The action on the turf began to enter its twilight stage as the big races that took place during the summer start to become distant memories. In contrast, the darker evenings and late night action signaled one thing, the return of all-weather racing. 
The sound of thundering hooves has been sporadic at Newcastle following the valuable Northumberland Plate meeting in July, but over the last few weeks, race meetings have quietly become more regular on the calendar. As the turf gets softer, the all-weather surface provides a much welcomed opportunity for horses to keep race fit and continue their education on track.

This late afternoon meeting would be a run of the mill event with plenty of low grade contests and featured nine races on a bumper racecard.

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

The action would get underway with a handicap for stayers over twelve furlongs.

The weights would be headed by Val Bassett, who was trained locally by Rebecca Menzies. The six year old has run some encouraging races since moving to the stable, including over hurdles recently. The small scale yard of David Thompson regularly have winners at Newcastle and would saddle Berry Edge in this contest. The six year old hasn't been at his best at Newcastle in the past, but was successful at Carlisle earlier in the year. The battenberg silks of Ursa Major Racing would be carried by Punxsutawney Phil, who is a useful dual purpose horse. His sole win on the flat came on the all-weather but finished fourth in a class two at Cheltenham over hurdles a few seasons ago. Adam Nichol's Moonfleet Moment remains lightly raced and made his debut for the stable. His four previous starts have seen little in terms of performance. The famous green and gold silks of owner JP McManus would be seen in this low key event by the Ben Haslam-trained Flying Scotsman. The seven year old isn't the force of old but has mixed hurdling with flat racing this year. Tristan Davidson's Laudable has been in great form of late with three wins in his last six starts. He would struggle on heavy ground so had the potential to regain his good run on a better surface. Next up would be the Jedd O'Keeffe-trained Something, who has yet to win a race yet, but ran his best race to date last time when staying on into second in a similar race last time.  The Newmarket-based yard of Sean Woods would send up his filly Nancy P, who landed her first win impressively at Lingfield at this level. Another runner from Newmarket would be Zenato for the Ed Dunlop stable. He would begin his career in Ireland and has only recently changed stables. This would be a dramatic rise in distance. Tina Jackson would run her stable star Jamih in this contest, but his record on the all-weather isn't as strong. The nine year old landed back to back wins on the turf earlier in the season. Blazer Two would run here for the Lucinda Russell stable and has been a modest stayer for the past few years. He would make a return to the all-weather last time when running over an inadequate trip. The field would be rounded out by the lowly rated Meridian Way, who clearly isn't one of the stars of the Charlie Johnston stable. The choicely bred colt has been well beaten in three maidens, but at least moved into handicaps at a low level.

Winner: SOMETHING (#7) (Golden Horn x Calipatra) - P. Mulrennan - J. O'Keeffe

The marathon nine race card would get underway under overcast and drizzly skies with the longest race of the meeting. The early pace would be a relatively decent one as the three year old Something made the best getaway from the stalls and led under Paul Mulrennan. The leader would be joined by Meridian Way in the opening few furlongs as Berry Edge, Laudable and Blazer Two all raced close to the pace. As the field made their way down the back straight, the sizable Val Bassett and Flying Scotsman would bring up the rear in company with Zenato, Punxsutawney Phil and the slow starting Nancy P.

The race would begin to heat up as Mulrennan brought Something and the rest of the group to the stands' side rail. Berry Edge would show up until the final two furlongs as others made their move. The in form Laudable made his challenge for another win under Kaiya Fraser as Something and Laudable began to pull clear of the rest. The duel for the lead would be a short lived one as the lightly weighted Something found a little extra and responded well to the pressure from his rider. He would gain the upper hand and cross the line three lengths to the good ahead of Laudable. There would be a further gap to Val Bassett who stayed on well into third and he was followed by Flying Scotsman who followed a similar route from the rear. 

It would be a first career victory for Jedd O'Keeffe's three year old gelding, who shown steady progress this year. After making a low key debut at York a year ago to the day, the son of Golden Horn was sent straight over middle distance trips this season. Making his first start at Newcastle at the start of the month, similar tactics to today's were attempted and it led to a much better showing in second. Lining up in a lower grade event saw the gelding finally get his head in front at the seventh attempt and connections are keen to strike while the iron is hot as he has been declared to run later in the week, back at Newcastle. With a lightly raced profile, Something could be a regular fixture here through the winter.

Race Two: The Download The Raceday Ready App Handicap - Class Four - One Mile, Two Furlongs - Runners: 12

The feature race would see a class four contest for three year olds and older, over the middle distance of ten furlongs. In recent years, the race has been won by Newmarket trainers with the likes of Roger Varian, Ed Dunlop and most recently Simon and Ed Crisford all saddling the winner. Twelve months ago, the race went the way of Oh So Grand for the Crisfords who went on to win the Winter Oaks at Lingfield later in the winter season.

The weights would be carried by Bear Force One, who is now trained in the area by Michael Dods. The eight year old was once a talented handicapper over seven furlongs at Newbury, but this year has been a disappointing one. The Charlie Johnston runner Knockbrex ran in some nice races last year over middle distances following his first win, but he has raced just once in the entire year; all the way back in April at Ripon. The very lightly raced Lordsbridge Blu made appeal having raced just three times. The gelding has improved with each run and got off the mark at Wolverhampton over a slightly shorter trip. Simon and Ed Crisford's Liseo was once renowned for finishing second or third for a long time but has now gained three victories on the all-weather. The five year old's consistency has dropped a little but clearly likes the surface. Another raider from Newmarket would be Ed Dunlop's No Surrender looked to be a nice prospect last year but has struggled in some stronger looking races this year. He would have a recent freshener run following a mid season break. Lucinda Russell would be represented by the three year old Johnny Ringo who is lightly raced and won his first race at this venue eleven months ago. He since returned to Gosforth Park and went narrowly close to winning again back in June. The Andrew Balding-trained Celtic Warrior also broke his maiden on the all-weather and has run in some useful handicaps on turf this year. He would make a return to the surface for first time since his win in April. Bravo Zulu won a decent maiden at Kempton last winter in stylish fashion for Dan and Claire Kubler, but he was then unable to back it up on the turf. He remained lightly raced and open to progress. Ben Brookhouse's African Spirit won by a wide margin here on debut before running well enough in a valuable sales race at York last year. Since then, he has been seen just three times and towards the rear in good handicaps on turf. A runner for the Mick and David Easterby yard would be Unplugged, who is a consistent type. His easy going style often sees him ridden by amateur riders, but this time Jo Mason would get the leg up on the three time winner. Richard Fahey would be represented by Up The Jazz, a steadily progressive three year old who rarely runs a bad race. His last venture on the all-weather would be last year where he finished down the field at Southwell. The final runner would be the Alice Haynes-trained Tasmanian Legend, who is a former winner at Newcastle. He was in useful form in the early months of this year, but has been a little quieter recently.

Winner: CELTIC WARRIOR (#7) (Saxon Warrior x Short Call) - PJ McDonald - A. Balding

This intriguing handicap would get underway and once again, the advantage would belong to those racing prominently. As the gates opened, African Spirit set off into a narrow lead but would dictate the race at a steady pace. The relaxed gallop would cause plenty of runners to race keenly and use valuable energy. Celtic Warrior would sit comfortably on the quarters of the leader as fellow three-year-old Lordsbridge Blu was also close up. Up The Jazz and Knockbrex would also race near the pace as Bear Force One, Tasmanian Legend and Johnny Ringo were a few to race further back. 
The field meandered their way around the home bend and once again the action came down the centre of the track. African Spirit still held a narrow lead, but challengers began to loom large on either side. Celtic Warrior would nose in front at the two furlong pole as the early leader quickly weakened away. The race turned into a sprint and Lordsbridge Blu made his move to join Celtic Warrior inside the final furlong. In a thrilling finish, three year old went eye to eye with the four year old and would cross the line together. There would be a gap back to third as No Surrender did his best work at the finish to share a photo finish with Johnny Ringo who also finished well from the back. After a short wait, the result was announced that Celtic Warrior had narrowly scored the victory over Lordsbridge Blu, with No Surrender holding off Johnny Ringo for the other two placings in the frame.

It would be a winning return journey back to Lambourn for the Andrew Balding-trained Celtic Warrior, who was winning for the second this year and in his career. The son of 2000 Guineas winner Saxon Warrior was given a light season as two year old last year, which culminated in a midfield placing in a valuable sales race at Doncaster. This year, he would get off the mark at Kempton at the start of April which set up a campaign on the turf.  He would run with credit in a pair of class two handicaps at Chester and Haydock respectively, but his best effort came at Glorious Goodwood when finishing a close up fourth. His latest start saw him trail home a well beaten fourth on heavy ground at Chester and with the rainy season incoming, connections opted for the all-weather once again. This would be a return to form and a glimpse of what could still become if facing quick ground next season on the turf. 

Race Three: The Download The Raceday Ready App Nursery Handicap - Class Six - Seven Furlongs - Runners: 12

The first of the races on the straight track would be this low level nursery handicap for juveniles who have yet to find their form.

The top weight would be given to Katie Scott's Falaise Blanc, who was sent off a big prices in his three runs to date but this contest would be easier for him. He hinted at ability on a previous run here when keeping on from the rear. Another handicap debutant would be Dolly's Delight, now trained by Julie Camacho. The filly has finished no better than midfield in her three starts, but looked one for the future. The Gemma Tutty yard has been rising in profile throughout the season and she saddled Rose Of New Jersey, who looked to be improving with each start but disappointed on all-weather debut here last time out. The Adrian Nicholls stable would be represented by General Gordon, who made his debut in the Brocklesby Stakes back in March, but has been beaten by big margins on his next two starts. A second runner for the Gemma Tutty stable would be Mister Sky Blue, who also made his all-weather debut. He would be yet another to complete the mandated three starts in novice company before entering handicaps. Richard Fahey tends to do well in nursery handicaps here and saddled Gold Black in this contest. The gelding has gone backwards since his debut fourth, but shaped with encouragement on his only all-weather start not too long ago. Hawaii Five O would also step into this company at a lowly level for the Harry Charlton stable. He would post a trio of no shows in novice company, but ran better into fourth in a similar contest on turf last time when well supported in the market. The Nick Bradley Racing-owned Fastnet Jenkins would try the all-weather surface for the first time for trainer Grant Tuer. Handicaps have been the plan with him following three fairly quick appearances in novice company recently. The Ed Dunlop stable landed a nursery at this venue a fortnight ago and were looking for the same with Born Too Run, who would need to show improvement on his form so far. The Craig Lidster stable would be represented by Cuban Lynx, who was another with little achieved in novice company, but ran moderately better last time in a similar contest. The Alice Haynes-trained Clipsham Noble has one of the better form lines in the race with a third at Chelmsford two starts ago and that would put her amongst the leading contenders. The final runner in this tricky contest would be the Charlie Johnston-trained Mystical Sky, who has a modest pedigree and has finished last in all three starts on turf. 

Winner: GOLD BLACK (#6) (Golden Horde x La Bouille) - O. Orr - R. Fahey

The action would get underway under the illuminated home straight and from the get go, Hawaii Five O moved into the overall lead under Callum Rodriguez. He would be stalked by Gold Black, Rose Of New Jersey and Dolly's Delight who all raced in the front seat as the pace was only a modest one. A few others would race keenly as they battled their rider for outright control. 

The action would remain down the middle of the track and Hawaii Five O appeared to be still travelling well entering the final two furlongs. With others starting to panic, Callum Rodriguez asked for an effort and his mount responded well to open up a clear gap on the field. The race looked to be in safe keeping for Hawaii Five O until Gold Black emerged from the pack to chase him down. With each stride, the gap narrowed until the pair of juveniles crossed the line together. There would be a big gap to third as Rose Of New Jersey made a big improvement to flash home into third for the Gemma Tutty yard as Fastnet Jenkins stayed on at the same pace into fourth. The verdict of the photo finish went the way of Gold Black which led to joy for the Richard Fahey stable and agony for the Harry Charlton yard.

In a race filled with maidens, the honour of landing their first career win would go to Gold Black. The son of Golden Horde started his career with minor promise when fourth at Hamilton back in August, but his form would drop off in subsequent races. Slow starts and a keen going nature would hamper the progress of Gold Black, but after a gelding operation he ran slightly better on his previous start. He would race at the rear at Musselburgh at the start of the month and wasn't able to feature in the contest, but a change of riding tactics and a strong ride by Oisin Orr saw a breakthrough in his career. 

Race Four: The Download The Raceday Ready App Novice Stakes - Class Five - Seven Furlongs - Runners: 9

One of the more interesting races would be this class five novice for juveniles which saw some leading stables and owners represented. 

The only previous winner in the field would be Karl Burke's Qaasem, who has has plenty more experience than some of his rivals and won for the only time back in August. He has since run well in nursery handicaps at the Ebor and St Leger festivals. A second runner for the Ed Bethell stable would be the newcomer Arkleside. He would be a half brother to a very classy juvenile from the same stable a few years ago.  Julie Camacho's Golborne made his debut recently at Redcar, but was given an easy time on soft ground when returning in eighth. His family would include some high quality sprinters from years gone by. Another newcomer from a leading yard would be the Archie Watson-trained L'Karama. He would be a half brother to last year's Group Three winner Greenland. Nigel Tinkler's Precious Spartan was gelded before his debut and his recent racecourse bow would be a low key affair when he finished tenth of eleven. This could potentially be the first of many visits to Newcastle in the future. Royal Alliance would make a belated return to action for the George Boughey stable. The son of Persian King made his debut at Newmarket behind an exciting talent whilst looking green. He was gelded soon after and made his first start since mid-June.  Jedd O'Keeffe's Trojan Soldier made his debut in a similar contest over a mile just over a week ago and showed promise when sixth. He would be related to a winning hurdler. Another newcomer would come from the Crisfords yard in the form of War Hawk. He is from a speedy family which includes the talented Mitbaahy. The final runner would be the Marco Botti-trained Yuvraaj, an American bred colt who handled the surface well here on his debut where he finished third over a mile. 

Winner: ROYAL ALLIANCE (#6) (Persian King x Alliance d'Or) - B. Loughnane - G. Boughey

As the gates opened, there would be slight drama as the experienced Qaseem ducked to his left and in turn bumped into Arkleside and Royal Alliance. The incident would only be a minor one and the field of two year olds quickly found their flow. The debutant L'Karama would go into the early lead under Hollie Doyle, but raced keenly in the opening stages. The flashy chestnut would be joined by Royal Alliance, Qaseem and Golborne who raced on the outside of the pack. Another to race keenly would be Yuvraaj who sat just behind the leaders as the slow starting War Hawk regained some ground to sit in midfield. The rear would be brought up by another slow starter, Precious Spartan and the once raced Trojan Soldier.

As the field approached the final two furlongs, there would still be plenty of chances. The eye was drawn to the smooth travelling Royal Alliance under Billy Loughnane and the pair edged ahead of L'Karama. Royal Alliance would gain first run on his rivals, but was chased by Qaseem who was in pursuit of another win. George Boughey's runner would keep on strongly inside the final stages and despite pricking his ears close home, he came home a comfortable winner over Qaseem. There would be a nice debut from War Hawk, who defied inexperience to stay on into third while the early leader L'Karama weakened into fourth. Arkleside would be a never nearer fifth to show encouragement on his debut and Yuvraaj's keen going ways saw him fold into sixth. 

It would be a notebook worthy performance by the newly gelded Royal Alliance, who could be in for a good year in 2025. This would be a first start since June for Royal Alliance when he raced at Newmarket's July course to finish a never threatening fourth. The winner of that race would be none other than Godolphin's Ancient Truth, who went on to win the Group Two Superlative Stakes and then finish third in the Dewhurst recently. The son of Persian King has evidently needed time to develop and possesses plenty of scope for next year. A half brother to French Group Three winner Alistair and from the distant family of smart hurdler Baccalaureate, there is a blend of speed and stamina in the pedigree which will increase options for next year. It was be a very good display to win after such a layoff and he could have won by further had it not been for the ring-rustiness. Royal Alliance could be one to look forward to back on turf next year, without holding the superstar potential. 

Race Five: The Tips For Every Race At racedayready.com Handicap - Class Six - Six Furlongs - Runners: 12

The floodlights would illuminate the racecourse for this class six sprint handicap and it also saw plenty of familiar faces at Newcastle. 

The first of the 'older generation' in the race would be Richard Fahey's Absolute Dream, who is still going strong at the age of eight. His most recent success came at Southwell in March this year and after a summer break, he has been sighted on the turf twice recently as a freshener for a return to this surface. The Tina Jackson-trained Missmimi took a while to find form but has done so with vengeance recently with plenty of top four finishes. The filly has won twice since June and appears to be versatile with distance. Danny Brooke's Flavius Titus was a smart sort back in his prime, but is operating at a much lower level nowadays. The nine year old won twice in quick succession at the end of July, including here. Ballyare is a seven year old now and has gone well at this track in the past for Lucinda Russell. He would be another to make a return to Newcastle for the first time since the early months of this year. Both of Noble Captain's career wins have come at Newcastle and at this level. Katie Scott's runner also enjoyed a summer holiday before having a warm up on the turf recently. The Seb Spencer-trained Muddy Lynn's first run on the all-weather was a successful one last year but she then failed to progress. Following a long break, she ran with credit at Kempton recently and should be fitter now. The Phillip Makin-trained She'sashambles has been running fairly consistently in recent times and has some good performances at Newcastle. After winning for the first time at Thirsk, she would finish close up behind Missmimi over this course and distance. The grey Boom Boom Pow lined up here for the Mark Usher stable. She holds just the one win to date, but has finished second on numerous occasions. This would be a first trip to Newcastle. Ann Duffield's seven year old Quercus is a regular at this level on the turf, especially at Catterick. The five time winner has yet to finish better than fifth in his five starts on the all-weather, but lined up on the surface for the first time in a while. Rain Cap can be a frustrating horse to follow with plenty of placings in his career, but he has run well on a couple of occasions at Newcastle. John Riches' runner would have the assistance of young rider Rhys Elliott. Another grey in the field would be Hailey Ya Mal, who is bred to be good, but remains a maiden. Now trained by Antony Brittain, he has shown glimpses of form. The lineup would be completed by the Nigel Tinkler-trained Socialise, a three year old taking on his elders. His only win to date came at this venue back in January and he would return to the surface following a summer on the turf.

Winner: QUERCUS (#9) (Nayef x Dufoof) - J. Fanning - A. Duffield

The low grade action would return, but this contest looked to be a competitive one for the level and produced a good finish. One of the outsiders Hailey Ya Mal would be hustled into the lead in a first time visor, but the grey would be kept in close company at the front by Quercus. The pair would help to force the pace early on and behind them would be the likes of Boom Boom Pow, Missmimi and Absolute Dream, who was slightly awkward from his gate. The leaders came down the middle of the track once again and approaching the two furlong pole, plenty of contenders would have a fighting chance. 

Quercus finally settled the argument for the lead by burning off Hailey Ya Mal and quickly asserted into a clear overall lead. Entering the final furlong, the seven year old looked to be home and hosed but on the far side of the pack, the elder Absolute Dream came with a withering late run. The lead would reduce quickly for Quercus, but the line came just in time and it would be a victory for the seven year old. In a finish of the veterans, the eight year old Absolute Dream showed his liking of Newcastle with an improved effort while third and fourth placings would be in keeping with the theme of the night as She'sashambles and Noble Captain both made up late ground to round out the frame in that order.

It would be a notable first victory on the surface for the Ann Duffield-trained Quercus, who is often a regular at Catterick; a racecourse just down the road from Newcastle. His five previous successes have come at the Yorkshire venue so this would be a victory in unfamiliar territory. His past experiences of the all-weather have all come at Newcastle, where he had previously fared no better than fifth, over four years ago. He would be well positioned by Joe Fanning and was able to gain first run over his rivals, which is often a race winning move at this venue. With the monkey off his back, it wouldn't be a surprise to see Quercus attempt further success at Gosforth Park. 

Race Six: The Download The Racecourse App Raceday Ready Handicap (Div. One) - Class Five - One Mile - Runners: 9

The quality would rise only slightly for this well contested handicap over a mile which saw decent prize money up for grabs. Due to a healthy amount of entries, the race would split and the first half of the contest would appear to be the stronger.

The burden of top weight would fall on the Kevin Ryan-trained Shaladar, who still hasn't won since 2022 but has been finishing closer in a pair of amateur rider events at Ascot recently. A former inmate of the Kevin Ryan yard is The Cookstown Cafu, who seemingly lost his way in recent seasons and was moved to the David O'Meara stable. The move paid off as the five year old returned to winning ways here two starts ago. The Michael Dods-trained Prairie Falcon landed a nursery handicap at Glorious Goodwood two years ago and has yet to win since his juvenile days. He went very close here in March and has been going through the motions on turf recently. John and Sean Quinn's Power of Gold has been a frustrating type with just the solitary win to his name and the best he could manage this year was a second on the turf earlier in the season. The first of the three year olds would be Simon and Ed Crisford's gelding Cavalry Call, who got off the mark at the eighth attempt but had excuses for his latest poor run at Kempton. The second Newmarket based runner would carry the silks of Juddmonte at this lower level. Harry Charlton's well bred Inversion has raced just three times with a best finish of fourth. He would be making his all-weather and handicap debut in this contest. Petra Celera has a useful strike rate in her career so far and the Nick Bradley Racing-owned filly has been in good form recently. Her latest win came on the all-weather and she had previously gone close last year at this venue. Another lightly raced sort would be George Boughey's Walson's Law, who showed little in novice company but found plenty of improvement here two weeks ago when collared on the line at this distance. Completing the lineup would be Katie Scott's Clasina, who has been doing her best work at the finish over seven furlongs and stepped up to a mile for the first time.

Winner: THE COOKSTOWN CAFU (#2) (Invincible Spirit x Miss Delia) - D. Tudhope - D. O'Meara

The first division of the class five handicap felt like it could have been one of a higher level, given the antics of some of the runners in recent times. The race would get underway to an even break and from the start, the blinkered Prairie Falcon would be challenged early on for the lead by Cavalry Call. The pair took turns of holding a narrow lead as the pack made their way back down the long home straight. The pace would be a modest one, but The Cookstown Cafu and keen going Petra Celera would keep the leaders in sight. Towards the rear, Power Of Gold, Walson's Law and Shaladar would be held up and have plenty of work to do in the closing stages.

The race reached its critical point as Cavalry Call took over in the outright lead as Prairie Falcon began to backtrack. The biggest challenge would come from The Cookstown Cafu and under strong pressure from Dan Tudhope, the five year old began motoring. The pair would start to assert and gained the upper hand at the finish. Back in third, the grey filly Inversion ran her best race to day when keeping on into third while Prairie Falcon earned a fourth place finish for his early troubles.

This would be the continuation of the resurgence of The Cookstown Cafu, who landed his second win in his last three starts. The five year old began his career with the Kevin Ryan stable and ran to a decent standard, winning a class three handicap at his best. This year however, the gelding appeared to lose his way and his owners opted for a change of stables. Moving across Yorkshire to the David O'Meara stable, he made a winning debut for the yard here back in September before returning in fourth back here at the start of the month. There are few trainers in the country who can do better at targeting the right races and The Cookstown Cafu could easily work his way back up the ladder. 

Race Seven: The Download The Raceday App Raceday Ready Handicap (Div. Two) - Class Five - One Mile - Runners: 9

Division two of the class five handicap would see a similar turnout over the straight mile and the prize would be well contested over. 

The five year old Parthenopaeus lined up here for the Richard Fahey stable and made a late start to his racing life. He would carry top weight having run well in novice races before appearing to need the run last time on his first start in six months. Another returnee would be the David Thompson-trained Cusack, who loves the place. At the start of the year, he was in top form and landed back to back wins but his return to Newcastle saw him run poorly. The three year old Commander Of Life made his stable debut for trainer Jessica Macey and seemingly enjoys this surface. He has been finishing in and around the placings recently and would make a first visit to Newcastle. The locally trained Roaring Ralph lined up here for the Michael Dods stable and his four wins have come on turf and all-weather equally. After winning at Southwell, his next two starts have been only modest. The interesting runner would represent the William Haggas yard. The gelding Bullet Point is bred to be much better than this level but has finished no better than fourth in his four career starts. Mick and David Easterby would saddle the long absent Yorkstone, who was in great form when last seen. The four year old has won three of his last five starts on the flat and was narrowly denied at Southwell last time out, albeit way back in January this year. The in form jockey Kaiya Fraser would partner Million Thanks, who is now with his third different trainer, Rebecca Menzies. The five year old won in nice style on seasonal comeback at Pontefract, but his form has dipped since then. Charlie Johnston would be another high profile stable involved here with three year old Swordplay, who is capable when in the mood but has been a little disappointing in recent starts. The final runner in the lineup would be Ravishing Beauty for the Jedd O'Keeffe yard. The filly is bred to be useful but didn't last long in Newmarket and her two starts for the yard in handicaps have yet to inspire. 

Winner: BULLET POINT (#5) (Advertise x Crying Lightening) - C. Lee - W. Haggas

Division two of the class five handicap looked to be slightly weaker with plenty of question marks in the field taking on some lightly raced sorts. From the flag drop, the pale silks of Bullet Point would move into an early lead under Clifford Lee, but the pace would only be a modest one as the gelding raced keenly. He would be joined up front by the long absent Yorkstone, who settled quickly back into the routine with Jo Mason while Million Thanks would make it three in contention for the lead. Roaring Ralph would be another to race keenly as he sat just behind the front runners and Swordplay would opt for a solo route down the stand's side rail away from the main group. 
There would be little change in the order until the final two furlongs, Bullet Point remained comfortable in front as Yorkstone's absence began to show as he weakened away. Passing the furlong marker, Clifford Lee released the anchor on his mount and Bullet Point burst clear into a wide lead. Million Thanks would be the next to cry enough as Commander Of Life would be the one to make up most ground from the rear. The gap widened further between Bullet Point and the rest which produced the easiest winner of the night. Commander Of Life made a promising debut for the Jess Macey yard in second while Million Thanks held on for third, just ahead of Ravishing Beauty who also stayed on from the back. 

It would be the first win of Bullet Point's career and he would do it in fine style. The gelding would also make it a happy journey home as the William Haggas stable's sole runner of the meeting returned victorious. The son of Advertise comes from a decent family as the dam Crying Lightening won a pair of listed races during her career. The three year old made his debut as recently as May this year where he returned seventh at Newbury, but showed signs of progression in his next two novice starts when fifth and fourth. He would make his handicap debut at Wolverhampton a month ago where he weakened in the final stages over a slightly longer trip. With an emphatic first victory ticked off, Bullet Point could still continue his improvement with further assignments later in the week. 

Race Eight: The Free Digital Racecard At racedayready.com Handicap (Div. Two) - Class Six - One Mile - Runners: 10

The racing would remain at the mile starting point for this class six contest which saw more previous visitors return to Newcastle once more. 

A veteran of the Roger Fell yard is the seven year old End Zone, who is a regular in these sort of races and last won in August last year. His latest run would be a sign that he could be returning to form. The lightly raced three year old Jujubella had more time on her side than others as she made her debut for the Lucinda Russell stable. She has produced low key performances in her four starts to date. Another well travelled sort in the race would be Nigel Tinkler's Whatwouldyouknow, who did well here last winter and his latest came just under a year ago. Yet another golden oldie would be Mr Strutter for the locally based David Thompson yard. The ten year old had been kept on the go on turf this summer and made a return to Newcastle over a trip that was a shade too far last time out. Michael Dods's Masterpainter has just the one win to his name but ran well on two occasions here at the start of the year. His latest fourth at the track bodes well for a good winter campaign here. A second runner in the race for the Lucinda Russell stable would be Our Noble Lord, who has achieved little to date with the exception of a third at Ayr two starts ago. He still needed to prove the result wasn't a fluke. A popular figure at Newcastle would line up again, in the form of David Thompson's Where's The Crumpet. The six year old regularly runs well at this venue, having won here back in March. Another well named horse in the lineup would be Mr Heinz, who has won twice at this course; most recently in September. He is gradually developing into a course specialist. Pop Favourite would travel to Newcastle for the Southwell based stable of Scott Dixon. The six year old's most recent win came here in January and has been finishing strongly in his last two starts. The lowly rated Curious Mrs Fox has shown glimpses of potential when finishing second and third on the turf, but remains winless. John Davies's filly has run over varying distances here recently.

Winner: WHERE'S THE CRUMPET (#8) (Mukhadram x Jivry) - A. Brookes - D. Thompson

The final stages of the meeting would get underway with this low grade contest that would produce the most dramatic moment of the evening. The red blinkers of Masterpainter would emerge in the lead in the opening stages of the race as he bowled along in front. The cheekpieces and big white face of Where's The Crumpet would come next as the field drifted towards the stands' side rail. Whatwouldyouknow raced in third as a few others including Jujubella and Pop Favourite raced keenly towards the rear.

Approaching the final furlong, the race began in earnest. Where's The Crumpet had remained in the box seat throughout and took up the running as Masterpainter began to weaken. The veteran Whatwouldyouknow gave chase at a venue he knows well as Mr Heinz also emerged from the pack. The pursuit of the leader would come in vain as Where's The Crumpet kept on strongly to record a second success at Newcastle and third victory of her career. Mr Heinz stayed on well into second while Whatwouldyouknow ran well here once again, finishing ahead of Jujubella who produced her best run to date. 

The race would be marred however by a scary incident involving Masterpainter and rider Rhys Elliott. As the early leader weakened through the field, he would clip heels with those making their challenge and take a crashing fall, sending Elliott into the ground with force. Thankfully, Masterpainter was able to recover and gallop away with bruises, but the concern fell on Rhys Elliott. He was given immediate medical attention and transferred to the nearby hospital, but it would later emerge that the teenager suffered small fractures to his spine and a punctured lung. A miraculous escape from what could have been a serious injury.

The winner Where's The Crumpet returned an understandably concerned and subdued parade ring, as the mare recorded her third victory; all of which have come in 2024. David Thompson's six year old is a regular at this level and broke her maiden tag back in March, before doubling her tally at Ayr in July. She would struggle on her latest start here, but that came over two furlongs longer and a return to this trip was much more to her liking. A likable mare who has been on the go since January, she could yet return to Newcastle on more occasions before the year is out.

Race Eight: The Get The Inside Track With racedayready.com Handicap - Class Six - Seven Furlongs - Runners: 8

The ninth and final race would continue the theme of the night with a competitive but low quality handicap over the straight seven furlongs.

Top weight would be carried by the John Davies-trained filly Garifilluna, who has been in good form of late with a pair of wins on the turf. Following a short break, she continued her improvement with a second at Catterick last time out. The grey Drakeholes loves it at Newcastle and all three of his wins have come at this venue. He would continue his good record here with a smooth victory on his latest start. Ann Duffield's Front Gunner showed some initial promise last winter in a pair of novices here, but his form has taken a backward step through the summer over a range of trips. The most in form runner would be Antony Brittain's Yaahobby, who landed back to back wins in last gasp fashion. He would line up here with every chance of a hat trick. Nigel Tinkler's Barossa landed a small race over course and distance back in July which was his first career win. The four year old has run well at Newcastle in previous visits. The Katie Scott-trained Concert Boy was a victim of Yaahobby's late surge when getting collared close home on his latest start and sought revenge in this contest. The four year old No Saint's only win came on the all-weather and this summer, he has been out of form on the turf. It wasn't a surprise to see Sam England's runner improve when fourth at Wolverhampton last time out. The final runner on the card would be the veteran ten year old Mr Coco Bean, trained by Helen Cuthbert. He would escape injury in a nasty fall here in May and has looked a little short on confidence in two starts since his return.

Winner: FRONT GUNNER (#4) (Calyx x Nidhaal) - T. Eaves - A. Duffield

There would be a small delay to the start of the race as the medical team worked patiently on Rhys Elliott from the previous race. It would get underway to a level break and the eight runners opted for a Noah's Ark formation of two by two. The pace would be just a steady one set by Front Gunner under Tom Eaves. He would be joined by the all-weather returnee Garifullina with the grey Drakeholes coming next. The keen going Barossa raced just in front of No Saint while the rear was brought up by Concert Boy, Yaahobby and Mr Coco Bean.

The order would remain mostly the same until the pace began to pick up approaching the final furlong. Tom Eaves dropped the handbrake and sent Front Gunner skipping away into a clear lead. Garifullina was quickly dispersed with as No Saint made up good headway from the tail of the group. Concert Boy would be another to make up plenty of late gains, but Front Gunner wasn't for catching and he would land a double of wins on the night for trainer Ann Duffield. 

The race would see its fifth first time winner of the evening as Front Gunner finally got his head in front at the twelfth time of asking. After finishing third over five furlongs and fourth over six furlongs last year, it seemed that he would be in store for a good season this year, but things haven't gone quite as well as they hoped. A best effort of third over seven furlongs at the stiff Carlisle opened a few more options for the son of Calyx and he reverted to six furlongs last time out at Newcastle. After finding trouble in running, he kept on at the same pace to finish in the pack. Moving back up a furlong here, he was able to make all at his own leisure and used his tactical speed to slip the field at a valuable stage. He will be tested again at this level and it is unlikely he will get his own way on his next start, but Front Gunner will have more race options here in the coming weeks.