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

Race One: The BetUK: It's Where The UK Bets Handicap - Class Five - One Mile, Two Furlongs - Runners: 9
The day's action would start as the sun began to set with this class five handicap over ten furlongs. Open to horses over the age of three and rated between 0-70, it would provide a diverse field and led to a competitive contest. Despite its all age status, this race has been won by three-year-olds for the last two years. In 2022, the Ian Williams-trained Dream Harder completed a quickfire hat-trick at the time before twelve months ago, the grey Blue Yonder landed his third win of the year for the Richard Fahey stable.

Despite the race not reaching its maximum entries amount, the contest was split into two divisions. The first would see top weight carried by Kaaranah for the John Butler yard. He has worked his way back into form and posted  a better effort last time out over course and distance when third. Another runner returning to Newcastle would be Alan Brown's Urban Road, who won here at the start of the month and was then luckless last time out. The Jim Goldie-trained Alpine Sierra ended a drought by scoring over course and distance a few weeks ago. It would be a continuation of a good run of form. The five year old Shamardal Star would represent the Adrian Keatley stable and his career started brightly initially, but his form has taken a few knocks recently.  A second runner for the David Thompson yard would be Cusack, who was in good form at the start of this year but has been slow to come to form this winter. Powerful Response's sole win on the all-weather came here over a shorter trip eighteen months, but Geoff Harker's four year old was caught late home by Alpine Sierra. Charlie Fellowes's Falcon Nine is another maiden in the field and made the journey from Newmarket here. The four year old has run well at Newcastle recently, finishing fourth behind Urban Road last time out. The Ben Haslam-trained Sandret has been a solid servant for the yard over the years but his form has a patchy look to it nowadays. Despite this, the eight year old posted one of his better efforts when second here over a mile.  Hot Team is nearing his hundredth career start and Pat Morris's gelding enjoyed a profitable summer this year. He would return to action a couple of weeks ago following a small break and ran with credit here last time out. 

Winner: SANDRET (Zebedee x Sava Sunset) - #8 - A. Mullen - B. Haslam

A busier than average crowd descended on Gosforth Park for this end of the year get-together and while the runners cantered to the stalls, the big screens showed the big race of the day at Newbury, the Challow Hurdle which was won with consummate ease by The New Lion. 
With the sun setting by the minute, the twilight racing would get under way. From the outset, the pace was only a steady one as Cusack and Powerful Response led the field through the early stages. With such a slow gallop, many of those in behind raced keenly down the back straight. After a furlong, the hard pulling Hot Team dragged his way into the lead but the pace remained little more than walking pace. The pack ambled their way around the home bend and with the home straight in sight, the pace began to lift. Hot Team began to look vulnerable in the lead as plenty of challengers arrived on the scene. Falcon Nine made his move at the two furlong pole, but his over exertions proved costly when push came to shove. Cusack and Powerful Response regained the lead as Hot Team was the next to fold. To the naked eye, it appeared that plenty of horses had enough left in the tank and from the rear, Sandret picked his way through rivals and found daylight on the outside of the group. Urban Road would also make rapid progress inside the final furlong and there would be four horses dueling it out. Alpine Sierra would remain trapped in behind horses and his rider Paul Mulrennan had to sit and suffer. Inside the final strides, Cusack, Powerful Response, Sandret and Urban Road all stuck their necks out and crossed the line as one. It would be a tense finish and a lengthy wait was in order to determine the finishing positions. After what felt like an eternity, Sandret was announced as the winner, ahead of Powerful Response, Cusack and Urban Road. Connections of the placed runners will have all felt aggrieved to miss out by such a narrow margin. Two short heads and a nose seperated the first four at the line at the end of ten furlongs.

There would also be a small surprise as 16-1 shot Sandret landed one for the bookies, but the eight year old gelding has been a reliable sort for Middleham trainer Ben Haslam. The son of Zebedee was a talented sort at the start of his career, winning four times and competing at class two level in 2020. In recent years, inconsistency has let Sandret down and he soon found himself at this low level. Having shown better on his last start at the beginning of December when staying on into second over a mile, Sandret would go one place higher on a rare try at ten furlongs. He may have been suited by the slow gallop early on, but the gelding can continue to be effective in these sort of races.

Race Two: The BetUK: It's Where The UK Bets Handicap Div II - Class Five - One Mile, Two Furlongs - Runners: 8

Division two would quickly follow and just like in the first half, there would be little between the competitors. 

The first of the three year olds would be Phone Tag for the Kevin Frost stable. The gelding has run well on a couple of occasions since moving to his current yard and shaped with promise last time out here. The locally based stable of David Thompson would saddle Berry Edge, another Newcastle regular who won here in October on penultimate start and was last seen in action at the end of that month. Richard Fahey would be doubly represented in this contest with the three year old Rainwater looking to repeat last year's running. The gelding has improved recently and won for the first time in November at Wolverhampton before finishing in the frame on his latest two starts. Jim Goldie would be another trainer with multiple runners and saddled the consistent Humble Spark, who has won three times this year. A reliable sort at this distance, he failed to stay the extra two furlongs last time out. The seven year old Russian Virtue won plenty of times over hurdles and on the flat, including at Newcastle on numerous occasions. Having left the Rebecca Menzies stable, he finished in the midfield last time on debut for the David Thompson yard. A second runner for the John Butler stable would be Rock Armour, a three year old who has improved towards the end of his first season of racing. The three year old finished second here in November and has added two more placings at the course since then. Another eight year old veteran in the line up would be Dundory for the Micky Hammond stable. He has won six times in the past, but isn't the force of old nowadays. His latest runs have been low key on the all-weather.

Winner: HUMBLE SPARK (Acclamation x Maiden Approach) - #5 - P. Mulrennan - J. Goldie

The second half of class five handicap would be just as competitive as the first, but once again the early pace was a steady one. From the stalls, Rock Armour was first to lead the group, but he was soon kept busy by Russian Virtue. The pair would take each other on at a sensible tempo with Rainwater and Phone Tag taking prominent positions. The likes of Berry Edge, Humble Spark and Percy Willis sitting in mid division and Dundory bringing up the rear.

Just like in the first race, the pack meandered towards the near side rail and the pace began to increase. Rock Armour began to weaken approaching the two furlong pole as Rainwater made his move to lead narrowly from Russian Virtue. The lead would change hands once again when Phone Tag nosed in front. Racing room would soon become hard to find and from the rear, Humble Spark was still travelling smoothly with nowhere to go. The gaps opened up at the right time for Paul Mulrennan and his mount quickened up between horses to emerge in the daylight as the new leader crossing the line. Phone Tag would be an unlucky loser in second, ahead of Rainwater and Russian Virtue who was slightly hampered in the scrimmaging.

It would be a relief for trainer Jim Goldie and rider Paul Mulrennan as the pair suffered bad luck in running with Alpine Sierra in the previous race. Their fortune would swing around this time and the four year old gelding was able to record a fourth win of his career and this year. 2024 has been a year of constant improvement for the son of Acclamation and his form began to improve in the first half of the year. Three of his wins have come at Newcastle with plenty more placings and it would be a fitting way to sign off the year with a win. A quirky but talented sort, he should be able to continue this run into 2025.

Race Three: The BetMGM: It's Showtime Irish EBF Novice Stakes - 2-Y-O Only - Class Five - Six Furlongs - Runners: 11

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

A maximum field of twelve would go to post for what looked set to be a decent looking novice. The racecard was headed by a previous winner, the colt Showering who represented the William Haggas stable and is from a classy family. He was well on top to make a winning debut over course and distance three weeks ago. The first of the maidens would Crackinthunder from the Jim Goldie yard. The gelding has raced twice here already, but looks to be a longer term handicap prospect. Similar comments apply to the Tracy Waggott-trained Diamond Dude, who is another to struggle at this level in two starts and will find lower grade handicaps easier. Nigel Tinkler's runner El Cobre Fuego is bred to make a sharp juvenile, but only made his debut at the start of the month. He showed minor promise before weakening away here on debut. The Tim Easterby stable would be represented by Fan Mail, a cheaply bred runner who is another to struggle in his initial races and would make his first start since August. Richard Fahey would saddle the gelding Goldrush Glory, who is related to some top sprinters and showed a little bit of ability when sixth on debut at Southwell just over a week ago. The Linda Perratt stable often finds success at Gosforth Park and would rely on Nave Force in this race. Despite coming from a good family, the gelding was slow to start on debut and was never involved at Southwell. Mark Walford's Oilisa made her debut in the same race as Showering here at the start of the month, but was unable to land a blow. The experience of that outing will be valuable though. The Richard Fahey stable would have potentially better hopes with their newcomer Rainbow Nebula, a gelding who is related to a smart sort on the all-weather in France. The second of the two debutants would be The Watcher, a colt from Karl Burke's Middleham stable. He is a close relation to Sisyphean, a winner at Newcastle earlier in the year and the stable's newcomers are always respected. The Nick Bradley Racing-owned Hardlass lined up here for trainer Grant Tuer and would be another to return from an absence. She was last seen on track in July, but improved from her debut.

Winner: THE WATCHER (Invincible Spirit x Lunar Vega) - #9 - C. Lee - K. Burke

The field would be reduced by one as Little Beck Annie was withdrawn pre-race, but the main protagonists stood their ground. All runners behaved themselves in the parade ring, but a few would prove fractious at the stalls ahead of the race. El Cobre Fuego gave the stalls handlers a hard time but eventually consented to walking into his gate. 
From the outset, the long priced Diamond Dude made a good start to lead through the opening stages with El Cobre Fuego, Hardlass and newcomer The Watcher all taking a prominent position. A select few would make sluggish getaways from the stalls, including the debutant Rainbow Nebula and Crackinthunder. Approaching the two furlong pole, the early leader Diamond Dude began to backpedal and he was replaced in the lead by the strong travelling The Watcher. His market rival Showering had been sat further back in the order, but began to make headway of his own. Inside the final furlong, Clifford Lee released the handbrake on The Watcher and the newcomer quickened up stylishly to open a gap on his rivals. The penalised Showering gave chase in vain, but the race was already over as The Watcher crossed the line as an impressive length and half winner. Back in third, Rainbow Nebula also made pleasing late ground to finish in front of Fan Mail who posted a career best. The first four would be covered by three lengths with a large gap back to fifth place.

The Karl Burke stable have combined with leading owner Sheikh Mohammed Obaid al Maktoum to big success in recent years and The Watcher could be the latest star to carry the yellow and black silks. The son of Invincible Spirit is a half brother to Sisyphean, who won over a mile at this course earlier this year and later at York during the summer. With plenty of speed and stamina in his pedigree, this was a very encouraging debut. The race may not have been the strongest, but it was hard not to be impressed by The Watcher and he could follow the likes of Cold Case and Elite Status to win big races over sprint trips for his trainer.

Race Four: The Win £1m With BetMGM's Golden Goals Nursery Handicap - 2-Y-O Only - Class Five - Six Furlongs - Runners: 10
The action would remain over six furlongs with the younger generation of the racehorse population as this nursery handicap would provide an interesting watch. Just like the preceeding novice, this would be the final time the runners line up as two year olds before they turn three in a few days. Races of this nature are often well contested and there would be little between the competitors. In 2022, the Archie Watson-trained Colours of Freedom scored for the first time before rolling in a four timer subsequently, while last year, the Richard Fahey stable completed a double on the night with Flying Fletcher romping away to victory.

The Kevin Ryan-trained Blue Lakota has been a revelation since switching to the all-weather this winter and arrived here in search of a hat trick of wins. The gelding was a wide margin winner at a lower level here two starts ago and followed up with another win at Chelmsford last time and carried the burden of top weight. Karl Burke's Triple Charged began his career with promise in the summer, but his form dropped away in recent starts. Following a gelding operation, this would be his first try on the all-weather. Another with experience of the surface would be Ollie Sangster's Monomyth landed a first win in August before going close on first attempt on the all-weather. Since then, his form has an exposed look to it. The Mick and David Easterby-trained Laurens Dream got up to win in the final strides here in November before following up with a second win just five days later. She has been outpaced over a shorter trip in both subsequent starts. Julie Camacho's On Key is a half brother to the yard's top class sprinter Shaquille, but has shown only a portion of his ability to date. Despite this, the colt has shown potential to win races. The John and Sean Quinn-trained Fallen Soldier has more experience than a few of his rivals, but has a hit and miss look to his form. His best results would be a pair of seconds on the turf and all-weather. David O'Meara's string often return victorious at this venue and they would look for further success with Startling, who has already won three times this year. This would be her first attempt at six furlongs having won here last time out. Richard Fahey's Malton yard would be represented by the filly Final Angel, who recorded her best performance since debut when staying on into third here behind Blue Lakota. Another filly in the lineup would be Lima Sierra for Middleham Park Racing and Nigel Tinkler. She would be another to improve for switching to the all-weather and has placed in her last two starts here. The field would be completed by the lowly rated maiden Andalseeyagraham, a second runner from the Nigel Tinkler yard. The gelding ran his best race over this distance, but failed to stay a mile last time out.

Winner: ANDALSEEYAGRAHAM (Profitable x Street Kitty) - #10 - E. Tindall - N. Tinkler

The full field of ten would take the start and from the moment the gates opened, the pack made a v-line for the stands rail once again. On Key would dictate the early pace under Ryan Sexton, but they would be joined by Fallen Soldier. The early pace would be just an average one, but the furlong markers were soon ticked off through the race. Well fancied runners Blue Lakota and Laurens Dream would face traffic problems at a critical moment but from the rear, Andalseeyagraham made an eye-catching surge on the outside wing of the group. He suddenly quickened away from On Key and the rest to take up a clear lead under Ethan Tindall. On Key would fight back valiantly but remained well held as Nigel Tinkler's runner caused an almighty shock to win at odds of 125-1. From the rear, Blue Lakota stayed on nicely into third, but a slow start hampered his cause. Fallen Soldier could only weaken into a respectable fourth place.

The stunned silence of the crowd was broken by a ripple of applause from the few punters who had backed the horse. It would be a vast improvement for Andalseeyagraham, but the gelding has briefly threatened in the past. A son of Profitable, a high class sprinter on track, Andalseeyagraham is a half brother to the very useful Sir Busker, a winner over a mile and a quarter as well as at Newcastle. Slow starts have been a hinderence for Andalseeyagraham in his six previous starts, but his best start came over six furlongs in a similar contest where he finished well into a close up fourth. On his latest start, he was moved up to a mile, but the experiment backfired as the gelding emptied quickly. A drop to this distance was clearly the missing link. Whether it was pure luck or by design, Nigel Tinkler has now potentially found the key for progress with Andalseeyagraham in the future.

Race Five The Gamble Responsibly At BetMGM Handicap - Class Six - One Mile - Runners: 11
The elder horses would return for this low grade handicap over the length of the Newcastle mile. This would be another contest to feature plenty of familiar faces at Newcastle line up once again. Last year, the race was run as a class five handicap and split into two divisions. The first half would be won by Gemma Tutty's Enola Grey, who has since developed into a smart type on the surface. The second division saw more success for the David O'Meara and Dan Tudhope combination as Cosmos Raj finished best of all to win.

Despite been lowered in class, the race saw plenty of entries and a full quota of twelve runners lined up here. The top weight Mercurius Power was in good form at the start of 2024 and has ended the year in decent form. Having won as recently as August, the six year old went close in a similar contest here at the start of November. Paris Lights doesn't possess the same talent as his half brothers Magna Grecia and St Marks Basilica, but his sole win came on this surface. Now with the Paul Midgley yard, the five year old has finished strongly over a furlong shorter on his last two starts. The Linda Perratt-trained Trais Fluors will soon turn eleven, but remains in top form. He has been successful on two of his last three starts, both at this venue. Ian Williams's Book Of Life has been running well recently and would be looking to get his nose in front following a string of placings. Parish Councillor won for the first time back in early 2023, but he has achieved little since. The David and Nicola Barron-trained four year old would need to improve here. Brian Ellison's Calianassa was highly tried as a juvenile last year, but remains winless. The filly has gone close at this venue recently to suggest she is capable of winning. Few horses would arrive in better form than Ben Haslam's Volenti, who has been prolific recently. The five year old has won three of his last six starts, with three placings elsewhere. The Michael Wigham-trained Lahab is undoubtedly capable of better, but still holds a solitary career win. He arrives here on the back of a second to Trais Fluors last time out. Patrick Morris's Wyvern gained first run on his rivals to win over course and distance a month ago and has run with credit on subsequent starts. Tim Easterby would saddle Mount King in this contest, a dual winner last year on turf who shaped better than the bare result on his all-weather debut at Southwell recently. A second runner for the Patrick Morris yard would be Tasever, who has improved since arriving at his new stable. The four year old has been successful twice at Newcastle this winter, but has raced too keenly on last two starts.

Winner: PARIS LIGHTS (Siyouni x Cabaret) - #2 - D. Nolan - P. Midgley 

The field was reduced by one as the Newmarket-based Grovely Belle was deemed a non runner on the morning of the race. That would leave a field of eleven experienced and tough handicappers and it produced a great finish. 
As the race got underway at the very top of the Newcastle straight, Tasever would be sent into the early lead but rider Ryan Kavanagh opened for a very steady gallop. With no other challengers to take him on, Tasever would dictate affairs down the straight and many of the fancied runners pulled hard, wasting valuable energy. Approaching the final two furlongs, the pace increased and Tasever was soon faced with runners on either side of him. Callianassa eyeballed Tasever inside the final furlong, but Paris Lights came with a sweeping run to join battle. The five year old's momentum carried him forward and into a narrow lead at the finish line to take an overdue success. From an uncompromising position, Wyvern weaved his way through traffic to burst through into second, just pipping his stablemate Tasever for second which in turn relegated the filly Callianassa down to fourth.

It would be just a second career success for a horse who is bred to be so much better than a class six level horse. The five year old began his career in Ireland with Jessie Harrington, but failed to win despite being a full brother to 2021's outstanding horse St Marks Basilica and a half brother to 2019 2000 Guineas winner Magna Grecia. His first win came on first start in Britain back in 2022 and a lot of water has passed under the bridge since then. A range of distances raced over and even an attempt over hurdles failed to bring success, but a move to the shrewd Paul Midgley yard has seen him return to his best. He has improved this winter following a third at Newcastle following a summer break and then fifth last time out when slow from the stalls. 
His older brothers may have made headlines on track, but Paris Lights continues to make his own success at a much more modest level. 

Race Six: The Best Odds Guaranteed At BetMGM Handicap - Class Four - Seven Furlongs - Runners: 11
The first of two good quality handicaps would take place under the floodlights. The seven furlong contest served up a competitive race for the level with some horses dropping down in class while others were rising through the ranks. The race is open to three year olds and older, but it has been the elder generation who have dominated previous runnings. With four year olds, five year olds and six year olds winning since the first renewal in 2020. Twelve months ago, the all-weather specialist Swiss Ace landed another success on the surface for trainer Ruth Carr.

The improving three year old Bravo Zulu would carry top weight this year for trainer David Loughnane. The gelding has won his last two starts since joining current connections and has been a shrewd purchase. The four year old Red Maids has been a different proposition recently after winning three in a row for trainer Mark Rimell, with all wins coming at Newcastle. Another filly in the lineup would be Byzantine Empress, who has recently joined the Jedd O'Keeffe stable. The former Irish trained three year old won at Haydock this year and has run well on the all-weather recently. Last year's winner Swiss Ace returned for Ruth Carr in search of more Newcastle success. The six year old made good late headway over course and distance behind Red Maids. Linda Perratt is a dab hand at revitalising horses purchased from bigger yards and her latest project is the three year old Starliner. The gelding dictated a steady gallop to win here two starts ago and matched that effort when second last time out. The three year old Our Havana looked to be a promising type for Richard Fahey when winning a decent handicap at Newmarket, but he stopped quickly at York on his last start back in June and would also make his all-weather debut. Another unexposed  three year old would be Harry Did for the Harry Eustace yard. He has run well on this surface on the past and got off the mark on turf during the summer. That's For Sure was a useful two year old last year, winning on second start before taking in high profile festivals. He would finish down the field last time, but that would be a first run in fifteen months. The four year old Eden Storm won twice for previous connections last year before joining the Patrick Morris stable. He has been seen twice recently, but has finished down the field. The Gemma Tutty-trained King's School would be a second runner for Middleham Park Racing and had previously finished second a frustrating four times prior to finally getting his nose in front a week ago at this venue. Homer Stokes recorded a four timer just down the road at Catterick this year and has won plenty of times in the past of the all-weather. He could only manage a midfield finish back on this surface recently.

Winner: KING'S CROWN (Lightning Spear x Elenora Delight) - #10 - W. Fentiman - G. Tutty

The improvement in quality on show led to a more truer run race and when the gates opened, Homer Stokes would take up the early running and bring the field towards the near side rail. The keen going Starliner would hamper his own chances with his enthusiasm, just like Harry Did who raced alongside. The in form Bravo Zulu would also keep close tabs on the leader Homer Stokes as the field made their way past halfway. 
There would be plenty of chances entering the final two furlongs and the protagonists soon made themselves known. Richard Fahey's Our Havana had pulled hard early, but was sent on early to lead inside the final furlong as Red Maids travelled strongly on her four timer attempt. Another on the outside of the group to make headway would be last year's winner Swiss Ace, but the attention was switched to the near side and King's School, who made rapid progress along the rails. As Our Havana bravely stuck his neck out, King's School responded to every urging from Warren Fentiman and the gelding began to get up approaching the line. King's School would take home first prize, just ahead of Our Havana who had returned to form and it would be another good run by Red Maids in third. Swiss Ace could only manage fourth in the race this time around.

It would be a case of patience rewarded for the Gemma Tutty stable and owners Middleham Park Racing as the gelding has broken his seconditis curse. The son of Lightning Spear had finished second on his previous four starts at Newcastle, but he finally tasted victory for the first time just before Christmas. It would be a quick turnaround, but the confidence boost of a first win saw him repeat the feat here. It was also a well judged and timed ride by young jockey Warren Fentiman, who looks set for a bright future at the tender age of sixteen. The son of popular Northern-based jockey Duran Fentiman, Warren is making a big impression at a rapid rate; his first race ride on racehorses came as recently as October. The youngster has a fine opportunity over the winter to impress trainers on the all-weather and potentially set up a big career move.

Race Seven: The Gamble Responsibly At BetUK Handicap - Class Four - Six Furlongs - Runners: 11

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

Just like the previous race, a progressive three year old would carry top weight. Pals Battalion has been consistent for the David O'Meara yard and scored for the third time this year over course and distance. The William Haggas-trained Mahato looked to be a bright prospect with an impressive win on debut last year, but he has yet to progress. The gelding has been campaigned over a range of trips. Richard Fahey's Admiral D has just two wins to his name, but is capable at a higher level as shown on numerous occasions. The five year old would drop in class with the aim of gaining an overdue win. Another three year old, Modern Times, has shown ability to win races for the Iain Jardine stable and one of his better runs came here when third. Caffu Zafeen finished second three times in a row for previous trainer James Tate, but has since moved across Newmarket to make his debut for David Simcock. Another Newmarket runner would be Swift Stom for the Alice Haynes yard. Having finished a promising third on debut here last year, the three year old has finished in the frame in all starts since, but has been beaten by wide margins. The improving Beale Street lined up for the Bryan Smart yard and landed two lower grade contests here recently to continue his good record at the course. One More Dream started the season brightly for the John and Sean Quinn stable with three wins, but the five year old has been badly out of sorts in recent times. Another three year old in the field would be the Alan Brown-trained Angel Of England, who looked to be a useful prospect last summer when getting off the mark. Since joining his current stable, the gelding has shown flashes of ability. Grant Tuer's Showtime Mahomes has been a TV celebrity in the racing world in the past, but has continued to perform well on track. He would win at Southwell in stormy conditions in November. The five year old Evocative Spark is a quirky sort and has been moved around various trainers. Now with the David Riches yard, he ran respectably at Wolverhampton when fifth on stable debut. 

Winner: PALS BATTALION (Invincible Army x Princess Savoie) - #1 - D. Nolan - D. O'Meara

The second competitive contest of the night would be run at an average tempo as Angel Of England grabbed the early lead under Rowan Scott. He would soon be joined by outsider Evocative Spark and the pair kept each other company down the home straight. Just behind the leaders would be the likes of Mahato and Beale Street as a large portion of the field opted to make their move late.

The lack of a genuine pace saw some of these sprinters pull hard during the first half of the race, making life difficult for their riders. At the furlong pole, Evocative Spark faded quickly out of contention, but Angel Of England continued to hold a narrow lead. Beale Street was next to challenge the leader. Those who had been held up suddenly appeared into the fray as Modern Times swooped around the pack to nose in front. Showtime Mahomes and Admiral D were two more to respond well to pressure, but the winner would emerge on the far side as Pals Battalion burst through a small gap to edge into the lead. In another exciting finish, half a length would cover the first three home. Pals Battalion had timed his challenge to perfection to deny Modern Times who ran a stormer into second. Showtime Mahomes confirmed his well being with a third place, just ahead of Admiral D. 
As soon as the horses crossed the line, the dreaded Stewards' Enquiry klaxon sounded. A nervous hush filled the North-East air as the judges studied whether Pals Battalion had hampered Modern Times as he barged through to lead. To the relief of many, the placings remained unaltered and it would be a second win in succession for Middleham Park Racing. David O'Meara's three year old is starting to build a likeable and progressive profile on the surface which could come in handy for the All-Weather Championship Finals back here in April. After racing at a modest level previously, the son of Invincible Army landed a third win of his career over course and distance at the start of December. Four weeks later, he would be successful again but needed to roll his sleeves up to find his own luck. Showing a good turn of pace, Pals Battalion should be able to progress higher up the ladder.

Race Eight: The Extra Winnings With BetUK Acca Club Handicap - Class Five - Five Furlongs - Runners: 9
The penultimate race of the evening would be another sprint handicap, this time at a slightly lower level to the previous race. It would feature plenty of regulars lining up to face each other once again, aiming for the bragging rights of a final win of the year. Last year, the race was held over six furlongs and would go the way of Linda Perratt's The Caltonian, who was in the middle of a purple patch where he won five times and placed on five other occasions. 

Top weight would be carried by The Ridler, a former Group Two winner at Royal Ascot for Richard Fahey. The four year old spent a while in the doldrums before returning to form recently with a belated success over course and distance a few weeks ago. Due For Luck lined up for the John and Sean Quinn yard and won his first two starts last year. Since then, he has been inconsistent but retains a lightly raced profile. Strong Johnson is a speedy sort and would win for the ninth time in a similar contest at the start of November. Paul Midgley's veteran has remained in good form in recent starts since. Iain Jardine's five year old Parisiac can be a talented sprinter when on song and has won on all kinds of conditions. His latest win came in impressive fashion at Nottingham in October. Another three year old in the field would be Bryan Smart's Buzz Box. The gelding has spent a large portion of his career at Newcastle and has been successful in the past. He would be narrowly denied by a resurgent veteran here at the start of the month when last seen. The filly Maris Angel had a progressive look to her form when winning twice in quick succession. Her latest start would be slightly below par at Wolverhampton when only fifth. One of many improvers in the field would be the four year old Darlo Pride for trainer Michael Dods. He has found extra since joining his current yard and was lining up on the verge of a hat trick across December. Yet another three year old taking on his elders would be Doddies Impact. He made a rapid start to his career by winning the Brocklesby at Doncaster last year, but following a dry spell he returned to the winner's enclosure here on his latest start. The popular grey Brian The Snail continues to go strong approaching the age of eleven. He has finished just outside the placings recently, including last time when making  plenty of late headway. 

Winner: BRIAN THE SNAIL (Zebedee x Sweet Irish) - #12 - R. Kavanagh - P. Morris

The lineup was reduced by a quarter as Above, Piloto Pardo and Cast No Shadow all missing out, but it left a field of nine in-form contenders. 

The shortest race of the night saw plenty of early pace on display and from the start, Strong Johnson gave his rivals a tow along with the keen going Maris Angel, Parisiac, Due For Luck and Doddie's Impact. Further back in the field,  the hat-trick seeking Darlo Pride was held up for a run, bringing up the rear with Brian The Snail and Buzz Box. The furlong markers were ticked off one by one at a rate of knots and the race began to unfold approaching the final furlong. Parisiac narrowly got the better of Strong Johnson and would be the outright leader, but a congregation of horses swarmed on his heels. Darlo Pride was next to challenge for the lead, but the eye was drawn to the near-white horse Brian The Snail who had made rapid headway from the rear. The grey put his best foot forward and would cross the line a length to the good from Parisiac, Darlo Pride and Strong Johnson. Buzz Box was constantly denied a clear run inside the final furlong and The Ridler was below his best on the night.

There would be a hearty welcome for the winner Brian The Snail as he returned to the winner's enclosure for the thirteenth time in his long career. The ten year old has an adoring fan club due to his name and appearance, but he was once a potential star at the beginning of his career. Initially trained by Richard Fahey, he would win on his first three starts in 2016-17 and was even purchased by world-renowned owners Godolphin. His luck soon ran out though and he became disappointing, sliding back down the ladder through the years. He has found a home at this much easier level nowadays but slow starts have crept into his system recently. Pat Morris's gelding finished in eye-catching style when fifth and fourth on his last two starts at Newcastle, but everything fell into place on the night. There would also be another young and promising amateur to ride a winner as Ryan Kavanagh delivered his mount with perfect timing and continues to make an impression.

Race Eight: The BetMGM: It's Showtime Handicap - Class Six - Seven Furlongs - Runners: 12

The final contest on the flat course at Newcastle of 2024 would be a low grade handicap. It would lack in the quality department, but for the winner, it would be a chance to sign off the year on a high. 

The four year old gelding Angel Of Antrim has begun to build a good record at this venue, having won here for the second time this year and the first since joining new trainer Jack Morland. The Alan Brown-trained Likeashadow was kept busy at this time of season last year but held his form well with a pair of wins. Following a long break, the gelding has been slightly disappointing in recent starts. The grey three year old Good Karma was promising in early 2023, but following a trip to that year's Royal Ascot, his form has retreated badly and has now joined the John David Riches. Sir Maxi is a six time winner during his career and also has good form at Newcastle, as shown when third at the start of the month. His present form has an inconsistent look to it though and was down the order last time out. The four year old King's Crown has won once so far but was highly tried as a juvenile. Since then, his rating has fallen quickly and has found himself at this lowly level for trainer Michael Dods. The filly Vixey ran well at the start of her career when finishing in the podium placings on a regular basis. She has struggled to match those achievements in recent times however since joining the Simon West yard. Linda Perratt's Keep Me Stable scored twice within a week at Newcastle last year and has been another with an inconsistent profile recently. The stable's runners can usually bounce back to form without warning.  John Butler's mare Windsor Pass remains a maiden as a six year old, but has shown potential with strong travelling efforts into the placings over course and distance this year. Buttercross Flyer has gained plenty of experience despite being a three year old and this would be her twenty-fifth start. Scott Dixon's filly has been finishing in the frame on a regular basis recently though. Another Scottish based runner would be Concert Boy for Katie Scott. It has been a while since the gelding's only win, but he has finished in the placings on a regular basis recently. Ishe Worth Agamble would be another represent the Easterby family as he lined up for Tim Easterby. The gelding had looked limited in the past, but posted a career best over course and distance when a close third last time out. Donald Whillans would saddle the mare See My Baby Jive, who has yet to add to the hat trick of wins from last year, but she has run well at Newcastle in the past. Her better efforts include a runner up spot in a similar race back in July. 

Winner: ANGEL OF ANTRIM (Dark Angel x Todegica) - #1 - A. Mullen - J. Morland

The gates would crash open for the final time in 2024 and from the outset, the pace was only an ordinary one. The three year old Buttercross Flyer was given an easy time in front but dictated modest sectional times under Kieran O'Neill. In behind, a few of his rivals would race keenly. They included the well fancied Angel Of Antrim and Keep Me Stable who kept the leader in their sights, as well as the held up King's Crown. 
As the pack ambled down the centre of the track, there would be little change in the order. See My Baby Jive sat in a comfortable second and Concert Boy had ground to make up following a sluggish start. Approaching the final stages, Angel Of Antrim was spotted travelling much better than his rivals. As See My Baby Jive weakened away, the favourite cruised up Buttercross Flyer and left him standing, quickly opening up a yawning gap in front. Andrew Mullen would only need to push his mount out through the final furlong as the race had been signed and sealed in the blink of an eye. The four year old crossed the line almost five lengths clear and was on the way home before the runner up crossed the line. Windsor Pass would "win" the race for second as she made up plenty of ground from the rear and Keep Me Stable returned to form with a third place, just ahead of Sir Maxi, another to get going once the race was over.

It would be a carbon copy of Angel Of Antrim's win last time out in the exact same conditions. The son of Dark Angel had previous winning form at Newcastle with a win back in April for previous trainer Phil McEntee before moving across Newmarket during the sales to the up-and-coming trainer Jack Morland. Hold up tactics failed to pay off in a handful of starts for his new trainer, but a change to a more prominent sitting has paid dividends for Angel Of Antrim. Last time out, just seven days previously, the gelding slammed his rivals and did so once again to finish the year on a high. It would be rider Andrew Mullen's fifty-first winner of the year, having completed the half century in the first race of the night. The style of Angel Of Antrim's wins suggest he can cope with a rise in class, especially now with confidence at a high.