Hesperis tipped to shine at Thirsk handicap

Hesperis can make the long journey from Hughie Morrison’s stable to North Yorkshire worthwhile by taking the Patrick Hibbert-Foy Memorial Handicap at Thirsk.

The Dubawi filly has gone up 12lb for winning her last two starts, both at Ffos Las, but there is no doubt she is on the upgrade.

She goes up to the next level, but this mile-and-ahalf event looks well within her means after she trotted up by four and a quarter lengths on the last occasion.

Benzema can strike in the Ideal Conference & Events Venue @thirskraces Nursery Handicap, though the David O’Meara-trained youngster has yet to hit the target in five starts.

World champion Lewis Hamilton said he was grateful to be alive following his extraordinary crash with Max Verstappen at the Italian Grand Prix.

Hamilton and Verstappen collided for the second time in five races in Monza following another tantalising chapter of Formula One’s best championship battle of recent memory.

Verstappen was deemed at fault for the coming-together and punished with a three-place grid penalty at the next round in Russia.

Seven-time world champion Hamilton was able to walk away, complaining only of a stiff neck and soreness.

However, three hours after the accident, Hamilton admitted he was still in pain and said he will be forced to seek medical attention ahead of the next round in Sochi on September 26.

The British driver, pictured emerging from his car after the crash, said: “I have been racing a long, long time. I am so grateful I am still here.

“I feel incredibly blessed that someone was watching over me today.”

Daniel Ricciardo took advantage of the accident to claim McLaren’s first victory since the 2012 Brazilian Grand Prix.

The Australian driver led home a one-two finish for the British team, with Lando Norris taking a careerbest second.