The all-weather winter season would continue to the halfway stage of November as the sport joined together with the rest of the country by paying respects to the Armistice Day memorial. The late afternoon race meeting would wind its way into the darkness of the evening and provided a nine race card. The most intriguing contest would be a novice race for some well bred fillies whose connections will have an eye on next year. Elsewhere, another novice race would hold plenty of interest over the speedier test of five furlongs which saw plenty of high profile stables represented. The action would continue with plenty of low grade handicaps and a class four event which saw talented sorts take up their invitation to the races.

Race One: The Extra Winnings With BetUK Acca Club Handicap - Class Five - 1 Mile, 2 Furlongs - Runners: 7

The longest race of the meeting would be this ten furlong handicap for three year olds only. The class five event would see a variety of runners, with a decent sized gap between the highest and lowest rated.

The weights would be headed by the in form filly Countess Candy, trained by Conrad Allen in Newmarket. She has quickly developed into a useful sort since her debut in August. She would return to the scene of her wide margin and impressive maiden win in September. Another Newmarket based runner would be Ed Walker's Sambucus, who showed ability in two novices at the start of the year but has struggled on soft ground recently and made her all-weather debut. The lightly raced Rainproof lined up for the Patrick Morris stable and also made her first start on this surface. She would be far from disgraced over a slightly longer trip last time. Run For The Sun carried the silks of Middleham Park Racing for the Ed Dunlop stable and has yet to post a bad effort so far. She would finished placed in three of her seven starts to date. Next up would be the Daragh Bourke-trained Redondo, who scored at this course back in February and has a decent record at the venue. Following a break, the gelding has yet to shine over a mile in his latest two starts. Another to make the journey from the Yorkshire Dales would be Charlie Johnston with the filly Volcanology, She would win for the first time thirteen months ago and despite one piece of useful form on the turf, she has generally been a lesser light of the stable. Rock Armour's five runs have come in intervals this year, but John Butler's runner has yet to inspire confidence on track so far, he would complete the field for the opener.

Winner: SAMBUCUS (#2) (Lope de Vega x Black Cherry) - P. Mulrennan - E. Walker

Clear skies and a setting sun led to an impressive backdrop as the opening race got underway. The field left the stalls to a good even break and from the word go, Volcanology took up the early running, as many of his stablemates do for the Charlie Johnston stable. Billy Loughnane would then dictate a sensible gallop which wasn't too taxing or pedestrian. The field then raced almost in Indian file down the back straight as Rainproof led the challenge ahead of the favourite Sambucus, Countess Candy, Run For The Sun, Rock Armour and finally Redondo, who raced keenly at the rear. 

The group then made their way around the home bend and Loughnane brought the field down the middle of the track. Sambucus had always travelled well just behind the leader and moved into an outright second as Rainproof took a rain check on her chances. The protagonists lined up inside the final two furlongs as Volcanology was next to retreat. Sambucus smoothly took over in front and kicked for home as main rival Countess Candy gave chase. Rock Armour was another to make good late headway, but out in front it would be Ed Walker's filly Sambucus who powered away under Paul Mulrennan and landed a first career win. Rock Armour would take home second with a career best so far while Countess Candy returned home in third once again, a place ahead of the early leader Volcanology.

It may not have been the strongest race in the world, but it would be an important victory for the career of Sambucus here. The filly showed a fair chunk of ability back in May and June where she finished in the frame of novice races at Newbury and Bath over a mile, the first occasion when beaten less than a length. She would then be moved up in trip, a tactic which initially failed to work. Racing too keenly when held up at Redcar on first attempt at this trip, Sambucus then folded away tamely on soft ground which was a valid excuse. A lowly handicap rating and first start on a new surface contributed to a change of fortune. The Ed Walker-trained three-year-old is a daughter of listed and Group Three race placed mare Black Cherry, who placed at this trip during her career. Sambucus is also a half sister to the three time winner Deciduous, who won over even longer distances. This win will give her confidence going forward as well as boosting a potential broodmare career in later years.

It would also be a personal highlight for jockey Paul Mulrennan, who rode his 100th winner of the calendar year. The vastly experienced rider is based mainly in the North and often enjoys strong partnerships with the Jim Goldie and Michael Dods stables. 

Race Two: The Win £1M WIth BetMGM's Golden Goals EBF Novice Stakes - 2-y-o only - Class Five - 5 Furlongs - Runners: 9

The first of two juvenile contests would come in the form of this novice race over the minimum trip of five furlongs. Races of these nature can often feature those with ample experience already taking on newcomers who have possibly been slower to come to hand.

The first of the previous winners would be George Scott's Force And Valour, who did the job nicely at Thirsk back in August before running well in a sales race. The colt would go close on his first all-weather start at Southwell a fortnight ago and this would be his sixth career run. The Paul Attwatter-trained Bueno Nacho showed a bit of promise at Newmarket's July course in the summer before getting pitched into a valuable sales race at York, he was outclassed there but took this steep drop in grade and reverted to five furlongs. First of the debutants would come from the Jim Goldie yard with Crackinthunder, who is already gelded but comes from the family of the smart Qaroun. The Bryan Smart stable have introduced plenty of winning newcomers here in the past and would saddle the gelding DC Cogent, a homebred distant relative to the multiple winner Mythmaker, a multiple winner on this surface. The Jess Macey-trained Nobody's Business has yet to achieve much in two starts so far, including over course and distance, and looked set for handicaps following this run. Yet another high profile yard to be represented here would be Andrew Balding with Star Chorus, who made a low key debut at the beginning of October before stepping up to take third at Southwell a few weeks ago. The first of the fillies in the contest would be Julie Camacho's Fair Call, who has finished midfield in both starts to date and has shown inexperience on both occasions. One of the leading contenders would be Queenofdestruction, who was beaten by the smallest of margins on debut last month and the Simon and Ed Crisford-trained filly would be tough to beat. The final runner in the line up would be Tiva, representing the David O'Meara stable. The filly is related to the top class Tasleet and shaped with promise when fifth on debut at Southwell.  

Winner: FORCE AND VALOUR (#1) (Mehmas x Get Up And Dance) - D. Keenan - G. Scott

The sun would sink beyond the horizon by race time and the darkness of evening soon took over. As the gates opened, there would a notable incident as Nobody's Business veered sharply to his left and into the path of Star Chorus. The pair would take a diversion to the far side rail before eventually straightening up. The keen going Bueno Nacho would set the early fractions as the group opted for the centre to near side channel of the course. The odds-on favourite Queenofdestruction would sit just behind the leader along with Force And Valour who raced closer to the near side rail. The errant Nobody's Business and Star Chorus joined back up with the main group and both raced prominently. It would be Crackinthunder who was the only one outpaced following a slow start. 

The race would change complexion approaching the final furlong pole as Bueno Nacho had been headed in front and weakened away quickly. Star Chorus's bizarre race looked to continue as he took up the overall lead, appearing to travel smoothly. Queenofdestruction began to feel the pressure and was unable to quicken, so it was left to Force And Valour to show a swift change of gear under Daragh Keenan and shoot two lengths clear in a matter of moments. The race was quickly put to bed as Force And Valour was pushed out to win for the second time this year. There would be an eye-catching debut by DC Cogent, who was held up in midfield but showed a similarly impressive top speed and kept on strongly into second. Connections will be undoubtedly delighted with this debut. Third would go the way of Star Chorus, who was unlucky not to finish closer given the distractions of his start while the favourite Queenofdestruction was unable to fare better than fourth. 

It would be a smart performance by the winner Force And Valour, who was the only one in the field with previous winning experience. As a result, the son of Mehmas had to concede 7lbs to his nearest rival but did so in style. Owned by Bahraini outfit Victorious Racing, who enjoyed a big year with star sprinter Bradsell, Force And Honour lived up to the promise of his debut third by winning at Thirsk over six furlongs in August. He was clearly well thought of and took part in a valuable contest on his next start, finishing seventh on soft ground at Newmarket. He was then slightly below form next time when third in a nursery handicap at Yarmouth, but he would make his all-weather debut last time out at Southwell. Racing over five furlongs for the first time, he showed good tactical speed and was hampered at a vital moment before going down by a head at the line.  The colt is a half brother to this season's five furlong Group Three winner Seven Questions, so a drop to the minimum trip has seen him improve further and connections could have another exciting sprinter on their hands next year. 

Race Three: The BetMGM It's Showtime Nursery Handicap - 2-Y-O Only - Class Six - 7 Furlongs - Runners: 6

The theme of juveniles would continue with a low grade nursery handicap over the straight seven furlongs. This contest looked to be a competitive contest with not much splitting the runners on ratings which led to an intriguing race in prospect. A small field of six would go to post under the lights.

The top weight would be the Richard Fahey-trained Paulie Two Lockers, who made his racecourse debut here back in June, but has achieved only little so far since then. This would be a first start on the all-weather since his debut in a bid to revive his interests. The Ed Dunlop yard is another to be a regular fixture in these sort of events and would run Clever Jack here, who made his handicap debut. The roan had finished towards the rear behind some talented sorts this year.  Another Yorkshire based yard to be represented would be Mick and David Easterby with the filly Laurens Dream. The smartly bred filly has shown improvement on slower ground towards the end of the turf season and switched her attentions to the all-weather for the first time here. The locally based Grant Tuer stable would be represented by Fastnet Jenkins, who carried the silks of Nick Bradley Racing. The filly has been another to improve since switching to handicaps and has finished just out of the frame here twice recently. The Owners Group homebred Invincible Love has yet to fire on the track yet, but Charlie Johnston's colt ran one of his better races last time over five furlongs at this venue. The field would be rounded out by Karl Burke's A Fine Claret. The gelding posted a career best last time out at Southwell when finishing a good second in first time headgear which was kept on here.

Winner: LAURENS DREAM (#3) - (Advertise x Festoso) - B. Garritty - M & D. Easterby

A field of six would go to post, but the race would produce an exciting climax with little to split the six horses. The familiar mauve and black silks of Invincible Love would cut out the early running and would be joined by A Fine Claret at the head of affairs. In behind, the field would race in pairs down the centre of the course. The keen going favourite Clever Jack raced alongside Fastnet Jenkins who also pulled hard while the rear was brought up by Paulie Two Lockers and Laurens Dream, who was slightly slow from her stall. 

As the field ticked off the furlong markers, the race began to take shape. Invincible Love was soon ridden along in front and overtaken by A Fine Claret under Pierre Louis Jamin. The gelding would be joined by Clever Jack who moved up to dispute the lead and the pair went eye to eye in the final furlong. From even further back, Laurens Dream began to pick up and gradually made up ground. As Clever Jack gained the upper hand on A Fine Claret, Laurens Dream came with a strong late burst to join Clever Jack on the line. A photo finish was called and the verdict was soon given to Laurens Dream, who landed a first career win. Clever Jack did everything right until the finish line while A Fine Claret had to settle for third. The honour of fourth place would be shared by Invincible Love and Paulie Two Lockers, who were unable to land a blow.

It would be a super ride by jockey Billy Garritty, who turned defeat into victory with a last gasp show. Trained by Mick and David Easterby, the juvenile filly had been brought along quietly so far during her career and started out with two out of the frame finishes over five furlongs. She would then find improvement over seven furlongs and began to finish higher up the order. On her latest start, Laurens Dream kept on at the same pace in second on heavy ground. On the back of that run, she showed a good level of stamina to get up close home and win for the first time. A daughter of the very smart racemare Festoso, there should be plenty more to come at this sort of level and even into the start of next year. There would be plenty of celebrations in the parade post race as connections welcomed the winner back. Her owners would include former high class golfer Lee Westwood, whose love for horse racing has taken over during the later years of his career.

Race Four: The Gamble Responsibly At BetMGM Fillies' Novice Stakes - 2-Y-O Only - Class Four - 7 Furlongs - Runners: 10
The second of the juvenile novice races would see an interesting contest for fillies and high profile stables represented. The more stoutly bred newcomers tend to announce themselves at Newcastle late in the year and this race had the potential to do the same. 

Mark Usher has already displayed that he has a useful sort on his hands with Searchingtheblues, who put her two race unbeaten streak on the line here. After causing an upset on debut at Kempton, she then routed her rivals next time at Wolverhampton and looked a good prospect. David O'Meara's Like A Vision is related to multiple winners and was introduced in a competitive maiden at Doncaster's St Leger meeting. She would weaken gradually that day and had the potential to improve. The highly recognisable silks of Shadwell Racing would be on display with Roger Varian's newcomer Majaz. The expensive purchase comes with a high quality pedigree and would be one to make note of. Another raider from Newmarket would be George Boughey's North Star, who made her debut at this venue recently and showed promise when second to a nice prospect a few weeks ago. The John and Thady Gosden stable often unwrap their better fillies at this time of the year, so the newcomer Pineal would be of automatic interest. The daughter of Pinatubo has Group One winners in her distant family. Kevin Ryan would be another trainer to provide more ammunition for the north as he saddled Platinum Crystal in this contest. She made her debut recently in a Doncaster maiden that regularly produces top horses, but was outpaced on the heavy ground. The Adrian Keatley stable have enjoyed one of their best seasons to date and would introduce the debutante Rosezan in this good contest. The filly has speed and stamina influences on both sides of her pedigree. James Horton's Shwaimah is the first foal of a talented racemare and another to be related to multiple winners. She would be another well bred newcomer in the contest. The locally based stable of Rebecca Menzies would also be represented here with Sovereign Applause, who looked in need of the experience on debut recently at the nearby Redcar. The final runner of the lineup would be a second runner for the David O'Meara yard, Yellow Dream. She would make her debut over the same course and distance back in October but could only manage fifth behind a winning stablemate that day. 

Winner: NORTH STAR (#4) (Sea The Stars x Cronsa) - B. Loughnane - G. Boughey

The race would get underway to a reasonably good break considering the inexperience of many in the field. From the outset, the nosebanded Platinum Crystal took up the early running under Tom Eaves and angled the field towards the stands' side running rail. The group would tightly packed in the opening furlongs as the pace was only modest. The sole previous winner in the race Searchingtheblues would race too keenly early on for his comeback and he would be the one to look vulnerable. 
In behind Platinum Crystal would be the well supported favourite North Star, who sat on the tail of the leader alongside Yellow Dream and Searchingtheblues. The newcomer Majaz would be trapped towards the outside of the group and had plenty of clear air ahead of her, but travelled powerfully throughout under Jim Crowley. Another high profile debutant Pineal was smothered up in the pack under Rab Havlin and faced a wall of horses in front of her.

The race began to heat up approaching the the final furlong pole as Platinum Crystal, Searchingtheblues and the unfancied duo of Sovereign Applause and Yellow Dream all felt the pinch and began to weaken out of contention. North Star would inherit the lead and quickened up inside the final furlong. Majaz was still on the scene and had moved through to contest the lead. Further back, the eye was drawn to the red silks of Shwaimah who made rapid progress through the field and gave chase to North Star. From even further back, David O'Meara's Like A Vision weaved her way through the pack under David Nolan and was in the clear too. As the favourite powered towards the line, the race would be sealed fifty yards from the line as North Star galloped strongly past the winning post and recorded a cosy first success. There would be a very encouraging debut from Shwaimah who defied her starting price as well as Like A Vision who caught the eye and showed ability in fourth. Majaz would settle for fourth,  an effort which can be upgraded as she raced almost solo on the wing of the group throughout. John and Thady Gosden's Pineal was unable to fare better than the fifth place she raced in throughout.

It would be another juvenile winner at the course for the George Boughey and Billy Loughnane combination, who are turning into a formidable duo in these races. North Star, the daughter of the brilliant Sea The Stars, had previous form here having made her debut a few weeks ago. She would do her best work at the finish behind Tundra Rose, who went on to place in a listed race subsequently. That piece of form was a standout in this contest and looks to be a promising sort for next year. She is a half sister to a trio of listed race winners in Italy as well as the useful Croachill, who won over a mile and two furlongs in Britain. The future looks bright for the filly who could be aimed at fancy races next spring such as trials for the Classics. 

Race Five: The Weekly Free Bets With BetMGM Extra Handicap - Class Four - 1 Mile - Runners: 10

The competitive action continued with this good looking class four handicap over the entirety of the mile track. Three year olds would take on their much more battle hardened older counterparts in a clash of generations.

The weights would be headed by Charlie Johnston's The African Queen. The three year old filly has already won three times from six starts, most recently winning at Brighton for the second time in April, but this would be her first run in seven months. Fellow three year old Bellarchi takes her racing well and her busy career has seen her land a class two handicap earlier this year for the Grant Tuer stable. Her only previous start on the all-weather was a successful one. Next up would be the grey Mudamer for Geoff Harker yard. His best display this year came at Beverley in a similar contest, but this would be a rare start on the all-weather. Peter Chapple-Hyam's Rogue Encore had been frustrating in the past, but finally got off the mark at the seventh attempt last time out when finishing well to win a handicap here. The Julie Camacho-trained Titian ran well in numerous strong handicaps last year and gained a deserved win this year at Ripon. He would return to Newcastle for this race, the venue where he won for the first time four years ago. Another Yorkshire runner would be the David O'Meara-trained The Cookstown Cafu, who enjoyed a mini revival in October with a brace of wins at Newcastle, but would run below par when back on turf last time out. The Sean Woods-trained Savvy Exchange won his novice at the start of the year, but didn't progress as hoped during the summer. His latest run on this surface at Southwell wasn't encouraging, but this would be a first visit to Newcastle. Star Zinc was once a course specialist a few years ago, but Rebecca Menzies's five year old has developed a trait for refusing to race on his last two starts. Alreet Cha took thirteen attempts to win a race, but did so in clear-cut style here two starts ago. He then struggled in handicap company next time and looks hard to place. The lineup was completed by Iain Jardine's recent recruit Deauville. The four year old was a dual winner in France, but ran badly over twelve furlongs here last time and reverted to a much suitable distance.

Winner: ROGUE ENCORE (#6) (Kodiac x Encore L'Amour) - L. Morris - P. Chapple-Hyam

The feature race would get under way and all eyes were fixed on the stall of Star Zinc. As the field galloped away, Star Zinc had planted himself in his gate once again and refused to race for the third consecutive time. In the opening stages, the pace was only moderate and jockeys had realised by now that the track advantage was down the stands' side rail.

The gallop was set by Tom Eaves on Alreet Cha, who opted to keep away from the main group, but set rapid sectional times down the straight. By the halfway stage, Craig Lidster's runner had built up a healthy advantage, but had done too much too soon. The pack was led by The African Queen under Billy Loughnane and was joined by Titian and Savvy Exchange. The favourite Rogue Encore would race a touch keenly through the early stages, but remained in midfield as Alreet Cha began to fall into a hole. As the leader weakened away, others made their move. Titian, Savvy Exchange and Mudamer all made brief challenges, but none more so than Rogue Encore, who had found a clear path and burst into the lead. The Cookstown Cafu also made a good late challenge by following the path of the leader, but his move was all in vain as Luke Morris's strong drive lifted Rogue Encore to winning ways. The Cookstown Cafu ran another good race here to finish second while the three year old Savvy Exchange ran with credit to finish third, a place ahead of Titian.

It would be consecutive wins for the gelding Rogue Encore, who had previously gone eight starts without winning. The son of Kodiac had shown some very noteworthy form this year, most significantly when second to this year's top class sprinter Inisherin back in March. Having struggled in higher grade handicaps and following a short break, the Peter Chapple-Hyam-trained three year old gained a first success over course and distance at the start of the month. In near identical fashion, the gelding repeated his win from last time and the key has well and truly been found for his improvement. With plenty of similar events throughout the winter, it wouldn't be a surprise to see Rogue Encore back in the winner's enclosure between now and the end of March.

Race Six: The Weekly £5 Free Bet With BetUK Handicap - Class Five - 5 Furlongs - Runners: 7

The quality of the race may have dropped by a notch on the ladder, but this handicap still looked an appealing prospect in store with plenty of speedy handicappers and little between them. The race was won last year by

Top weight would be carried by the Jess Macey-trained Thunder Star, who would be making a first start on the all-weather in nearly two years but has been in solid form on turf this year. The three year old Brummell had the following of the Owners Group and Julie Camacho's gelding has been getting closer to another win in recent starts. He has finished on the podium in his last three starts, including at Newcastle. Another three year old in the line up would be Bryan Smart's Buzz Box, who broke his maiden tag at Newcastle in the early stages of this year. Following a long break, he has been gaining fitness with each run recently. The much loved grey Brian The Snail was a welcome arrival to Newcastle for this contest and the Patrick Morris-trained ten year old won as recently as July this year on the turf. Michael Dods's four year old Zuffolo has been in good form recently with two wins and returned to the all-weather last time with a narrow second over course and distance. The four year old Honour Your Dreams began his career with Adrian Keatley, but has recently moved to the equally shrewd Mick Appleby yard. After winning on stable debut, he has run well in defeat on both turf and all-weather. Herakles is a likable sort for the Paul Midgley stable and often runs well here. After a good stint on turf, the four year old returned to Newcastle with a second place last time out and completed the line up.

Winner: BRUMMELL (#2) (Dandy Man x Strait Power) - T. Kiely-Marshall - J. Camacho

The near white horse Brian The Snail would be the early leader after the flag dropped and he took his rivals down the middle of the track at a steady pace under Kaiya Fraser. Settling in second would be Honour Your Dreams, while the former Newcastle winners Herakles and Zuffolo came next and the three year olds Brummell and Buzz Box brought up the rear, the latter racing keenly in the opening stages behind a sedate gallop.

There would be little change in the order as the field made their way closer to the finishing line with each stride. The veteran Brian The Snail was still right there with every chance of a popular success, but the order would quickly change. Brummell had travelled with ease up to this point under Tom Kiely-Marshall and moved around weakening horses to put in his challenge. The gelding showed a swift change of gear and swept past his rivals and into a clear lead inside the final furlong. The race would be over as soon as it warmed up as Brummell returned to the winner's enclosure, just over three lengths clear of Thunder Star who kept on to be best of the rest. The eye-catcher would be Buzz Box, who shaped like a future winner back in third as he was slowly away from the stalls and raced keenly. He would finish strongly into a never nearer bronze medal position. Brian The Snail would complete the top four with a display that showed the fire still burns.

It would be a third career success for Brummell, who was greeted by delighted owners of the Owners Group syndicate. Trained in Malton by Julie Camacho, connections have required patience throughout his short career, but performances such as this are a reminder of how talented he could be. After winning last winter at Southwell, the son of Dandy Man returned this season with a success at Beverley in May, before running well in defeat on occasions during the summer. Following a wind operation, Brummell has shown improvement on the track and was previously runner up at Yarmouth three weeks ago on softer ground. He arrived here with his quirks, as shown when needing to be walked to the stalls, but the hope will be that he can progress up the ladder now. 

Race Seven: The Boost Your Acca At BetMGM Handicap (Div. I) - Class Six - 7 Furlongs - Runners: 11

This low grade handicap would take place over the intermediate trip of seven furlongs, but this class six contest had a stronger look to it than average. A field of eleven would go to the post with most having run at a higher level earlier in the year.

The top weight would be the four year old Lahab, who is well bred for the job but has proved frustrating at times. After placing twice here at the start of the season, he joined the Michael Wigham yard and has run well on occasions in some stronger contests this summer. Ahamoment would line up for the David and Nicola Barron stable and has finished in the frame on all three starts at Newcastle, with a win coming in January this year. He would arrive here on the back of his second win of the season at Ayr in September. The sole runner for the Craig Lidster stable would be Finn Ironside, who has enjoyed a good summer with a win at York being the highlight. He showed promise on return to the all-weather last time when third over course and distance a few weeks ago. Another three year old in the field would be the Gemma Tutty-trained King's School, who has done his best work at the finish here recently and found just one too strong in his last two starts. On the other side of the experience scale, the seven year old Turbo Command lined up for Alison Hamilton here and has raced almost exclusively on the all-weather this year. His latest win came at Newcastle back in March and has run well recently following a break. The Ben Haslam-trained William Dewhirst would make a rare start on this surface having won twice on turf in the past. His best recent effort would be a fourth at Carlisle on the turf. Iain Jardine's Izzari would be another lightly race three year old in the line up and started his career in Ireland, but a switch to Scotland has yet to bring about improvement yet. The Michael Dods-trained King's Crown was a smart juvenile in 2022 and highly tried on occasions but finds himself at this lowly level now. The four year old went close on all-weather debut here in September but wasn't as good at Wolverhampton last time. Richard Fahey's gelding Rob's Umbrella showed glimpses of promise in the spring, but following an extended break through the summer, he has been poor in three recent starts. Sir Maxi was once trained by Richard Fahey and was a likable six time winner prior to moving to the Sam England stable this summer. His best recent run would be a third in a similar race here in September. The final runner would be the Mike Smith-trained Zebra Star spent this year racing at Ayr and would be successful there in May. His latest start would be a rare run on the all-weather and finished tailed off over course and distance. 

Winner: WILLIAM DEWHIRST (#8) (Sioux Nation x Two Pass) - H. Shaw - B. Haslam

The intriguing low grade contest would get underway to a level break and the grey Turbo Command would hold a narrow lead under Paul Mulrennan. He would be joined up front by Ahamoment as the group stayed down the middle of the track. In behind the leaders would come William Dewhirst and the big white face of Finn Ironside as the pace looked average early on. 

Approaching the final stages of the race, Finn Ironside appeared to be travelled best of all under Tom Eaves, but there would be plenty of chances in the race. William Dewhirst made his move towards the near side of the group as the light blue silks of King's School joined the new leader inside the final furlong. The pair would go eye to eye inside the final half furlong with neither giving an inch. They would cross the line together and the outcome of the photo finish showed William Dewhirst had stretched his nose out at the right time to win. King's School would frustratingly finish second for the third time in a row and Sir Maxi stayed on into third. Fourth place would go to Finn Ironside who remains in good heart. 

It would be a return to winning ways for William Dewhirst following a quiet spell this year. The son of Sioux Nation enjoyed a good first season last year by winning twice, once at Thirsk and the other at Carlisle, both of which were on slower ground. Ben Haslam's gelding had struggled for form this summer and his best effort came back at Carlisle when fourth in August. The six year old had been operating at a higher level recently, including on his last start when finishing sixth in a class four handicap. A first attempt at the lowly class six level saw him return to the winner's enclosure and provide another syndicate of owners with a victory. 

Race Eight: The BetUK: It's Where The UK Bets Handicap - Class Six - 6 Furlongs - Runners: 7

The finale of the meeting would see the action focus on the sprinters with this six furlong class six contest to bring the night to an end. The theme of small field contests would continue with the closing contest of the night. 

The weights would be headed by the Iain Jardine-trained Kats Bob, who was last successful in the first few days of this year at Southwell, but has been seen recently on turf during the summer. He would need to find a jolt of improvement to feature here. The first of two runners for trainer Liam Bailey would be Howzak, who has been consistent recently with three placings from his last three starts. The three year old Wessex remains lightly raced for the David and Nicola Barron stable but has been ultimately disappointing on track. The hopes would be pinned on a first attempt on the all-weather. Another three year old in the line up would be Ewan Whillans's Pinpoint, who has a better record on turf and ran poorly here last time on his return to the all-weather. The second runner for Liam Bailey would be the filly Laura's Breeze, who has developed into a decent sort on this surface with two wins in the past. Her latest run would see her finish in midfield over course and distance a week ago. The handicap newcomer Miami Hills lined up for the Julie Camacho stable and has shown enough promise so far to be a race winner in the future. Katie Scott's Havana Rose has posted good efforts at Newcastle previously, most notably a third in a stronger event in March which produced useful types. She has been out of the form in recent starts however.

Winner:  HOWZAK (#2) (Sepoy x Alys Love) - B. Garritty - L. Bailey

The finale would be a low key affair with just seven runners and from the stalls, Howzak made a bright start despite drifting to his right. At the head of the field, he would be kept on his toes by Kats Bob who raced closer to the stands' side while Wessex was on the heels of the leaders but raced keenly. Not too far behind those would be Havana Rose, Laura's Breeze and Miami Hills as the backmarker of the septet would be Pinpoint. 

The field quickly found themselves at the final furlong mark and Howzak was still travelling powerfully. With a few nudges from Billy Garritty, the six year old burst clear of his rivals and put daylight between himself and the others. In a much easier win than his previous win on the night, Billy Garritty was able to ease up close home as Howzak crossed the line over three lengths to the good. The race for second would be won by Laura's Breeze, who completed a one-two for the Liam Bailey stable in Middleham, which meant it would be a happy journey home. Back in third, Miami Hills posted her best effort yet before unseating her rider Tom Kiely-Marshall and running loose into the darkness of the back straight. Thankfully though, both horse and rider were unscathed.

It would be an impressive way to close out the night's action by Howzak, who was winning in turn following some good recent efforts. Liam Bailey's gelding is a useful sort around this level and arrived here on the back of three podium finishes at Southwell and Newcastle respectively. His last win came at Chepstow in June when trained by Debbie Faulkner, but transferred to the Liam Bailey yard in August. Since then, the six year old has run good races in defeat and found an easier opportunity to land his seventh career success.