No sooner had the racing action of 2024 come to an end less than a week previously, the action at Newcastle was back with a bang at the start of 2025. Following on from the ultra-competitive and valuable card on New Year's Day, the Gosforth Park venue hosted its second meeting in as many days. The evening fixture would be the opposite of the previous day's racing as it featured plenty of low grade contests, but it would feature many regular faces in the equine world to the course. The feature race would be a class five handicap, but the races were well supported.

Race One: The Gamble Responsibly At BetUK Handicap - Class Six - One mile, Two furlongs - Runners: 10

Due to an extension of later races, the start time of the meeting was moved forward to an early afternoon kick off. The action would begin with this low grade yet tightly contested handicap over ten furlongs.

Top weight would belong to Triple Force, trained by Craig Lidster. The gelding remains a maiden after twenty one runs, but found a small bit of improvement towards the end of last year when finishing in and around the placings on the all-weather. Next up Come On John for the dual purpose stable James Owen. He holds a good strike rate on the all-weather and was last successful in October. Since then, he has finished in the placings in all starts since. The six year old Fifty Sent landed his only win at this venue in 2023, but has been inconsistent for Michael Dods. He would start the new year with a new trainer, Sam England. Treasure Storm is another to show glimpses of potential and has shown better recently. After staying on well over a mile the time before, the filly plugged on into fourth over this course and distance last time. The Michael Dods-trained Inspiring Speeches remains a maiden, but went very close to winning on a number of occasions last year. The gelding will be hoping to break the tag at the earliest possible time this year. The Ben Haslam yard struck with a winner here last weekend and returned with the mare Violeta. She would win here following a break in September and was a close up fourth when last in action on the flat. Since then, she struggled to stay the distance over hurdles and reverted to the flat. It has now been a few years since the Micky Hammond-trained Dragons Will Rise was a prolific winner and the nine year old lined up here on the back of some low key efforts. The filly Jujubella moved to the Grand National-winning stable of Lucinda Russell and has shown promise in three starts here. She finished in the frame over a mile and now stepped up to ten furlongs for the first time. The nine year old Blackstone Cliff has a wealth of experience and has won three times at Dundalk when trained in Ireland. He would return to form last time out on first start for Tristan Davidson when third here last month. Tom Tate's Tiger Trap has been tried over various distances but appears to lack gears over shorter trips and lack stamina over further. The five year old has yet to place, but his best runs have been when finishing midfield at Newcastle. 

Winner: JUJUBELLA (Too Darn Hot x Nourah) - #8 - P. Mulrennan - L. Russell

A bright and dazzling afternoon would begin with a fierce wind chill in the air, which led to numerous jockeys opting for the fashionable face coverings under their goggles. Just like the majority of middle distance races at Newcastle, the early pace would only be a modest one with no one in a real rush to beat the cold. The keen going early leader would be the outsider Tiger Trap, who held a narrow lead over Triple Force, Jujubella and Dragons Will Rise. A handful of runners would get away to a slightly slower start, most significantly Fifty Sent and Blackstone Cliff who also developed steering issues by hanging to his left. The hot favourite on the cold afternoon's opener Come On John would also race a shade too keenly as he was another to be held up in the early stages. 
The field made their way around the long, sweeping home bend and soon faced up to the main straight with half a mile to go. The order began to change as Tiger Trap was quickly surpassed by Triple Force took up the running. Come On John started to make headway through rivals and the eye was also drawn to the red silks of Jujubella, who travelled strongly. Triple Force would give it his all in front, but Jujubella galloped past under Paul Mulrennan and would be the latest leader at the furlong pole. The filly surged clear to put daylight behind her and the rest fighting for minor honours. She would cross the line an impressive four and a half lengths clear of Come On John who outfought the valiant Triple Force, with a further gap back to Dragons Will Rise who showed a hint of a revival in fourth.

It would be a stylish way for the four year old filly Jujubella to break her maiden tag on what was her eighth career start. She would begin her career in Ireland where she produced a handful of low key efforts for the Shane Crawley stable before moving countries to Lucinda Russell in Scotland in September. Since then, her form started to improve with a fourth over a mile in October which was followed by a third and another fourth in recent starts. This would be her first attempt at ten furlongs, but she would see it out well as distant relative to Group Two winner on the dirt, North America. Now she is off the mark, there is no reason to suggest she can't improve further at this level or even over hurdles in the future. 

Race Two: The Free Bets With BetUK Bet Club Classified Stakes - Class Six - One mile, Four furlongs - Runners: 12

The low grade action would continue with this basement level classified race, this time run over twelve furlongs. 

The racecard would be headed by Bamboo Bay, who has placed over longer trips in the past and a winner as recently as September. Tracy Waggott's six year old ran with credit before Christmas when sixth over two miles here. Louise Allan would sent up Bond Spirit from her Newmarket base for this race and the six year old has a good record at Wolverhampton and Southwell. The gelding has finished in the frame on his last three starts. The Phil Kirby yard would rely on Busby, a ten year old who placed three times in a row at the start of 2024, but ended the year on a high with an eleventh career in a first time visor which was left on here. The five year old Dee's Dream has just the one win to her name, but has recently switched stables once again to the Fionn McSharry yard. Her stable debut would be used a pipe opener over a mile, but she is a regular at this sort of trip. Lednikov has done well since joining the Ivan Furtado stable a few years ago and has won three times. Despite being a regular runner on the all-weather, his only start at Newcastle was a poor display. The grey Oscar Doodle won at this meeting in 2023 and has been successful over longer trips. He was lightly raced in 2024 but still managed a second here in April and now runs for the Olly Williams yard. Another mare in the lineup would be Rubelite for the Stella Barclay yard. She was successful on this day last year at Wolverhampton and went on to be consistent through the year. She was last in action the previous weekend when fourth again over this trip. The grey Typewitten won three times during 2022 and began last year in good form with a handful of placings. Since then though, the mare has been badly out of form. The veteran Visitant lined up for another season, now as a twelve year old for the locally based David Thompson yard. He would retain his enthusiasm with numerous placings throughout 2024. Brian Rothwell's Wath Court went very close to causing an almighty shock on debut, but his form has gone quickly downhill since then. This would be a first attempt at twelve furlongs as ideas begin to run out. The filly Angelica Catalani produced a mixed bag during her first season of racing for the David and Nicola Barron stable. A best finish of third at this trip would be matched by a good effort over two miles last time out. The lightly raced Born To Charm's best result came here over six furlongs when third, but his record elsewhere has been a poor one. He would make a large up up in distance having previously raced over a mile.

Winner: RUBELLITE (Iffraaj x Posh Claret) - #4 - P. Mulrennan - S. Barclay

Just like in the previous race, there would be very little pace in the opening exchanges. The visored Busby would dictate a moderate gallop under Aiden Brookes, but his former stablemate Bamboo Bay would keep close tabs on him up front. Wath Court and Dee's Dream would come next in the field as the likes of Lednikov, Bond Spirit and the favourite Rubellite all gave the leaders a head start.
With the low sun glaring into their eyes, the pack would reach the exit of the home bend and the pace began to lift slightly. Busby braved rallied in front and held off all comers as Dee's Dream swapped places with Bamboo Bay in second. Rubellite had a lot of work to do from the rear at the top of the straight, but she began to pick off tiring rivals one by one. The red silks carried by Paul Mulrennan would gain on the leaders with each stride as Busby and Dee's Dream fought out a close battle for the overall lead. The forward momentum of Rubellite brought her over the top of Busby and Dee's Dream before reaching for the line. Rubellite's  challenge would be expertly timed as the photo finish showed her neck in front of Busby, with another neck to Dee's Dream in third following a great finish. Back in fourth would be the grey Typewritten, who plugged on at the same pace from the back.

It would a deserved win for the mare Rubellite, who has been running consistently well in recent months. Stella Barclay's five year old produced just four poor runs throughout 2024 with nine finishes within the top four placings. Her breakthrough first win would come on the same day last year at Wolverhampton and the all-weather specialist clearly enjoys this particular day. 

Race Three: The £30 In Free Bets With BetUK Handicap (Div I) - Class Six - Six furlongs - Runners: 

The focus would change from stamina to speed as this low grade handicap over six furlongs would come next. This would be the first of two contests to divide into two halves. 

Lahab would carry top weight in this contest as he continues to frustrate connections. With just one win to his name, he went close to adding to that total over seven furlongs here two starts ago. He would now revert back to six furlongs after a below par run the previous weekend. The filly Brazilian Rose looked to be a decent prospect when winning on debut last summer and placed over this trip subsequently. Now with the Rebecca Menzies yard, she has been taken off her feet over five furlongs recently here. McCauleys's Tavern won twice at Kempton during 2024 and left the David Loughnane stable to join forces with another shrewd stable of Mick Appleby. After finishing fourth on stable debut, he was unable to confirm that form last time out. Antony Brittain's Spartan Fighter has been a stalwart on the all-weather with over fifty starts on the surface and nine wins. His in-and-out profile suggests a win can materialise from nowhere and his latest success in October came at this venue. The gelding Art Fantastique won twice in quick succession as a juvenile in 2023 and the best of his efforts last year would be a second at Kempton. The four year old began 2025 with a new trainer, Mark Usher. The four year old Noble Consort carried the silks of Ursa Major Racing and enjoyed a decent first season in 2024. He would sign off for the year with a first career win over course and distance for trainer Julie Camacho. The much loved Athollblair Boy has won eleven times at Newcastle in a long and productive career and was back for more at the age of twelve. The Jim Goldie yard was in winning form here last weekend and would saddled the lightly raced four year old Thunderstorm Katie, who ran well on stable debut when fourth at this distance and was outstayed over seven furlongs last time. Mr Stanley began his career in Ireland before joining the Phil Kirby yard at the start of 2024. He would be largely frustrating during his first season in Britain, with a single third place over course and distance being the highlight.

Winner: BRAZILIAN ROSE (Calyx x Miss Brazil) - #3 - K. Fraser - R. Menzies
The first half of the low grade sprint handicap would see the field reduced by one as Jim Goldie's Doon The Glen had raced the day before and was evidently off colour. It would leave a field of nine to go to post, but the race still looked a tricky one to solve. Art Fantastique would be an early arrival at the stalls, long before the others, but despite this he got away to a slow start and his race turned into an uphill battle after a few seconds. The veterans Spartan Fighter and Athollblair Boy have plenty of stalls experience and they would get away to quick starts, becoming two of the overall leaders which included Mr Stanley and Noble Consort. 
At the halfway point, Noble Consort would nose ahead to lead from Spartan Fighter who began to look vulnerable. There would be a whole host of chances entering the final stages as Brazilian Rose, Lahab and Athollblair Boy were all still right in contention. Once again, on the outside wing of the group, there would be an advantageous line as Brazilian Rose picked up smartly in the final furlong to eyeball Noble Consort. After a brief duel, the filly Brazilian Rose gained the upper hand and pulled clear under Kaiya Fraser to win by just over a length. Noble Consort had to settle for second but confirmed his wellbeing in the process, while the quirky Lahab did his best work at the finish to take a never nearer third. Early leader Mr Stanley would take a respectable fourth for the Phil Kirby yard.

It would be a victory for one of the least exposed runners in the line up, the four year old Brazilian Rose. The filly showed plenty of ability when winning on debut last for the Richard Hughes stable at Lingfield, but she would taste defeat in both subsequent starts. Having been sold at the Horses In Training Sales at Newmarket, she would move North to the upwardly mobile Rebecca Menzies. The daughter of Calyx would be campaigned over five furlongs during December and would seemingly be caught out by the early pace in those contests as she finished towards the rear. Moving up a furlong in trip here, Brazilian Rose raced a little keenly early on, but a smooth passage would see her return to winning ways. She has the potential to improve into a higher grade at this distance.

Race Four: The £30 In Free Bets With BetUK Handicap (Div II) - Class Six - Six Furlongs - Runners: 9 

Division two of the low level sprint handicap would feature closely rated competitors which gave the potential for a good race in prospect.

The lightly raced four year old Jimmy Knocker showed a mixed bag of ability for Andi Brown and lined up here with top weight. He kept on at the same pace at first attempt at six furlongs last time out. The grey seven year old Yoshimi is nearly a half century of starts and Michael Herrington's gelding has been in decent form of late with two wins at Chelmsford and Wolverhampton. The mare Giselles Izzy would line up for the Iain Jardine stable and despite having a better strike rate on turf, her best finish of fourth at this course came a month ago. Oriental Prince was in winning action less than twenty four hours earlier by winning here on New Year's Day. He lined up here as a lightly raced type for the Jim Goldie who do so well with horses like this. Julie Camacho would saddle Korroor, whose only win came here over a year ago but he has been disappointing of late. Peter Niven's Hurstwood has seen plenty of racing and has now turned eight years old. He has won just once on the all-weather, at this course in 2020. The Geoff Harker stable relied on Sydney Bay, who last tasted success twice in quick succession here in October 2023. The field would be completed by the lowly rated Badosa for the Pat Morris stable. The four year old began last year brightly with two wins, but his form tailed off badly throughout the rest of the year. 

Winner: JIMMY KNOCKER (James Garfield x Marion Antoinette) - #1 - D. Hogan - A. Brown

The field would be reduced one on the morning of raceday as likely leading contender Tomorrow Day gave the race a miss. It would leave a field of eight as the sun began to sink into the Newcastle horizon. 

The early stages of the race would see the pack race in an arrow head formation with the keen going Giselles Izzy setting a moderate gallop. She would be joined up front by the grey Yoshimi and those two would take turns at dragging their rivals down the home straight. Yesterday's winner Oriental Prince sat in a handy posse alongside Korroor, the enthustiastic Hurstwood and Badosa, who was giving his young rider Mason Paetel a challenging time. 

As the final furlong approached, the group would fan out across the track to make their move. The short priced favourite Oriental Prince loomed large on the outside under Paul Mulrennan as the pair looked set to make it a New Year's double. Early leaders Yoshimi and Giselles Izzy would give way, but a gap opened up nicely for Jimmy Knocker, who had been held up in the opening stages by Dylan Hogan. He would take the opportunity with both hands and quickened up nicely to challenge Oriental Prince. In a driving finish, Jimmy Knocker began to assert as the keen going antics of Oriental Prince earlier in the race proved to be costly for Jim Goldie's charge. The win would go to Jimmy Knocker as Yoshimi held off Giselles Izzy for third in a race where not many horses were able to get a look in.

Just like in the first division of this handicap, the outcome would go to a lightly raced four year old who has the scope to improve further. The gelding had previously shown glimpses of talent last year. His first three races would take place at Chelmsford between March and April and it would be on his second start where there was race winning potential. Finishing fourth that day, he wasn't beaten far and aimed to improve for handicaps. After an absence of eight months, Jimmy Knocker returned to the track, this time at Southwell in an identical race just before Christmas, where he finished fourth. That would set him up for this contest and a well judged ride and lightly raced nature of the horse proved to be a good combination. The family is well known to the Andi Brown stable as Jimmy Knocker's half brother Mr Fustic is also trained at the yard and has landed four race wins to date. The four year old is also a half brother to useful handicapper Irv, who won five times between a mile and ten furlongs, so handicaps will be the source of continued improvement for Jimmy Knocker. 

Race Five: The Win £1M With BetMGM's Golden Goals Maiden Stakes - Class Five - Seven Furlongs - Runners:

One of the more intriguing contests would be this seven furlong maiden which could produce a promising type. With all horses turning a year older on January 1st, the race would be open to horses aged three, four, five and six which gave a lineup of mixed ability.

Albert Hall would make a belated racecourse debut as four year old and carried the silks of Owners Group. Julie Camacho's gelding has seemingly had his issues but is related to some top class sprinters. Another late arrival to the racecourse would be Karl Burke's First Ambition, who would have plenty of eyes on him as the first foal of multiple Group One winner Laurens. The locally based Rebecca Menzies yard would be represented by Keeper Of Secrets, who has struggled in two novice races over longer trips so far and looks to be one for handicaps in the future.  An elder filly in the lineup would be the smartly bred Encircle, making her first start for Rebecca Menzies. She made her debut just under a year ago and showed plenty of promise when second for the Crisfords at Wolverhampton. Green Tax has been seen just twice in two seasons, but she has shown quirks on the track. Now with the Adrian Nicholls stable, her new connections will be hoping to settle her into the new surroundings. The well bred Heavenly Heather was picked up by the Tracy Waggott stable before stepping foot on the racecourse, but the filly has shown ability in three starts at this course in recent months. Her best effort came when second to a useful sort back in November. First of the three year olds would be General Admission, representing the high profile yard of Andrew Balding. He would make a promising debut back in October when running on into second at Kempton. Another Newmarket stable represented here would be Simon and Ed Crisford with the once-raced Great Dream. The colt made his debut in an end of season novice at Newmarket in November which often produces talented sorts. Lucinda Russell's Kinross Claret has raced just once so far, finishing sixth on debut at Ayr but he would be making a return to action for the first time since July last year. Kevin Ryan often utilises novice races in the first part of the year and sent up Lord Capulet for this contest. The colt is a half brother to top class miler Rosallion, but could only manage fifth on debut back in November. The filly Crangy lined up for the Nigel Tinkler stable and comes from a family of winners trained at the yard. She would make her debut a few weeks ago and returned home in sixth. 

Winner: FIRST AMBITION (Invincible Spirit x Laurens) - #2 - C. Lee - K. Burke

The most fascinating race would come as the floodlights kicked into action and day turned into evening time. All twelve competitors took their place and those braving the conditions took a close look at the horses in the parade ring. The majority of runners would mostly be on their best behaviour and arrived at the start. The stalls would kick back into action and from the outside, the yellow and black silks of Lord Capulet moved into an early lead under Shane Gray. He would be joined by Great Dream, who sat on the hind quarters of Lord Capulet along with General Admission and First Ambition as all four leading protagonists filled the first four placings. Further back in the field, Heavenly Heather was shuffled back after getting crowded at the start, but took up a midfield position ahead of Albert Hall who looked green and Kinross Claret. 

The pace would be an average one at most and there would be little change in the order until the final two furlongs. The warning signs began to go off for favourite backers as Jason Watson began to push away on General Admission as others travelled with more purpose. Great Dream began to drift to his left under Jack Mitchell but continued to pitch away at the leader. Lord Capulet would be next to come under pressure, but would respond to Shane Gray's urgings entering the final furlong. First Ambition had travelled powerfully up until this point closest to the running rail and once he was asked to challenge, the newcomer did so with style. Quickening up inside the final furlong to join Lord Capulet, the four year old then stretched clear approaching the line to make an impressive debut win by just under two lengths. Lord Capulet ran with credit to take second, ahead of Great Dream who also showed potential. The slightly disappointing General Admission could only manage fourth on this occasion.

For the Karl Burke stable, it would be another debutante winner at Newcastle following The Watcher on Saturday. It would also be a case of "well worth the wait" as First Ambition finally put his good homework to effect on the track. The son of Invincible Spirit has evidently needed time to develop, hence his belated racecourse debut. His first appearance was also highly anticipated as he is the first foal of high class mare Laurens. Also trained by Karl Burke, Laurens was a success story in the late 2010's as she won five Group Ones including the Fillies Mile, French Oaks, Matron Stakes and Sun Chariot Stakes. The colt appeared relaxed in the preliminaries and travelled with ease throughout the race, lengthening nicely at the finish. First Ambition joins a growing list of exciting horses for the Karl Burke stable for 2025. 

Race Six: The BetMGM: It's Showtime Handicap - Class Five - Seven Furlongs - Runners: 11

The feature contest of the night would be this class five handicap over the intermediate trip of seven furlongs. 

Iain Jardine's Jump The Gun last won at this course at big odds in November 2023, but his form has gradually declined since then. At his very best, he would still be a strong contender, but carried top weight here. The Ruth Carr-trained Bobby Joe Leg has now turned eleven and would be making his one hundreth career start here. He would win four times in a row at the start of 2024 and is a regular on the all-weather. Michael Dods's Kalganov is another former winner at Newcastle in the lineup and carried the Ursa Major Racing silks. The six year old appeared in need of the run on his latest start following a break. A second runner for the Ruth Carr stable would be another experience sort in the form of Streak Lightning. The eight year old has won four times at Newcastle in the past and has been in form recently with a pair of third placings over course and distance. The sole runner for the Craig Lidster yard would be Finn Ironside, who has developed into a likeable sort since winning at York in July. The four year old has finished in the placings on his last two starts on the all-weather. The in form Angel Of Antrim lined up for the Jack Morland stable on a roll. The five year old has won by wide margins on his last two starts and stepped up in class for this quick return to action. The Donald Whillans-trained Pallas Lord won four times in the first two months of 2024 before losing his way, but he would be aiming for a repeat of those antics and begin 2025 on a high. Mark Usher's Conquest Of Power raced on the southern circuit regularly and landed back to back wins in the spring of 2024. Since then, he has run with credit by finishing midfield recently; including on this course last time. Impeach has been a reliable sort at this level with four wins and has recently joined the fourth trainer of his career, Rebecca Menzies. The seven year old ran well to finish close up in fourth here a month ago. Ravensbourne finished down the field on his only start at Newcastle two seasons ago, but has recently rejoined the Michael Keady stable. He arrives here on the back of two third places at Lingfield in December. The Olly Williams-trained Mickey Mongoose has a largely all or nothing profile but landed a second career win at Southwell last March at big odds. 

Winner: ANGEL OF ANTRIM (Dark Angel x Todegica) - #6 - A. Mullen - J. Morland

The race with arguably most talent on display of the night would get underway to a level break. The big priced outsider Mickey Mongoose would take up the early running under Cam Hardie, but he was harried by previous course and distance winner Pallas Lord. These two would take each other and help force a decent pace for the others to chase. The recognisable big white face of Finn Ironside would come next as he raced third, with Ravensbourne for company. The prolific winner Angel Of Antrim settled in a comfortable midfield spot followed by Streak Lightning and Bobby Joe Leg on his milestone start. 

The two leaders would reach the two furlong pole and their time was coming to an end in front as Finn Ironside made some headway into a threatening position. The eye would be drawn to the hot favourite Angel Of Antrim, who cruised through to challenge for the lead approaching the final furlong. Just like he had five days ago, Andrew Mullen released the handbrake and his mount pulled right away from his toiling rivals. The race would be over as soon as it had begun in earnest as the rest played for second. Streak Lightning emerged from the pack to chase the leader's shadow as Ravensbourne rallied back into third having been briefly outpaced once Angel Of Antrim went by. 

The quick fire hat trick would be completed for Jack Morland's improving five year old, who has recaptured his best form since moving to the Newmarket stable in November. The first win of the three came here during the weekend before Christmas where a change of tactics to a more positive position would pay off in some style with a five length victory. A week later, Angel Of Antrim would return to Gosforth Park for a similar race and repeated the feat with another five length success. A busy spell was completed in this contest, this time by a much closer two and a half length margin, but the ease of the victory was telling. He should remain ahead of the handicapper with confidence at a high, but another rise in class will bring a new challenge.

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

Next up would be the second class five handicap of the evening, this time over the flying five furlongs. It would see a small but interesting contest.
Sanat would make his debut for new connections of Mick Appleby and The Horsewatchers. The former Roger Varian got off the mark last time out at the fifth attempt and could be a shrewd piece of business. Jess Macey's Thunder Star is a smart sprinter on his day and all his wins have come on turf. Despite this, the five year old would finish well last time out here when second on a rare start on the all-weather. Another to make a first start for a new trainer would be Wrestling Revenue, making his debut for the Ben Haslam yard. The four year old developed a liking for Brighton last year for Tony Carroll, but was also consistent with two wins. The Jim Goldie-trained Water Of Leith has plenty of talent and has won over various trips. The seven year old has been running well recently on the all-weather. Alan Brown's Rodborough is a Southwell specialist with three wins at that venue, but has previous good form here too. The mare has been in poor form in recent starts. Bryan Smart's Castan is a regular at this level and a former winner at Newcastle. The six year old has been running well without winning in recent starts at Gosforth Park. The Derek Shaw-trained Gustav Graves is a prolific winner around Wolverhampton and began 2024 with numerous wins at that venue. His latest victory came here in March, but his form dropped away after that. 

Winner: WATER OF LEITH (Kodiac x Zakhrafa) - #4 - P. Mulrennan - J. Goldie 

The shortest race of the evening would see the smallest field size go to post, but six of the seven runners were closely matched on official ratings. This would be proved during the race as all contestants were closely grouped through the opening stages with Bryan Smart's Castan taking up a narrow lead over Sanat and Thunder Star. The pair of seven year olds Water Of Leith and Gustav Graves would bring up the rear, watching their younger rivals set the race up.

The furlongs were quickly passed at speed and the race changed complexion in the final furlong. Castan had been usurped as overall leader by Thunder Star, but the focus was drawn to the favourite Sanat, who arrived on scene full of running. He would be stuck behind a wall of horses and Alistair Rawlinson had no space to go. On the outer edge of the group, Water Of Leith found a trouble free run under Paul Mulrennan and picked up nicely to overhaul Thunder Star. The seven year old would cross the line just under a length to the good and continued the good start to the year for his trainer Jim Goldie. Thunder Star settled for second once again on the all-weather as Rodborough kept on from midfield to take third. Time would run out for Sanat as a gap finally opened, but it would too late for the four year old. 

It would be a tenth career win for the seven year old Water Of Leith, who is a typically tough sprinter for connections. He clealry has quirks, as shown by the regular routine of walking from the parade ring to the starting stalls. However, when on song, he is still capable even after seventy starts. His last two wins came on turf during 2024, the first at Carlisle and then most recently at the Ayr Gold Cup meeting in September. His most recent runs suggested he was slowly coming into full effectiveness on the all-weather and so it was proven. The Glaswegian stable of Jim Goldie would extend a bright start this year with a third win at Newcastle in the first two days of the year. The win would also complete a hat trick of Paul Mulrennan on the night, to accompany the double of winners twenty four hours previously. The pair are a regular combination at Newcastle and rarely a meeting goes by without a win for trainer or jockey. 

Race Eight: The Boost Your Acca-Fenwa With BetUK Classified Stakes (Div I) - Class Six - One mile - Runners:  9

The action would return to the lower grade quality with a second classified race of the evening, this time over the straight mile. Just like the earlier handicap on the card, this race would split into two divisions.

Nine year old Alexander James has been a useful servant for the Michael Herrington stable and he finished second here eleven months ago. The veteran is seemingly starting to slow down and has managed moderate placings in recent starts. The Peter Niven-trained Annalee Lass has just the one win to her name, but has also placed at Newcastle in the past. She would have just one run in all of 2024, where she looked ring-rusty a few weeks ago. Mick and David Easterby would be represented by their seven year old Calcutta Dream in this contest and all five of his wins have come on the all-weather. One of those came here a few years ago and a drop back to a mile was hoped to bring about a revival. Another lightly raced sort in the field would be Cherry King for the Stuart Williams yard. The four year old has yet to place so far, but he has improved with each run; finishing a close up fourth at Chelmsford in November. The Stella Barclay yard would run Eva Rosie, a mare who started the year with promise by placing on her first three runs. She remains a maiden but has at least shown race winning potential. The eight year old Inexplicable has been a fixture on the all-weather scene for many years but has won ten times on the surface. His latest success came here in March and Antony Brittain's gelding was looking for yet more victories. Simon West's Likleman finished second twice here at the start of 2024 and was looking to repeat that feat in 2025. The four year old won for the only time during the summer on the turf but has been down the order in recent starts. The five year old Make A Move had achieved very little in Ireland, but made an interesting move to the shrewd yard of Daragh Bourke. There would be plenty of market support for the horse on stable debut, but he could only finish sixth back in November. The first division line up would be completed by Stoneacre Girl for the Jess Macey stable. The filly has made a habit of finishing sixth, but her best finish came at this level when runner up last summer. 

Winner: ALEXANDER JAMES (Camelot x Plying) - #1 - T. Eaves - M. Herrington

Part one of the closing contest would see a mixed bag of ability, but a host of regular faces at Newcastle. The opening stages of the race would see the the field make their way down the home straight in an arrowhead formation, led by Likleman under Aidan Brookes. The four year old would be joined by the grey Inexplicable as Calcutta Dream came next, just ahead of Cherry King. The well backed favourite Cherry King raced keenly in the opening stages as the pace was only a steady one. 
The group would make their way towards the near side rail and had soon reached the halfway stage. Eva Rosie would be another to over race in the early stages and was held up at the rear with Alexander James and Annalee Lass. Approaching the business end of the race, the panic buttons were starting to be reached for a number of runners. Cherry King moved into a narrow lead under Marco Ghiani and the nerves of punters began to ease. Calcutta Dream was another to throw down a big challenge in the final furlong as the duo of Eva Rosie and Make A Move struggled to find a gap. On the nearside running rail, a gap opened up perfectly for the veteran Alexander James and the old boy quickened up in good style to squeeze his way into a narrow lead. The Tom Eaves ridden nine year old kept on strongly to hold off the attentions of Cherry King and score once more. Back in third, Make A Move was held hostage by traffic issues but rattled home once in the open to take third, just ahead of Calcutta Dream. 

The race outcome changed dramatically in the final stages and it would be a typical Newcastle race where timing and positioning was key. It would be a seventh career success for the likeable veteran Alexander James, who now operates at a much lower level than his prime, but remains capable of winning races. The son of Derby winner Camelot, he is also the older brother to top class filly Alcohol Free and Group Three winner Brilliant and he would run to a good standard as a younger horse. The winner of a listed race in France five years ago, the gelding has been passed around different stables during his career, but has been reliable for trainer Michael Herrington. This would be a first win since July 2023, where he landed a seller at Beverley before joining his current stable and more recently had been finishing in midfield last year. Races of this nature a lottery, but plenty of things fell right for the veteran on the night. 

Race Nine: The Boost Your Acca At BetMGM Classified Stakes (Div. II) - Class Six - Six Furlongs - Runners: 8

The ninth and final race on the card would be the second half of the low level classified stakes over six furlongs. A field of eight would go to post and was another tightly contested line up.

The racecard would be headed by Brave Musketeer, who didn't make his debut until last autumn as a seven year old, but he was beaten by big margins in all three starts. Stella Barclay would have a runner in the second division as well as the first with Cloch Nua. The six year old would have a chance on best form, but he has been out of form since 2022. The small scale stable of Ray Craggs would run Coramento in this contest. The four year old ran in tough novice races, but showed a little more last time on handicap debut. The mare Elettaria is a former course winner for the John Wainwright stable and didn't get the rub of the green on some occasions last year. Martin's Brig has also won here in the past and lined up for David Thompson. His two most recent wins came here last year and has run well at higher levels in previous seasons. The eleven year old Mr Coco Bean has raced at this course for the past three years, so knows this place like the back of his hoof. Previous evidence shows that age is starting to catch up with him. The Scott Dixon-trained Pop Favorite is another regular at this course and was kept busy during 2024. His latest win came as recently as October, but that was already six starts ago. The field would be completed by Antony Brittain's Yaahobby, another with plenty of experience at Gosforth Park. Despite looking exposed, he continued to run with credit in recent starts. 

Winner: CLOCH NUA (Exceed And Excel x Lady Alienor) - #2 - J. Hart - S. Barclay

The final race of a bitterly cold afternoon at Newcastle would see part two of the classified stakes. As the gates opened for the final time of the night, Martins Brig would be a reluctant leader under David Allan and towed the field along at a steady gallop. The rank outsider Brave Musketeer joined Martins Brig up front, but neither would be in a hurry to beat the traffic home. Coramento would be joined by Pop Favourite as the next pair of runners as Elettaria would be one of a few competitors to race keenly. Mr Coco Bean pulled particularly hard in the opening stages, ruining any chance of seeing the race out. Cloch Nua was another to race enthusiastically and was held up during the first few furlongs.

Approaching the final furlong, the pace had lifted only marginally. Martins Brig gamely held on to his narrow advantage, but Cloch Nua found the best change of gear to square up to the leader. Coramento plugged on in third place, but the continued market support for Cloch Nua would be justified as the six year old won by a comfortable three-quarters of a length. Martins Brig would run a creditable race in second, finishing just ahead of Coramento. Pop Favourite would produce a typically satisfactory race with a fourth placed finish. 

It would be the completion of a double on the day for the small Lancashire stable of Stella Barclay as Cloch Nua would provide a good meeting for owners and trainer. The six year old has been a regular at a low level throughout his career and his last success was a long time ago in October 2022. That particular win was the second leg of a quickfire double of wins, but it has been a long time between drinks. On his latest start in October 2024, Cloch Nua would cut out the early running over course and distance, but weakened away quickly once headed. A switch of tactics here following a short break made the world of difference and sent home happy connections and punters alike.