To win my first Group One race is incredibly special – to do it at my local track York, where I lost my claim, and for my boss Michael Dods, is just the stuff of dreams.

You might have seen from the TV pictures that I may have shed the odd tear following Mecca’s Angel’s win in the Coolmore Nunthorpe. Well, it was a huge relief and the emotions came pouring out.

Readers of this column will know what high regard I hold this filly in. I’d been banging on all season about how I thought she would give me my first Group One winner.

Things hadn’t gone her way this season, but Michael has been incredibly patient in waiting for the right ground. That’s paid off and I’m so thrilled that Michael is also notching his first winner at the highest level.

The race couldn’t have gone any better. She was in great form down at the start, buzzing. She was trying to kick everything in her path!

She jumped great and travelled well. I always had the American horse, Acapulco, in my eyes and she gave me a good lead inside the final-furlong pole. I was always worried as Acapulco only had eight stone, so I wanted to keep tabs on her. My filly is so tough and wore her down. When the ground comes right for her she’s very special, simply awesome.

She’s proved she is the real deal.

I reckon she could stay six furlongs. I said to Michael that it’s a shame the July Cup is run in the summer as I reckon she’d win that.

I know the Betfred Ebor is one of the most competitive races of the season, but I go in to the race with plenty of confidence.

Astronereus has a massive chance, but of course we could have been drawn better in stall 18.

Nobody wants to be trapped out wide without cover, and those drawn middle to low are always in a better position.

That said, the ground has come right for him and he’s basically been in great form all season.

My other ride today is Hernandoshideaway in the Betfred Melrose Stakes. I think I am correct in saying that he was the last horse by Hernando to go through the ring and he really is a gorgeous looking horse.

He showed a good attitude at Pontefract last time and with two wins from four starts he hasn’t done much wrong.

He is tough, and has a good cruising speed, which means he can travel – you don’t want to slob around York. Some good stayers have won the Melrose and hopefully he can develop in to one of those in time.

I was really pleased to see Easton Angel back to her best when third in the Lowther Stakes on Thursday. I think it is fair to say that we learned she probably would be better back down at five furlongs and something like the Flying Childers at Doncaster would suit. At the furlong pole they just got away from her, and she’s not getting any slower. If anything she’s quicker.

Besharah picked up really well and stayed on. It is amazing to think that at that point William Haggas had won half the races at the meeting. His horses are flying.

Paul is sponsored by leading racing broadcaster Racing UK, which recently launched its Day Pass. The new service enables racing fans to watch a day’s action for a one-off fee of £10. Visit racinguk.com/daypass and watch today!