.

"But if the ground is firm she wouldn't run because she prefers softer ground."

Updated: 10:58 Friday, May 13, 2005