Chapman Cautious Ahead of Crucial Newcastle Test as Rivals Eye Racing League Upset
Matt Chapman was all smiles when London & The South extended their Racing League lead at Windsor last week — but behind the grin lies quiet caution. With Newcastle’s fiercely competitive night five looming on Thursday, August 21, the charismatic team manager knows better than to celebrate early.
London & The South hold a commanding 95-point advantage over The East after amassing a record-breaking 202 points at Windsor, but Chapman isn’t counting his chickens just yet.
“This competition can turn on its head in a single night,” Chapman admitted. “We’ve seen teams rack up 200 points before, so Newcastle could swing towards someone else entirely. I know some mischievous team managers are saying it’s ours to lose — maybe mathematics isn’t their strong suit!”
Newcastle Set for Fiercely Contested Night
Unlike Windsor, where London & The South dominated, all seven Racing League teams will unleash full squads of 14 runners at Newcastle, making it arguably the most competitive fixture of the season.
Chapman has his eyes set on Race 31, where Bragbor (George Scott) and Telepathic (Simon & Ed Crisford) spearhead the charge. Telepathic impressed at Doncaster last time, while Bragbor carries big expectations for the future.
“We also managed to slot in Jessica Macey’s Jenever for the five-furlong Race 33, and he loves it here,” Chapman added. “Richard Hannon’s Witch Hunter looks Group-class in Race 32, and Al Rufaa has unfinished business in Race 34 after just missing out here last year.”
Chapman’s cautious optimism is balanced by calculation:
“If we notch between 70 and 100 points, we should stay on top. But if we falter, I’d rather the lower-ranked teams close in than Charlie Fellowes and The East!”
The East Eyeing a Dramatic Comeback
Charlie Fellowes, manager of The East, refuses to throw in the towel despite the daunting gap. He’s drawing inspiration from Ireland’s stunning turnaround in 2023, when they overturned a 72-point deficit in the final two fixtures to snatch victory from Wales & The West.
“Ninety-five points is big, but Racing League history shows nothing is over until it’s over,” said Fellowes. “We’ve got a strong team heading to Newcastle and favourable draws. If we can close the gap to 40 points before Southwell, we’re right in this.”
The East’s powerful trio from James Fanshawe — Salamanca City (Race 31), Miss Nightfall (Race 32), and Leadenhall Street (Race 35) — will be central to their challenge. Fellowes also highlighted Sir Mark Prescott’s Synergism in Race 29 and his own runner, Ivatt, in Race 30 as key players in their Newcastle arsenal.
Scotland Banking on Mulrennan’s Magic
Sitting third with 446 points, Scotland is quietly confident under manager Alex Steedman, who has leading Newcastle jockey Paul Mulrennan steering several contenders.
Steedman believes Sax Appeal and Chillhi are strong threats in Race 29, while sprint specialists Bonito Cavalo and Lion’s House hold solid claims in Race 33. In Race 34, Steedman tips Titled Kilt as one to watch after an eye-catching Wolverhampton run, with Nikovo also expected to relish Newcastle’s surface.
Racing League Standings After Night Four
| Team | Points |
|---|---|
| London & The South | 581 |
| The East | 486 |
| Scotland | 446 |
| Yorkshire | 432 |
| Wales & The West | 409 |
| Ireland | 358 |
| The North | 291 |
With Newcastle’s full-throttle clash ahead, expect fireworks as teams chase Chapman’s leaders into the home straight.
Conclusion
The Racing League Newcastle 2025 fixture promises high drama, tactical battles, and potential upsets. With London & The South defending a sizeable lead, The East, Scotland, and the chasing pack are throwing everything into the mix. History suggests Chapman’s side can’t afford complacency — Newcastle could yet rewrite the Racing League script.
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