The Newcastle Racecourse covered a full eight-race National Hunt programme staged on 15 January, Thursday at Gosforth Park, where action unfolded from late morning through to mid-afternoon. The card featured a mix of maiden hurdles, novice and handicap steeple chases, and concluded with a bumper, with several leading northern yards recording notable successes.
The meeting opened at 11:45am with the Maiden Hurdle (Class 4, Division I), which was claimed by GAELIC ROVER. Ridden by Brian Hughes and trained by Ruth Jefferson, the winner travelled strongly and asserted after the last to score decisively for the Drew & Ailsa Russell Syndicate.
Division II of the Maiden Hurdle at 12:15pm went to IS THIS FOR REAL, partnered by Liam Harrison for trainer Fergal O’Brien. The gelding showed improved jumping and saw out the contest well to secure the verdict for owner Tony Bloom.
The Novices’ Handicap Steeple Chase (Class 4) at 12:50pm was won by MOON PHASES, with Derek Fox aboard. Trained by the joint partnership of Lucinda Russell and Michael Scudamore, the winner jumped accurately throughout and maintained a clear advantage in the closing stages for owners Mr Gerry McGladery and Mr Fraser McClung.
At 1:25pm, the Maiden Hurdle (Class 4) was taken by LEWISHAM GROVE, who was ridden by Sean Quinlan. Jennie Candlish prepared the gelding, who stayed on steadily to reward the Split The G Partnership.
The High Gosforth Park Golf Club Handicap Steeple Chase (Class 4) at 2:00pm produced a success for UPTOWN HARRY, ridden by Charlie Maggs. Trained by Jane Walton, the winner finished resolutely to score for the Fresh Start Partnership.
In the Mini Golf at High Gosforth Park Handicap Hurdle (Class 5) at 2:35pm, CHER MONSIEUR recorded a solid victory under Conor O’Farrell. Neil Mulholland’s runner kept on well to justify connections’ expectations for owner Mrs Samantha Dunn.
The Get Raceday Ready Handicap Steeple Chase (Class 5) at 3:10pm was won by ALWAYS A REASON, with Ross Chapman in the saddle for trainer Rebecca Menzies. The gelding responded gamely after the final fence to prevail for owners Miss Maria D Myco and John Johnson.
The card concluded at 3:45pm with the Open National Hunt Flat Race (Class 5), where RONNIE RUSSET provided Brian Hughes with a second success on the afternoon. Trained by Jedd O’Keeffe, the winner showed a sharp turn of foot late on to score for owner Mr H. Posner.
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