The fun and festivities of Christmas had settled down and the focus would now be directed at the upcoming new year. As the thrills and spills of National Hunt's high quality racing brought the most viewing, a nine race card would take place at Newcastle where the quality would come at the opposite end of the talent spectrum.
It would be the final meeting at Gosforth Park of 2024 and brought a busy yet successful calendar year to an end. The highest profile races would come later in the evening with a pair of class four handicaps over six furlong and seven furlongs. Elsewhere, there would be a duo of well contested juvenile contests; a nursery handicap and a novice race. With class five and class six contests also on the menu, there would be plenty of familiar faces returning to Newcastle for one last time this year.

Race One: The BetUK: It's Where The UK Bets Handicap - Class Five - One Mile, Two Furlongs - Runners:
The day's action would start as the sun began to set with this class five handicap over ten furlongs. Open to horses over the age of three and rated between 0-70, it would provide a diverse field and led to a competitive contest. Despite its all age status, this race has been won by three-year-olds for the last two years. In 2022, the Ian Williams-trained Dream Harder completed a quickfire hat-trick at the time before twelve months ago, the grey Blue Yonder landed his third win of the year for the Richard Fahey stable.

The weights would be headed by the Jedd O'Keeffe-trained Percy Wills, who has been a regular at Newcastle in recent seasons. The six year old was last successful in October, but has been held in both starts since; including here. Next up would be Kaaranah for the John Butler yard. He has worked his way back into form and posted  a better effort last time out over course and distance when third. Another runner returning to Newcastle would be Alan Brown's Urban Road, who won here at the start of the month and was then luckless last time out. The Jim Goldie-trained Alpine Sierra ended a drought by scoring over course and distance a few weeks ago. It would be a continuation of a good run of form. The first of the three year olds would be Phone Tag for the Kevin Frost stable. The gelding has run well on a couple of occasions since moving to his current yard and shaped with promise last time out here. The five year old Shamardal Star would represent the Adrian Keatley stable and his career started brightly initially, but his form has taken a few knocks recently. Another Malton yard with a runner here would be Richard Fahey with Life On The Rocks. The gelding rattled in four wins during the summer, but his record on the all-weather isn't as strong. The locally based stable of David Thompson would saddle Berry Edge, another Newcastle regular who won here in October on penultimate start and was last seen in action at the end of that month. Richard Fahey would be doubly represented in this contest with the three year old Rainwater looking to repeat last year's running. The gelding has improved recently and won for the first time in November at Wolverhampton before finishing in the frame on his latest two starts. A second runner for the David Thompson yard would be Cusack, who was in good form at the start of this year but has been slow to come to form this winter. Jim Goldie would be another trainer with multiple runners and saddled the consistent Humble Spark, who has won three times this year. A reliable sort at this distance, he failed to stay the extra two furlongs last time out. The next three year old in the field would be Overlooked for trainer Harriet Bethell. Despite remaining a maiden, the gelding has been running well without threatening and stepped back up in distance here. The seven year old Russian Virtue won plenty of times over hurdles and on the flat, including at Newcastle on numerous occasions. Having left the Rebecca Menzies stable, he finished in the midfield last time on debut for the David Thompson yard. Powerful Response's sole win on the all-weather came here over a shorter trip eighteen months, but Geoff Harker's four year old was caught late home by Alpine Sierra. Charlie Fellowes's Falcon Nine is another maiden in the field and made the journey from Newmarket here. The four year old has run well at Newcastle recently, finishing fourth behind Urban Road last time out. A second runner for the John Butler stable would be Rock Armour, a three year old who has improved towards the end of his first season of racing. The three year old finished second here in November and has added two more placings at the course since then. The Ben Haslam-trained Sandret has been a solid servant for the yard over the years but his form has a patchy look to it nowadays. Despite this, the eight year old posted one of his better efforts when second here over a mile. Another eight year old veteran in the line up would be Dundory for the Micky Hammond stable. He has won six times in the past, but isn't the force of old nowadays. His latest runs have been low key on the all-weather. Hot Team is nearing his hundredth career start and Pat Morris's gelding enjoyed a profitable summer this year. He would return to action a couple of weeks ago following a small break and ran with credit here last time out. The lightly weighted Charlie's Choice represented the David Simcock yard and arrived on an upward curve. The four year old was successful on his latest start, a third time in total this year. 

Winner:

Race Two: The BetMGM: It's Showtime Irish EBF Novice Stakes - 2-Y-O Only - Class Five - Six Furlongs - Runners:

Next up would be a novice contest over six furlongs, but all horses involved would be classed as juveniles for the final time as they all turn into three-year-olds on New Year's Day. Races of this nature often see horses with plenty of previous experience searching for a first win as well as late blooming types who would make their debut at this late stage of the year. In 2023, there would be a small field to contest the race, but the outcome went to Filly One, trained by Geoff Oldroyd. She would remain unbeaten at the time, but has yet to return to action since. 

A maximum field of twelve would go to post for what looked set to be a decent looking novice. The racecard was headed by a previous winner who was making his return to action. Hugo Palmer's Dubai Bling quickened well to cause an upset on debut at Haydock, but has been beaten twice since; most recently in a listed race when last seen in July. The other winner in the lineup had more recent experience. The filly Showering represented the William Haggas stable and is from a classy family. She was well on top to make a winning debut over course and distance three weeks ago. The first of the maidens would Crackinthunder from the Jim Goldie yard. The gelding has raced twice here already, but looks to be a longer term handicap prospect. Similar comments apply to the Tracey Waggott-trained Diamond Dude, who is another to struggle at this level in two starts and will find lower grade handicaps easier. Nigel Tinkler's runner El Cobre Fuego is bred to make a sharp juvenile, but only made his debut at the start of the month. He showed minor promise before weakening away here on debut. The Tim Easterby stable would be represented by Fan Mail, a cheaply bred runner who is another to struggle in his initial races and would make his first start since August. Richard Fahey would saddle the gelding Goldrush Glory, who is related to some top sprinters and showed a little bit of ability when sixth on debut at Southwell just over a week ago. The Linda Perratt stable often finds success at Gosforth Park and would rely on Nave Force in this race. Despite coming from a good family, the gelding was slow to start on debut and was never involved at Southwell. Mark Walford's Oilisa made his debut in the same race as Showering here at the start of the month, but was unable to land a blow. The experience of that outing will be valuable though. The Richard Fahey stable would have potentially better hopes with their newcomer Rainbow Nebula, a gelding who is related to a smart sort on the all-weather in France. The first of two newcomers from the Karl Burke stable would be the colt Rebel's Gamble, who carried the Clipper Logistics silks. He is well bred as a half brother to the talented Nahaarr. He would be joined by The Watcher, another colt from the Middleham stable who is a close relation to Sisyphean, a winner at Newcastle earlier in the year. The first of the fillies in the lineup would be the Archie Watson-trained Blue Empress. After debuting in a strong novice at York in May, she made a promising return to action when chasing home Showering in a similar race at the start of December. Another leading yard would be represented as Andrew Balding sent up Commendation for this contest. The filly's pedigree stretches back to Group winners of recent years, but she had performed moderately so far on track. The Nick Bradley Racing-owned Hardlass lined up here for trainer Grant Tuer and would be another to return from an absence. She was last seen on track in July, but improved from her debut. Peter Niven would be another small scale stable taking on the big guns in this contest as he saddled Little Beck Annie here. The daughter of Adaay returned home in midfield in a lesser quality contest here recently. Completing the lineup would be the David and Nicola Barron-trained Martha Costello. The filly would be another to make her all-weather debut here having finished seventh on both starts to date, both at Thirsk during the summer. 

Winner:

Race Three: The Win £1m With BetMGM's Golden Goals Nursery Handicap - 2-Y-O Only - Class Five - Six Furlongs - Runners:
The action would remain over six furlongs with the younger generation of the racehorse population as this nursery handicap would provide an interesting watch. Just like the preceeding novice, this would be the final time the runners line up as two year olds before they turn three in a few days. Races of this nature are often well contested and there would be little between the competitors. In 2022, the Archie Watson-trained Colours of Freedom scored for the first time before rolling in a four timer subsequently, while last year, the Richard Fahey stable completed a double on the night with Flying Fletcher romping away to victory.

The Kevin Ryan-trained Blue Lakota has been a revelation since switching to the all-weather this winter and arrived here in search of a hat trick of wins. The gelding was a wide margin winner at a lower level here two starts ago and followed up with another win at Chelmsford last time and carried the burden of top weight. Karl Burke's Triple Charged began his career with promise in the summer, but his form dropped away in recent starts. Following a gelding operation, this would be his first try on the all-weather. Another with experience of the surface would be Ollie Sangster's Monomyth landed a first win in August before going close on first attempt on the all-weather. Since then, his form has an exposed look to it. The Mick and David Easterby-trained Laurens Dream got up to win in the final strides here in November before following up with a second win just five days later. She has been outpaced over a shorter trip in both subsequent starts. Julie Camacho's On Key is a half brother to the yard's top class sprinter Shaquille, but has shown only a portion of his ability to date. Despite this, the colt has shown potential to win races. Another filly in the lineup would be David Loughnane's Rogue Dynasty, who comes from a talented family and ran her best race recently when third at Southwell. This sort of test would be an easier assignment. Another challenger from Newmarket would be Memardee from the Alice Haynes stable. She would struggle to back up the promise of a third place when down the field on handicap debut last time. The John and Sean Quinn-trained Fallen Soldier has more experience than a few of his rivals, but has a hit and miss look to his form. His best results would be a pair of seconds on the turf and all-weather. David O'Meara's string often return victorious at this venue and they would look for further success with Startling, who has already won three times this year. This would be her first attempt at six furlongs having won here last time out. George Boughey is another trainer with a good record at Newcastle and would saddle Cosmic Force, who ran in a couple of competitive maidens during the summer and wasn't beaten far on handicap debut at Southwell. Richard Fahey's Malton yard would be represented by the filly Final Angel, who recorded her best performance since debut when staying on into third here behind Blue Lakota. Another filly in the lineup would be Lima Sierra for Middleham Park Racing and Nigel Tinkler. She would be another to improve for switching to the all-weather and has placed in her last two starts here. A second runner for the Kevin Ryan would be Causin A Commotion, who has shown plenty of speed to date and won on his penultimate start at Wolverhampton. He would run below form last time out when trying six furlongs for the first time. Black Sky would be a second runner for the Mick and David Easterby yard and caught the eye last month when fifth over course and distance. He would run poorly last time out and needed to bounce back. The field would be completed by the lowly rated maiden Andalseeyagraham from the Nigel Tinkler yard. The gelding ran his best race over this distance, but failed to stay a mile last time out.

Winner:

Race Four: The Gamble Responsibly At BetMGM Handicap - Class Six - One Mile - Runners:
The elder horses would return for this low grade handicap over the length of the Newcastle mile. This would be another contest to feature plenty of familiar faces at Newcastle line up once again. Last year, the race was run as a class five handicap and split into two divisions. The first half would be won by Gemma Tutty's Enola Grey, who has since developed into a smart type on the surface. The second division saw more success for the David O'Meara and Dan Tudhope combination as Cosmos Raj finished best of all to win.

Despite been lowered in class, the race saw plenty of entries and just like last year, the race split into two divisions. The top weight Mercurius Power was in good form at the start of the year and has ended the year in decent form. Having won as recently as August, the six year old went close in a similar contest here at the start of November. Paris Lights doesn't possess the same talent as his half brothers Magna Grecia and St Marks Basilica, but his sole win came on this surface. Now with the Paul Midgley yard, the five year old has finished strongly over a furlong shorter on his last two starts. The Linda Perratt-trained Trais Fluors will soon turn eleven, but remains in top form. He has been successful on two of his last three starts, both at this venue. Ian Williams's Book Of Life has been running well recently and would be looking to get his nose in front following a string of placings. Parish Councillor won for the first time back in early 2023, but he has achieved little since. The David and Nicola Barron-trained four year old would need to improve here. Brian Ellison's Calianassa was highly tried as a juvenile last year, but remains winless. The filly has gone close at this venue recently to suggest she is capable of winning. Few horses would arrive in better form than Ben Haslam's Violenti, who has been prolific recently. The five year old has won three of his last six starts, with three placings elsewhere. The Michael Wigham-trained Lahab is undoubtedly capable of better, but still holds a solitary career win. He arrives here on the back of a second to Trais Fluors last time out. Patrick Morris's Wyvern gained first run on his rivals to win over course and distance a month ago and has run with credit on subsequent starts. Tim Easterby would saddle Mount King in this contest, a dual winner last year on turf who shaped better than the bare result on his all-weather debut at Southwell recently. The Newmarket raider Grovely Belle ran well on her last venture north when third at Redcar, but the Ilka Gansera-Leveque-trained filly has been tailed off in two handicaps since. The four year old gelding Angel Of Antrim has begun to build a good record at this venue, having won here for the second time this year and the first since joining new trainer Jack Morland. A second runner for the Patrick Morris yard would be Tasever, who has improved since arriving at his new stable. The four year old has been successful twice at Newcastle this winter, but has raced too keenly on last two starts. The Ben Haslam-trained Sandret has been a solid servant for the yard over the years but his form has a patchy look to it nowadays. Despite this, the eight year old posted one of his better efforts when second here over a mile. Another former winner at Newcastle in the lineup would be the Donald Whillans-trained Pallas Lord. The six year old won five times here at the start of the year, but he hasn't been in the same form this time around. The second three year old in the field would be Profitman for the Ben Brookhouse yard. The gelding has raced exclusively on the all-weather with three wins, but this would be a first visit to Newcastle. Scott Dixon's Thanks Dad is still searching for a first career win, but has shown ability since his debut at the start of the year. He would finish just outside the placings here last month. The Alan Brown-trained Likeashadow was kept busy at this time of season last year but held his form well with a pair of wins. Following a long break, the gelding has been slightly disappointing in recent starts. The three year old Racing Vicar has shown limited form this year having made his debut at this course in April, but represented the Grand National winning yard of Lucinda Russell, so there will be more to come. Another Scottish based runner would be Concert Boy for Katie Scott. It has been a while since the gelding's only win, but he has finished in the placings on a regular basis recently. Another runner for the Scott Dixon yard would be Pop Favourite, who has been kept busy this winter, but caused a small surprise when winning here in October. Consistency is seemingly not his strong point though. The lineup would be completed by Richard Fahey's True Nation, a four year old who won twice at this level on turf earlier in the year, but her form on the all-weather isn't as strong.

Winner:

Race Five: The Best Odds Guaranteed At BetMGM Handicap - Class Four - Seven Furlongs - Runners:
The first of two good quality handicaps would take place under the floodlights. The seven furlong contest served up a competitive race for the level with some horses dropping down in class while others were rising through the ranks. The race is open to three year olds and older, but it has been the elder generation who have dominated previous runnings. With four year olds, five year olds and six year olds winning since the first renewal in 2020. Twelve months ago, the all-weather specialist Swiss Ace landed another success on the surface for trainer Ruth Carr.

The improving three year old Bravo Zulu would carry top weight this year for trainer David Loughnane. The gelding has won his last two starts since joining current connections and has been a shrewd purchase. Longhaired General hit the post on more than one occasion this year before finally gaining a first win here last time out. Craig Lidster's three year old is evidently well thought of and could go further with a confidence boost. The lightly raced First Kiss made his debut for the Ollie Sangster stable here having moved from the John and Thady Gosden yard. The well bred filly was a winner when last seen and could be an interesting prospect. The four year old Red Maids has been a different proposition recently after winning three in a row for trainer Mark Rimell, with all wins coming at Newcastle. Another filly in the lineup would be Byzantine Empress, who has recently joined the Jedd O'Keeffe stable. The former Irish trained three year old won at Haydock this year and has run well on the all-weather recently. Last year's winner Swiss Ace returned for Ruth Carr in search of more Newcastle success. The six year old made good late headway over course and distance behind Red Maids. Linda Perratt is a dab hand at revitalising horses purchased from bigger yards and her latest project is the three year old Starliner. The gelding dictated a steady gallop to win here two starts ago and matched that effort when second last time out. The three year old Our Havana looked to be a promising type for Richard Fahey when winning a decent handicap at Newmarket, but he stopped quickly at York on his last start back in June and would also make his all-weather debut. Another unexposed  three year old would be Harry Did for the Harry Eustace yard. He has run well on this surface on the past and got off the mark on turf during the summer. A second runner for the Richard Fahey yard would be Quiet Resolve, who won for the second time this year in decent style at the start of the month. The eight year old Eligible is a regular winner on the all-weather for Mick and David Easterby yard, most often at Southwell. He would return successful here two starts ago at the start of December. The three year old That's For Sure was a useful two year old last year, winning on second start before taking in high profile festivals. He would finish down the field last time, but that would be a first run in fifteen months. The four year old Eden Storm won twice for previous connections last year before joining the Patrick Morris stable. He has been seen twice recently, but has finished down the field. The Gemma Tutty-trained King's School would be a second runner for Middleham Park Racing and had previously finished second a frustrating four times prior to finally getting his nose in front a week ago at this venue. Craig Lidster's Alreet Cha has plenty of experience to rely on and scored in emphatic style over course and distance earlier this year. The filly was narrowly denied by the reopposing Red Maids here last time out. Homer Stokes recorded a four timer just down the road at Catterick this year and has won plenty of times in the past of the all-weather. He could only manage a midfield finish back on this surface recently. The seven year old Streak Lightning has raced a large portion of his career at Newcastle and has won five times on the all-weather. His last success came in August and he has finished placed in more recent times. 

Winner:

Race Six: The Gamble Responsibly At BetUK Handicap - Class Four - Six Furlongs - Runners:

The second of the class four contests would be a new event for this season. Taking place over six furlongs, the handicap had the potential to allow the winner a step up the ladder towards the all-weather championship finals, which take place on Good Friday in April. 

Just like the previous race, a progressive three year old would carry top weight. Pals Battalion has been consistent for the David O'Meara yard and scored for the third time this year over course and distance. The William Haggas-trained Mahato looked to be a bright prospect with an impressive win on debut last year, but he has yet to progress. The gelding has been campaigned over a range of trips. Richard Fahey's Admiral D has just two wins to his name, but is capable at a higher level as shown on numerous occasions. The five year old would drop in class with the aim of gaining an overdue win. His stablemate Monsieur Kodi is another classy sort on his day and won the Stewards Sprint last year at Glorious Goodwood. In recent times, the five year old won at this level back in November and finished second a week ago. Former Royal Ascot winner The Ridler would make it a three runners for the Fahey yard and belatedly landed a first win since then when successful here recently. Seven year old Strong Power was a prolific winner on the all-weather a few seasons ago, but has been inconsistent in recent times. The Brian Ellison-trained gelding has competed in stronger handicaps lately. The three year old Modern Times has shown ability to win races for the Iain Jardine stable and one of his better runs came here when third. Caffu Zafeen finished second three times in a row for previous trainer James Tate, but has since moved across Newmarket to make his debut for David Simcock. Another Newmarket runner would be Swift Stom for the Alice Haynes yard. Having finished a promising third on debut here last year, the three year old has finished in the frame in all starts since, but has been beaten by wide margins. The improving Beale Street lined up for the Bryan Smart yard and landed two lower grade contests here recently to continue his good record at the course. One More Dream started the season brightly for the John and Sean Quinn stable with three wins, but the five year old has been badly out of sorts in recent times. Another three year old in the field would be the Alan Brown-trained Angel Of England, who looked to be a useful prospect last summer when getting off the mark. Since joining his current stable, the gelding has shown flashes of ability. Grant Tuer's Showtime Mahomes has been a TV celebrity in the racing world in the past, but has continued to perform well on track. He would win at Southwell in stormy conditions in November. The five year old Evocative Spark is a quirky sort and has been moved around various trainers. Now with the David Riches yard, he ran respectably at Wolverhampton when fifth on stable debut. The final runner in the lineup would be the likable Rory from the Jim Goldie stable. The former course and distance winner would make his first start since the Ayr Bronze Cup in September. 

Winner:

Race Seven: The Extra Winnings With BetUK Acca Club Handicap - Class Five - Five Furlongs - Runners:
The penultimate race of the evening would be another sprint handicap, this time at a slightly lower level to the previous race. It would feature plenty of regulars lining up to face each other once again, aiming for the bragging rights of a final win of the year. Last year, the race was held over six furlongs and would go the way of Linda Perratt's The Caltonian, who was in the middle of a purple patch where he won five times and placed on five other occasions. 

Top weight would be carried by The Ridler, a former Group Two winner at Royal Ascot for Richard Fahey. The four year old spent a while in the doldrums before returning to form recently with a belated success over course and distance a few weeks ago. Due For Luck lined up for the John and Sean Quinn yard and won his first two starts last year. Since then, he has been inconsistent but retains a lightly raced profile. Brian Ellison's Strong Power isn't the same force of old but was a classy sort a few seasons ago. The seven year old has been tried in much competitive handicaps recently. The year older Strong Johnson is a speedy sort and would win for the ninth time in a similar contest at the start of November. Paul Midgley's veteran has remained in good form in recent starts since. The three year old gelding Cast No Shadow has won both times at Newcastle in the past, with the wins coming earlier this year. He has finished towards the rear in all three starts since his latest win in June. Iain Jardine's five year old Parisiac can be a talented sprinter when on song and has won on all kinds of conditions. His latest win came in impressive fashion at Nottingham in October. Above is one of the veterans in the field at the age of seven, but Robert Cowell's gelding is still capable of decent performances. His last win may have come over a year ago, but he is adaptable with surfaces. Another three year old in the field would be Bryan Smart's Buzz Box. The gelding has spent a large portion of his career at Newcastle and has been successful in the past. He would be narrowly denied by a resurgent veteran here at the start of the month when last seen. Fellow three year old Master Of My Fate lined up for the John and Sean Quinn yard but struggled with a high rating at the start of the season. The rating has dropped over time and he capitalised to win recently at Southwell earlier in December before putting in a solid run last time out. The filly Maris Angel had a progressive look to her form when winning twice in quick succession. Her latest start would be slightly below par at Wolverhampton when only fifth. One of many improvers in the field would be the four year old Darlo Pride for trainer Michael Dods. He has found extra since joining his current yard and was lining up on the verge of a hat trick across December. The gelding Piloto Pardo looked to be quite promising at the end of last year for Richard Hannon, but the three year old has disappointed this year. Now with the Paul Midgley stable, it will be a matter of time before he returns to form. Yet another three year old taking on his elders would be Doddies Impact. He made a rapid start to his career by winning the Brocklesby at Doncaster last year, but following a dry spell he returned to the winner's enclosure here on his latest start. The popular grey Brian The Snail continues to go strong approaching the age of eleven. He has finished just outside the placings recently, including last time when making  plenty of late headway. The Tim Easterby-trained Glendown has had a busy year in 2024 and has won on sporadic occasions. He often runs his race and won at Southwell on his penultimate start. A second runner for Iain Jardine would be Wee Fat Mac, a likable five year old who has been very consistent this year. The former course winner has finished out of the top five just twice this year and was caught close home over course and distance a week ago. He would be joined by stablemate Giselles Izzy, who hasn't been in the same kind of form this year. The mare has been campaigned over various trips in recent months but has won over this minimum trip. 

Winner: