The fun and excitement of Good Friday's All-Weather Championship Finals Day began to fade away into the history books for another year and ten days later, the high quality action would be replaced by that of a more modest level. Racing returned to Gosforth Park with an eight race card which provided opportunities for the sport's lesser lights. The sport may be focusing on the Grand National and Guineas meetings, but for some of the horses on show here, this could be their Epsom Derby. The mid-afternoon meeting saw a good sized crowd and a bit of everything in terms of weather. 

Race One: The Downlaad The Raceday Ready App Handicap - Class Six - One Mile, Four Furlongs - Runners: 8

The action began with a ten furlong event for four year olds and older and there would be plenty of familiar faces amongst the lineup. The contest took in almost a full circuit of the Gosforth Park venue and would look a tight contest on paper.

The weights were headed by the returning Gastronomy, trained by Phil Kirby. The five year old fills the eye with his imposing height, but has made a habit of finishing fourth and fifth on a regular basis. The ever-present Jim Goldie team was well represented on the the afternoon and they saddled the mare Tafsir. The five year old put a string of placed efforts together on the turf and sand, but hadn't been seen since last November. Mark Loughnane's Starfighter brought some recent form to the table and posted one of his better efforts at Kempton four weeks ago. Spirit Of Ash is another with race fitness in her favour and all of her career wins have come at Newcastle, including her latest start in March. The Ewan Whillans-trained Desert Quest made a perfect start to this year by winning here in January, but was behind Spirit of Ash on their latest run. Yakhabar defeated the aforementioned Desert Quest in Feburary but has struggled with his current rating since then. He returned to renew rivalries. Simon Whitaker's Tiberio Force has plenty of placed form to his name and ran respectably over a short trip here last time. The Gillian Boanas stable was represented by Broctune Azure, a six year old who has achieved very little so far on track. 

Winner: YAKHABAR (#6) (Ulysses x End Of An Era) - B. Garritty - L. Bailey

A common feature of these kind of races at Newcastle is a steady early pace and this contest was no different as the field hacked around in the early stages. Broctune Azure got away to the best start and gradually made his way across from his wide stall to lead down the back straight. In behind, the likes of Yakhabar, Spirit Of Ash and Starfighter were close up with the keen going Desert Quest held up early on with the favourite Gastronomy stuck a little wider than ideal.

The group started to track towards the near side rail and at the halfway point of the home straight, the race began to change complexion. Early leader Broctune Azure weakened quickly and Yakhabar was well placed to take advantage. The five year old took over in the leader and kicked on. Gastronomy and Spirit Of Ash gave chase and made the final stages a little more exciting, but it was Yakhabar who had the race covered and held on to win by a neck over Gastronomy, Spirit of Ash and the never nearer Tafsir.

It would be a typical Newcastle winning ride by Billy Garritty as he kept things simple in the race. Tracking the early leader, the pair were always well positioned and Yakhabar gained first run on his rivals. It would be a second win of the year for the Liam Bailey-trained gelding having won back in January in an identical race.  

Race Two: The Get Raceday Ready Handicap - Class Six - One Mile, Two Furlongs - Runners: 12

The low grade action continued with this class six handicap over a slightly shorter trip than the first.

Moush topped the weights on his debut for the Liam Bailey yard. The former Jack Channon inmate has shown ability for the level in the past with five placings in his career. Phil Kirby's Busby took his place in the field under Hollie Doyle. The gelding had been getting closer with each run recently, going close in a similar race a few weeks ago. Iain Jardine's Bulls Aye is seen more often on the turf and won at Musselburgh in October. He would make just his fourth start on the all-weather surface in this event. The second Iain Jardine runner would be Midnight Lion who possessed some smart form as recently as last summer. Former Newcastle winner Dougies Dream made a return to Gosforth Park, this time stepping up in trip for trainer Nigel Tinkler and rider Alex Jary. The Rebecca Menzies-trained Indication Rocket broke his maiden at Newcastle last summer and would make his first start since September. We Still Believe has a decent record at Newcastle and placed over hurdles over the winter. The six year old made a good return to the flat with a second here last month. The lightly raced Golden Echo switched to handicaps from a low rating for Julie Camacho and had raced exclusively at Newcastle. Mr Heinz was in good heart when last seen in action and won over the straight mile in October. He made his first start since mid November when finishing fourth. JIm Goldie saddled Ana Emaraaty for another race at Newcastle and the gelding has run over a range of distances recently. He was a winner over a mile at the start of March. The ten year old Mr Coco Bean continues to run well in defeat this year, but hasn't threatened the winner recently. Scarriff made a return from a long absence as well as her debut for the Rebecca Menzies stable at Southwell last time out, but after a slow start she was never in the contest. 

Winner: MIDNIGHT LION (#4) (Nathaniel x Coyote) - P. Mulrennan - I. Jardine

The presence of some keen going horses in the field provided a quicker pace than usual. We Still Believe got away smartly and soon found himself pulling his jockey Jason Hart's arms out and strode on as if it were a sprint. The equally keen Indication Rocket was also lit up and kept a close eye on the leader and the pair began to take each other on. At the halfway point, there was already two groups of horses forming with those at the back in danger of not getting into contention.
Turning for home, the field began to spread three wide across the track with We Still Believe sticking to the far side, Indication Rocket choosing the central path and Midnight Lion running on the near side rail. Indication Rocket weakened quickly which left Midnight Lion to take over. Despite drifting left, the four year old got the better of We Still Believe and began to pull clear. In behind, the long priced Scarriff made plenty of headway from the rear to take second with a much improved run and Busby kept on nicely to take another placing, just ahead of We Still Believe who deserved his place in top four given his exploits.

The winner Midnight Lion was clearly well treated on his current rating given his past form. Trained by Charlie Johnston last year, the son of Nathaniel finished second in a class two maiden as a two-year-old and fourth in another class two as recently as July 2023. Moving to the shrewd Iain Jardine stable, the four year old ran over a range of trips through the winter including over two miles, but clearly found his optimum. He was always in a good position under Paul Mulrennan as he chased the two keen going leaders and was strong at the finish. 

Race Three: The Free Digital Racecard At Raceday-Ready.com Handicap - Class Four - One Mile, Two Furlongs - Runners: 7

The feature contest of the afternoon provided a competitive looking race with some talented sorts and others returning to action. 
The four year old Arkendale made his first start on the all-weather here with top weight. Ed Bethell's gelding was held in high regard at the start of his career. The Archie Watson-trained Aerospace has just three starts in three years and faced some Group One level horses in his maidens, but the five year old was very impressive in his own right when winning last time out. Tarjamah made his debut for the Tracey Waggott stable. The four year old filly was aimed at listed races last season for previous trainers John and Thady Gosden. Toshizou has yet to win for Roger Fell and Sean Murray since his arrival to Britain last year, but ran well in good company. The five year old made his seasonal reappearance on the turf at Doncaster a fortnight earlier. Loyal Touch returned to winning ways under a well judged Archie Young ride here last time and the pair were reunited once again with the aim of improving his already healthy all-weather record. Iain Jardine's Bashful has enjoyed a colourful career and has achieved success in both the flat and national hunt disciplines. After finishing second here in January, he went on to win two hurdle races and was back on the level here. The final runner in the lineup would be Westernesse. David O'Meara's gelding is a typically well placed horse in the colours of the Horse Watchers and since joining the yard last year, the gelding has finished in the top three on his last five starts. 

Winner: AEROSPACE (#2) (Sea The Stars x Talent) - H. Doyle - A. Watson

The very intriguing contest saw a close finish and a potentially smart horse to follow for the rest of the season. The early leader would unsurprisingly be a Charlie Johnston horse as Loyal Touch made a sensible gallop under Archie Young. The hot favourite Aerospace would be close up on the outside of the group along with Toshizou and Westernesse. The slow starting Bashful and Tarjamah brought up the rear as the field swooped around the home bend. 
The group came to the near side rail once again and the two leaders kept up their own private battle. Aerospace had bagged the running rail under Hollie Doyle and used it to his advantage to keep straight. Loyal Touch wouldn't back down from the fight however and approaching the final stages, there was still little in it. In the final few strides, Aerospace began to win the argument and stuck his neck out just in time to cross the line first. The brave Loyal Touch was a touch unlucky in second and Toshizou made in an exciting finish by finishing powerfully into a close third. There would be a long gap to the fourth placed Westernesse. 
It would be a second win in a row for the lightly raced Aerospace who looks to be making up for lost time. A son of Epsom Derby winner Sea The Stars and Epsom Oaks winner Talent, the five year old is beautifully bred and has the scope to rise further up the ladder. Finishing fourth on debut behind the Oaks runner up Emily Upjohn in 2021 and third behind the Great Voltigeur winner Deauville Legend in 2022, Aerospace got off the mark himself by over four lengths at Wolverhampton a month ago. He had to fight for this win here in a tougher race, but it confirmed his talent and attitude which will see him in good stead for the remainder of the season. 

Race Four: The Download The Racecourse App Raceday Ready Handicap - Class Six - Five Furlongs - Runners: 11

The focus would turn to the speedier sorts as this low grade sprint handicap took place with more well-travelled sorts. 
Tim Easterby's four year old Whisky McGonagall is relatively lightly raced and won for the only time at Musselburgh last summer. Following a long break, his best performance would be a runner up here in January. Herakles represented the Paul Midgley yard and won for the second time at Newcastle back in January. The Kevin Ryan-trained Belsito is another with not many miles on the clock and dropped to this class six level for the first time. Kevin Frost's Papa Don't Preach is a smart type on his day, including a seventh place in the Epsom Dash last year. He would be looking for a return to Newcastle to inspire a return to winning ways. Paul Midgley's eight year old Indian Sounds completed a quickfire double on the turf in June last year, but has been below his best on the all-weather recently. Tracey Waggott's Rainbow Rain enjoyed a profitable season last year and ended it strongly with a win and handful of placings at Newcastle. Bryan Smart's High Opinion won here back in November before running well in defeat at this level before the end of the year. Michael Dods's Stallone has been a standing dish at this level over the years and tasted success at Newcastle last time out and in January. The Linda Perratt stable often revitalise new recruits and Kitbag would be the latest to make his debut for the yard. The four year old won twice for the Channon family. Global Humor was a winner at the course back in Feburary under Jo Mason and the veteran had another leading lady in the saddle as Hollie Doyle took over. Seven time winner Mews House would have a leading chance on his older form, but Linda Perratt's sprinter has struggled recently.

Winner: WHISKEY MCGONAGALL (#1) (Camacho x Laila Honiwillow) - D. Allan - T. Easterby

The eleven strong field got away to a reasonably level break and the group immediately stuck to the centre of the track. Whiskey McGonagall showed bright early speed and led in the early stages as the likes of Herakles, Indian Sounds and Rainbow Rain breathed down the leader's neck. The pace was decent for this sprint handicap and the order had yet to change by the time they reached the final furlong. Whiskey McGonagall bravely fought off his nearest pursuers and was determined enough to cross the line in front. Herakles had chased him throughout the entire race but wasn't able to overtake the winner so settled for second while High Opinion did best of those held up early on by staying on into third, just in front Papa Don't Preach.

It would be a second career win for Tim Easterby's four year old who appears to have the mould of a course specialist. After winning for the first time at Musselburgh on the turf in July, he wasn't seen until the all-weather season in December. Chasing home an in-form The Caltonian, he backed that effort up with a display of speed and bravely to get off the mark in 2024. 

Race Five: The Get The Inside Track With Raceday-Ready.com Handicap - Class Six - One Mile - Runners: 12

The racing action returned to the far end of the straight with this one mile handicap, again at class six level but this time for three year olds.

The newly gelded Wonderful Lives swapped Lambourn for Middleham since his last run and made his handicap debut. Now trained by Ed Bethell, he finished midfield in his three novice race starts. Desert Raider showed his talent as a front runner by winning comfortably at Lingfield at the start of the year for Charlie Johnston, but has since moved to the Ian McInnes yard. He was far from disgraced on stable debut a week earlier. Diddy Man would be another horse with a new trainer and joined the Harriet Bethell stable since his last start. Running well in defeat, he went close on a few occasions last year. Sweet Soul Music went backwards from a pleasing debut last summer, but would be making his debut on the all-weather surface as well as over a mile for the Brian Ellison stable who regularly tastes success at this venue. Daragh Bourke's Redondo started the year strongly by winning on his handicap and stable debut before backing it up with a second place. He needed to bounce back from a poor run last time. Nigel Tinkler's Whatwouldiknow posted his best effort at this level on turf last summer and would be making a return to the track for the first time since September last year. The John Davies-trained Ideal Spirit ran in some warm looking novice events at the start of the year, running three times in a short spell. The colt enjoyed a small break and entered handicap company at a lowly level. The second Nigel Tinkler representative Patronage brought the most recent winning form to the table after finding a jolt of improvement to land an identical contest to this one a few weeks ago. In the process, he defeated the reopposing Loubiere. Rebecca Menzies's filly produced a career best run that day and would be a contender once again. Amazing Winnie hailed from the leading stable of Kevin Ryan, but the filly had yet to show star potential so far. Northern Cracksman finished third on two occasions at Newcastle with a below par run sandwiched between. However, that run came over twelve furlongs and he looks more of a natural over this trip. Lunar Rocks has improved for the switch to handicaps and finished in the frame on his last four starts, including on stable debut for the Mike Smith yard. The lineup was completed by Jim Goldie's filly Allergo Brillante, who was another handicap debutante having been well beaten in three starts on turf.

Winner: DIDDY MAN (#3) (Dandy Man x Milldale) - C. Hardie - H. Bethell

There would be drama before the race even took place as some of the runners became fractious in the parade ring. Ideal Dragon bolted as soon as Mark Winn was given the leg up and crashed into some plastic railings. Despite having a soft fall, Mark Winn was sent back to the weighing room and given the once over while Ideal Dragon was withdrawn from the race.

From the start, Loubiere and Diddy Man were the two to get away slowly, but the keen going outsider Allegro Brillante was eager to go home and led the group from the outset. Diddy Man would make a quick recovery and after switching to the far side to race alone, he moved into the lead under Cam Hardie. The place to be once again was in a prominent position and the likes of Northern Cracksman, Wonderful Lives and Patronage were all on the heels of the leader at the halfway stage. Diddy Man and Cam Hardie would kick on in the final furlong and gained a few length's advantage on the main group. Northern Cracksman would be the only one to challenge and the pair briefly jostled for the win. It would be Diddy Man who dug deep to score for the first time in his career. The son of Dandy Man raced eight times as a two year old last year for Tom Dascombe with a third place on the turf surpassed by a runner's up spot at Kempton in November. Stepping up to a mile on his debut for trainer Harriet Bethell, Diddy Man showed a willing attitude and could have more to offer. 

Race Six: The Tips For Every Race At Raceday-Ready.com Maiden Stakes - Class Five - One Mile - Runners: 13

The nature of maiden contests at Newcastle automatically made this race interesting, given the potential of unearthing a future star to follow the likes of Enable, Stradivarius and Mostahdaf. The contest over a mile fell at a good time in the calendar with plenty of potential improvers to gain a win before the turf season takes full flight.

Karl Burke's Gunlock is a four year old in the field with an Amerian based pedigree. He made a belated debut last month and ran respectably to take home second. The locally trained Jamie's Choice comes from a talented family, but was always behind following a slow start here back in September. Run Simba was now in the care of a third different trainer and had more experience than most in the field. Emmemmcee ran for the Nigel Tinkler stable but achieved very little on track last summer in two starts. Georgie Wooster would make her racecourse bow for trainer Tim Easterby and came from a decent family. Grant Tuer's Jesmond Dawn ran well on debut last year, but would be bogged down in heavy ground at Catterick a week ago. The Nicola and David Barron-trained Meade Gold finished best of the rest in a novice here last time and faced some potentially above average rivals that day. The returning Midnite Storm lined up for Kevin Ryan and went close on his final two starts, confirming the potential shown. Ewan Whillan's Millbuie would be another in the field with a couple of starts under his belt, but wasn't able to trouble the judge. The curiously named Old Cock made his debut for the Ed Bethell stable, representing a leading stable in the North. It would be the start of a massive week for the Lucinda Russell stable and they would  be represented by the newcomer Racing Vicar, an already gelded type from a decent family. Zain Blue would bring the best form to the table having finished second in the Convivial at York, Europe's richest maiden race of the year. The only three year old filly in the lineup would be the William Haggas newcomer Admired Hope, a half sister to the top class Garswood. 

Winner: GUNLOCK (#1) (Into Mischief x Samsational) - B. Wilkie - K. Burke

The worst of the rain began to fall just as the gates opened, but conditions wouldn't faze many of the horses. From the outset, Jesmond Dawn cut out the early running, but had some well fancied rivals on his tail. Midnite Storm, Gunlock and Zain Blue all used their previous experience to grab a prominent position. Approaching the final stages of the race, Gunlock moved forward into an outright lead. The four year old then kicked away under Brandon Wilkie to go clear at a crucial stage. He would still show inexperience as he briefly hesitated in changing gear, but Wilkie gave the gelding a strong ride. Midinite Storm gave chase in vain but left it too late while Zain Blue was slightly below his best in third and the newcomer Old Cock stayed on nicely into fourth.

The winner Gunlock has assumedly had some issues as he didn't make it to the track until the month before as a four year old. With an American pedigree, he was expected to perform well on the artificial surface and he proved that. Gunlock made his debut in a similar race in March and did most of the donkey work in the early stages before getting outpaced by the winner. 
Held onto for a little longer this time, the new riding style suited and he gained a first win. He will need to confirm his ability on turf, but he could be a useful type in the near future.  

Race Seven: The Download The Raceday Ready App Confined Handicap (Div 1)  - Class Six - Seven Furlongs - Runners: 12

The finale to the meeting would be well contested due to the nature of the conditions. The handicap was limited to horses who had not won a race since the end of the turf season in November 2023. The race would give an opportunity for those who have a spent time in the doldrums to return to the winner's circle. Division one saw a full quota of twelve runners. 

Captain Vallo would head the weights for the Phil Makin yard and had been a regular on the all-weather scene this winter. He would make a rare start over seven furlongs here. The long absent Breaking Records represented the Maurice Barnes stable. The nine year old was last seen in action over hurdles ten months ago and this would be his first start on the flat since June 2021. The Ben Haslam yard would be represented by Violeta has run well at Newcastle in the past and had the hopes of better luck back at the course. The Mick and David Easterby-trained Musical Masquerade began life in National Hunt "bumpers", but failed to beat a rival and so far it had been a similar story on the flat. Northbound is a former winner at Newcastle for his previous trainer, but had run well since joining the Peter Niven yard. Marie's Jewel is clearly versatile with distance having finished a good second over six furlongs last time out and seven furlongs in January. Odd Socks Havana is part of the furniture here and has often filled the placings during the winter for Rebecca Menzies. Written Broadcast was a decent prospect as a young horse, but has now become an all-weather inhabitant as he is often seen on this surface. David Thompson's Secret Daay began to turn the corner in his career when switching to the all-weather and placed in all three of his starts in January. Variety Island has a more inconsistent look to his profile, but has a decent at Newcastle where he also won for the only time so far. Tristan Davidson's Coconut Bay had run over a range of distances recently but was coming back into form and arrived here on the back of a good second at Southwell. The field was completed by Darker for the Ruth Carr stable. The five year old was still a maiden but seemed to have a habit of finishing fifth or sixth.

Winner: ODD SOCKS HAVANA (#7) (Havana Gold x Hamlool) - C. Rodriguez - R. Menzies

The race would get underway to a relatively level break and by the finish, there would plenty of chances at the winning post. 
The returning Breaking Records was surprisingly sharp enough to get a good start and make the early running. In behind, he had the likes of Coconut Bay, Musical Masquerade and Northbound all in close proximity as the field made their way home. Musical Masquerade and Coconut Bay would play musical chairs in the lead as they swapped positions at the halfway stake as Breaking Records quickly emptied out. It would leave Coconut Bay in front but the challengers came from either side. Odd Socks Havana had made good headway from the rear and his noseband nudged ahead to finish best of all and take to the top step of the podium. Coconut Bay was always prominent and deserved his second while Darker showed he is ready to strike soon with a staying on third from the rear. The first time blinkers helped to improve Musical Masquerade as he took fourth at the finish. 

A blanket could have been thrown over the ten runners, given the close promixity of them all. Just three lengths covered the first ten finishers which confirms that even at a lowly level, the racing at Newcastle is always entertaining. There would be a large group of delighted owners to welcome back Odd Socks Havana to the winners' enclosure and the six year old deserved the plaudits having finished in the top four at Newcastle on his five starts since January 1st. 

Race Eight: The Download The Raceday Ready App Confined Handicap (Div 2)  - Class Six - Seven Furlongs - Runners: 11

The final event on the card was fully booked so the race was split into two halves. The second division see a closely-knit field of eleven going to post. 

The ten year old Anif has shown some signs of regression for the Michael Herrington stable but was a winner over the course and distance thirteen months ago. Smalleytime won on his second career start for his previous trainer, but since then that win has appeared to be a flash in the pan compared to his subsequent exploits. Elizabeth's Joy showed hints of ability on the turf last summer but after a break and switch to the all-weather, Ann Duffield's four year old failed to progress. Amaysmount has run over a range of trips recently and stayed on well into fourth last time out. Sydney Bay brought some recent winning form to the table after winning twice in October. Geoff Harker's five year old has been lightly raced since then. Seb Spencer's Crocodile Power has run well in defeat over a variety of distances and has gone close over this seven furlong trip. Sound Of Iona enjoyed a memorable campaign during 2022, but those highs feel like a long time ago now as Jim Goldie's mare has struggled in recent months. The veteran mare Dandys Gold has finished second here twice since Feburary and is an admirable sort. Ruth Carr's Shotley Royale has raced just seven times so far, but shown a regressive profile recently. The four year old Barossa has shown brief glimpses of ability by finishing third twice in his career and had the assistance of Faye McManoman. The modestly rated Maddisonelle has shown next to nothing with the exception of a fourth here back in January and the Gillian Boanas-trained filly rounded out the field. 

Winner: SMALLEYTIME (#2) (Tamayuz x Into The Lane) - A. Breslin - B. Haslam

The well backed Crocodile Power would give favourite backers a scare as he was slightly awkward from his stall. He managed to retain a good position in the pack under Jack Enright as Elizabeth's Joy would be the early outright leader. Sound Of Iona, Dandys Gold, Smalleytime and Sydney Bay were others to race prominently under an even pace. 

The bright green colours of Smalleytime edged forward under Andrew Breslin and took over from Elizabeth's Joy in the lead. From the rear thoiugh, Barossa had made stealthy progress from the back and arrived on the scene in contention. The Faye McManoman-ridden gelding challenged Smalleytime in the final strides and the pair cross the line together. The dreaded klakon sounded to signify a steward's enquiry regarding the first and second. As the jury deliberated, Smalleytime had drifted slightly into Barossa's lane, but there wasn't any contact between the horses. The results stayed as they were and it would be a second win for Smalleytime. 
The son of Tamayuz appears to make a habit of causing a surprise when winning as he won here at 20-1 to go with his maiden race win at 40-1. Having finished last or second last in his previous five starts, his rating dropped to 55, a full 22 pounds since his highest rating last August. Despite the rain, it was Smalleytime's moment in the sun.