Dubai: Former British champion jockey Jim Crowley banished the ghosts of star sprinter Battaash’s shock defeat in the Group 1 Nunthorpe Stakes on Friday to win the Ebor Handicap in emphatic fashion on the final day of York’s famous Ebor meeting on Saturday.

Battaash, who was hoping to establish himself as the potential champion sprinter of the year, could only finish fourth behind the surprise winner, Alpha Delphini in the Nunthopre, one of the major sprint contests on the British racing calendar.

But Muntahaa, who like Battaash, is owned by Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance, duly compensated with a scintillating victory on the Knavesmire under a confident ride by Crowley.

Stable companion Weekend ran on for second with Sea The Lion looking impressive in third.

Favourite Stratum finished out of the money in the £500,000 feature.

Speaking of the tactics suggested by Muntahaa’s handler John Gosden, Crowley told ITV Racing: “The plan was to stay wide and then slip in it {is a tactic that} just suits some horse.

“He’s a very talented horse and he’s capable of going up in grade. He’s a classy individual.”

Meanwhile, in-form Godolphin handler Charlie Appleby continued to stockpile the riches at York’s when he saddled Ghostwatch to win the Melrose Handicap.

Appleby saddled the first two home, Old Persoan and Cross Counter, in the valuable Great Voltigeur Stakes on the opening day, and followed it up by capturing the mile and five furlong Melrose with a horse that would appear to have a very bright future.

A three-year-old son of Darley’s pride and joy, Dubawi, Ghostwatch earned an automatic entry into next year’s £1million Ebor Handicap on the strength of Saturday’s win.

And although a lot can happen in the next 12 months, the bonus will no doubt be something that Appleby with always have at the back of his mind.

Interestingly, the Godolphin handler won the Melrose last year with Secret Advisor and repeated the feat with a horse that was posting a third career win.

Appleby’s stable jockey, William Buick, rode a copy-book race aboard Ghostwatch position him never too far off the pace set by Mekong, the mount of Daniel Tudhope, before pushing his mount to lead in the final furlong, a position that he held on to despite a closing pack.

Supernova, ridden by Jamie Spencer, came from the back to clinc second with Proschema, Mekong and Berkshire Blue running on for the third to fifth places.

Buick told ITV Racing: “He hasn’t really done a lot wrong. He’s just lugged in behind a couple of times and stuff like that, probably that was through greenness. He really concentrated today.

“From where we were I was always going to have to commit some way out. He was there to be shot at, but he stuck at it well. He showed today he’s a strong stayer and that’s his forte. He’s one to look forward to for next year.”

Commenting on next year’s Ebor invitation, where he is a 16/1 chance with race sponsor SkyBest, Buick said: “I’m sure it will. Those staying races are very important now with incentives and bonuses like the one Stradivarius won yesterday. He’s got a fair way to go to be that class, of course. There are plenty of options open for him.”

Meanwhile, Expert Eye saw off the always-threathening Gordon Lord Byron to win the City of York Stakes after Lord Glitters landed a first Group-race success in the Strensall Stakes.