The seasonal festivities would still be in full swing as the entire sport of horse racing welcomed in a brand new year with a busy afternoon of action. With various meetings taking place around the country, those based in the North East would travel to Gosforth Park in Newcastle to uphold New Year's traditions on the first day of 2026. 
An eight race card would take place throughout the late afternoon into the evening with a mixture of race quality. Despite the feature race, a class three ten furlong handicap, attracting a small field, there would be decent field sizes elsewhere and competitive contests on offer.

January 1st is also a milestone for every racehorse registered around the world as they all turn a year older on records. Both the horses and their connections will be looking to kick off the new year with a bang.

Race One: The Midnite, The Future Of Betting Apprentice Handicap - Class Six - Five Furlongs - Runners: 12

The first race of the flat in 2026 would offer a glimpse of the future as the younger and more inexperienced generation of jockeys took to the stage with the opportunity to showcase their skills ahead of the upcoming year. The class six race may not be a prestigious event, but plenty of Newcastle regulars would return for another year and a healthy field size of twelve runners went to post.

Heading the racecard would be the formerly French-trained La Rochette who is now based more locally in the North East with the Tracy Waggott stable. The five year old filly ran to a useful standard in her home country, but promising efforts have been few and far between in Britain. She now drops to this level for the first time having finished tailed off here a few weeks ago. The experienced Digital broke a lengthy losing streak when successful in a similar race over course and distance on his last start and Ruth Carr's eight year old is operating from a rating much lower than at his peak. The Michael Keady-trained Last Outlaw has recorded his two wins over five furlongs, but has been sighted over six furlongs on a regular basis. The five year old showed promise on his latest start here over six furlongs when a close up fifth; he would revert to this trip with new headgear fitted. Another eight year old in the line up would be Karl Burke's Prince Of Lir, who won on his first start of 2025 but lost his form badly. Despite a handful of career wins, this will be just the second time he has ever raced over five furlongs as connections attempt to find the winning thread once again. The Linda Perratt stable is often well represented in contests of this nature and would saddle Henery Hawk here. The seven year old has also won at Newcastle in the past, most recently in July, and he rounded out 2025 with a string of minor place finishes on the all-weather. A second runner for Spennymoor-based trainer Tracy Waggott would be Invincible Annice, who has built up plenty of racing experience for a four year old. Her winning turn came in November when winning over course and distance but has since struggled from a higher rating in recent starts. Paul Midgley knows the time of day with sprinters and relied on recent winner Latin Five in this contest. The veteran bookended 2025 with a win at Newcastle, so connections will be hoping he can repeat the feat this year too. The Middleham-based stable of Liam Bailey would call upon Stroxx in this contest. The nine year old won here in January last year and was more of an early season type with solid efforts on the turf. His latest run here came after a six month absence so could be forgiven for needing the run. Scottish trainer Jim Goldie celebrated a century of winners in 2025 and is a regular supporter of Newcastle. He would run the filly Wee Mary, who remains a maiden but has gone close on a few occasions. She hasn't spent long with her new trainer, so it wouldn't be a surprise if a race came her way. Another trainer based north of the border would be Iain Jardine, who saddled Little Mi Mi. The five year old mare has been knocking at the door lately with three consecutive runner up finishes so a win here wouldn't be a surprise. Linda Perratt would be doubly represented by another Newcastle regular, Shatin Venture. He too has finished in the frame recently, including last time where he looked unlucky after a slow start. Completing the lineup in the opener would be Under Curfew, who turned ten years old. Tony Carroll's hardy sort recently passed his 100th race start but this would be just his third visit to Newcastle and first since 2018.

Winner: LITTLE MI MI (#10) (Dandy Man x Alasaayel) - M. Tabti - I. Jardine

Despite a few weary faced racegoers from the previous night's celebrations, a big crowd descended on Newcastle for a traditional New Year's get together at the races. They would be greeted by clear skies, but a fresh arctic wind would blow away any cobwobs left from New Year's Eve. 
The advertised field of twelve runners would remain in place and the action would get underway to a level start. From the outset, the speedy Digital led the way in the first few furlongs having gone down to post early. The main body of the pack would opt for the central channel of the course and settling just behind Digital in second would be the keen going Little Mi Mi. Others to sit prominently early on would include Stroxx, Under Curfew, Invincible Annice and Wee Mary, but the overall pace didn't look to be a strong one. At the tail of the field, the slow starting Last Outlaw brought up the rear with Latin Five and Henery Hawk. As the final couple of furlongs loomed up, the pace began to increase.  Digital attempted to slip the field under Warren Fentiman, but Little Mi Mi and Mohammed Tabti had tracked the leader's every stride. The mare moved alongside Digital and began to surge ahead in the final furlong, pulling clear by a length and a half to gain a deserved victory. Digital took a hard fought second place to remain in form while La Rochette ran a bold race, staying from the rear to take third at big odds and show improvement. Fourth would go to Wee Mary who lost out on bronze medal in the closing stages.

Races of this nature can see horses cross paths on many occasions and provide different winners each time. This would be the case here as Iain Jardine's mare Little Mi Mi reversed the form from her last start when second to Digital. On that day in December, Digital found slightly more at the finish, but this time there was a 3lbs advantage on ratings for Little Mi Mi. That difference proved the key to victory. The daughter of the late Dandy Man has shown improvement since joining the Iain Jardine stable from Ireland and finished second three times in a row on turf and the all-weather prior to this race. She travelled through the race nicely and this would be her moment, breaking a longstanding maiden tag at the sixteenth A perfect start to the new year, Little Mi Mi will likely been seen at Newcastle on a regular basis at this level.

Race Two: The Create Your Bet Builders At Midnite Novice Stakes - Class Four - Six Furlongs - Runners: 9

Next up would be a fascinating novice event for horses who have turned a year older on paper but remain young at heart. The six furlong contest open to fillies and males looked a wide open contest and connections of all the runners will be keen to make a good start to the year with these youngsters.

The card would be headed by the now four year old gelding Mr Dreamseller, trained by David and Nicola Barron. He would make a belated racecourse debut at Southwell in November and showed plenty of pace before weakening into fourth. The other four year old would be Julie Camacho's filly Polka. She hails from a winning Elite Racing family and showed promise of her own when staying on into third on debut over course and distance in September. The newly turned three year olds would be headed by Newmarket challenger Riley Rocks. The colt made his debut only a fortnight ago at Southwell, but shaped like an improver when fourth that day and he is related to plenty of winners. The first of the newcomers would be Nigel Tinkler's Stromness. He comes from a very smart Cheveley Park Stud family, but looks one for a later date having been gelded ahead of this racecourse bow. Karl Burke's record in novice races at Newcastle last year made for impressive reading and he would be represented by Three Non Blondes. The three year old filly pulled clear to win on debut and is bred to be talented. She would escape having to carry top weight due to the conditions of the race, an extra positive. Richard Fahey would be another leading northern stable with an interest here as he saddled Evolve. The colt is well related on pedigree, but was unable to land a blow on his debut here recently. The locally based Michael Dods stable would be represented the twice raced Raven's View. The gelding has struggled in two starts so far, but comes from a very good family which is filled with stamina so could be one to follow for handicaps following this run. Newcastle born trainer Brian Ellison has an affinity with this venue and would saddle his filly Elizabetty here. The three year old filly had looked progressive during last summer, but looked to hate the track layout at Beverley where she finished a disappointing last. The final runner would be well named for her owners Ursa Major Racing, Battenburg Belle. Rebecca Menzies's filly was in action here just three days earlier, but failed to feature. This would be a quick turnaround but she qualifies for a handicap rating after this run. 

Winner: RILEY ROCKS (#3)  (Sergei Prokofiev x Clouds Rest) - H. Doyle - D. Cunha

The field would be reduced by one as Battenburg Belle was deemed a non runner having raced just a few days ago, but the remaining eight runners produced an intriguing mix of experience and ability.

Despite most of the older horses behaving well enough at the stalls, a few would give their riders a hard time as the gates opened. Stromness and Raven's View would miss the break and start on the back foot while David Nolan was slow to remove the blindfold on Mr Dreamseller which hampered his chances. Away from the issues, Elizabetty would take up a narrow lead in the early stages but was soon pestered by Riley Rocks. The short priced favourite Three Non Blondes would race in a share of third with Evolve as the keen going Polka and those who started slowly brought up the rear. Once again the race pace wasn't an overly brisk one and the runners raced comfortably within themselves for the first three quarters of the race. Approaching the final furlong, Elizabetty had been replaced in the lead by Riley Rocks and the filly quickly faded out of contention. Riley Rocks soon had positional advantage as Three Non Blondes began to make her move. Riley Rocks quickened up nicely and as much as Three Non Blondes tried, Riley Rocks always looked comfortable and took his first win, crossing the line a neck to the good over Three Non Blondes. Despite the issue at the stalls, Mr Dreamseller ran a big race to stay on into third, demoting Evolve into fourth in a bunched finish. 

Having waited under December to make his racecourse debut as a two-year-old, it would be a quick change of luck for Riley Rocks who landed a first win just thirteen days later. Travelling up from Newmarket for trainer Dylan Cunha, the son of Sergei Prokofiev gained his first racecourse experience at Southwell where he had been slow to start but caught the eye with a fast closing fourth over five furlongs. With that experience taken on board, he looked much more professional under rider Hollie Doyle, who has recently returned from a brief spell in Hong Kong. Once Riley Rocks grabbed the lead in the final half furlong, he never looked like being caught and could develop into a useful horse for a trainer who can unlock any amount of improvement in his horses. A half brother to the talented filly Tenaya Canyon, who placed in three listed races, a step up in class could be on the cards for Riley Rocks.

Race Three: The Join The Midnite Movement Handicap - Class Three - One Mile, Two Furlongs - Runners: 6

The feature contest of the afternoon would also be the longest as this class three handicap looked a good renewal. Taking place over a mile and a quarter, it would feature horses who have built up a good record at Newcastle and provided a clash of in form rivals. 

Carrying top weight would be the Juddmonte cast off Antrim, who has been a slow burner but has now taken off since switching to the all-weather. The well bred four year old moved to Karl Burke's yard in October and put in a dominant display to win over course and distance when last seen in December. Jim Goldie's excellent record at Newcastle looks set to continue as he saddled Gosforth Park regular Midnight Lion. The six year old has won over a range of distances and landed his eighth victory at Newcastle last month when dictating affairs over a mile under rider Lauren Young. Another last time out winner in the field would be David O'Meara's Machete, who made a late start to last year but rounded it off with a win here just before Christmas and remained open to further improvement. The star of Anthony Brittain's stable Without Compromise took his place in the line up. The beautifully bred five year old finished 2025 in hot form with three wins and two placings at Newcastle and should carry his form into the new year. Yet another course regular would take his place here, the Alan Brown-trained Urban Road. The seven year old has won on numerous occasions at Newcastle and signed off for the year with a handful of placed finishes on between a mile and ten furlongs. He certainly knows where the finish line is at this venue. The sextet of runners would be completed by Jedd O'Keeffe's Inappropriate. The five year old has been running under both codes of late and has won on the hurdle track at Newcastle two seasons ago. More recently, he would chase home Without Compromise over course and distance and looked to even up the form. 

Winner: MIDNIGHT LION (#3) (Nathaniel x Coyote) - L. Young - J. Goldie

The feature race would pay homage to the strength of course form as all six runners held thirty wins at Newcastle between them. The tightly packed sextet provided a tricky test for punters as a case could be made for each of the horses. 

As the gates opened, the well backed favourite Antrim went into the early lead under Pierre-Louis Jamin. Following in second would be the black and white silks of Midnight Lion, then the keen going Machete and Without Compromise who need rousting forward after a tardy start. The final two positions were taken by Inappropriate and Urban Lion, but the gallop was a very steady one set by Antrim and the field meandered along the back straight. As the pack rounded the bend and into the home straight, Antrim would still hold on to the lead and brought his rivals down the middle of the track. As the pace began to pick up, Antrim looked vulnerable as Midnight Lion loomed large. The keen going antics of Without Compromise started to come into effect as he weakened out of the picture and it was suddenly in the hands of Midnight Lion. The six year old kept finding for pressure from Lauren Young and had the race wrapped up in the closing stages. Urban Road had travelled sweetly into contention inside the final furlong but wasn't able to find as much off the bridle as hoped for and the staying on Machete was closing all the way to the line on Midnight Lion, but settled for second. Urban Road returned in third with Antrim's winning streak coming to an end in a disappointing fourth.

The starting price of 7-1 for Midnight Lion showed that was a surprise to punters, but his course record was there for all to see with a superb ninth win at Newcastle. Connections delightfully welcomed back their horse as part owner Paul Stewart waved a black and white scarf of his beloved Newcastle United for a topical winner. Ever since moving to Jim Goldie's stable at the end of 2024, Midnight Lion has done nothing but improve dramatically. Winning three times in a row over ten furlongs, including on the corresponding meeting twelve months ago, the son of Nathaniel excelled over all sorts of distances from seven furlongs to two miles. A win on turf at Ayr revitalised his season last year and led to two more wins at Newcastle prior to this success. A tough handicapper with a love for Gosforth Park, there will surely be memorial made once he retires. Before that though, more wins at Newcastle are highly likely.

Race Four: The Midnite Are Upping The Betting Game Handicap - Class Four - Five Furlongs - Runners: 12

The focus would switch from stamina to speed as the second of three consecutive handicaps of competitive nature. This one would take place over the minimum trip of five furlongs and saw a good portion of in form runners and returning faces ahead of a new season.

Carrying top weight in this contest would be Mesaafi, who had travelled up from Ross Burdon's stable in Newmarket. The five year old landed his first career win at this venue twelve months ago before landing two more victories on the all-weather later in the year. He has also shown his class with a placing at class two level. Next up came the lightly raced Coronado King for the Archie Watson yard. The five year old won impressively on stable debut in October at Wolverhampton, but ran poorly on his latest start. Another horse with not many miles on the clock would be the seven year old Pineapple Island. The mare has been based at different stables throughout her life but joined the Malton yard of Seb Spencer where she showed more promise last time out when fifth at this venue just a few days ago. Richard Fahey's four year old Bonnie's Boy had looked exposed prior to winning for the first time at fourteenth attempt over course and distance. That win came at a slightly lower level and he would weaken away on his latest run in December. The evergreen Juan Les Pins would be a class above his rivals at his very best, but Mick Appleby's nine year old has been going through the motions of late. This would be a first ever start over five furlongs for the former listed race placed sprinter. King's Crown found form at a lower level recently for the Michael Dods stable and arrives here in good heart. The six year old landed his fifth and final win of 2025 at this venue before taking a good second in a similar contest in December. The filly Dandy Magic lined up for the hard working Jim Goldie stable and is another with solid credentials ahead of this contest. Her strong travelling way of racing often encounters traffic issues, but things fell her way when successful here three starts ago. Lion's House is another regular to Newcastle, but hadn't quite been at his best towards the end of the season. Linda Perratt's five year old has been hampered by over eagerness in races and slow starts in his recent outings. Dark Kestrel was kept busy throughout 2025 with plenty of races, but the six year old held his form pretty well for trainer Anthony Brittain and returned to winning ways here in October. Since then, he has form lines which tie in with some of his reopposing rivals. Kevin Ryan's Blue Lakota was in good form on the all-weather this time last year, winning a few races, but began to struggle throughout the rest of 2025 from a higher rating. It would drop sufficiently enough to capitalise by winning over course and distance in November, but couldn't replicate that form on his latest start. Paul Midgley's horses are regulars at this level and the stable often return successful in similar contests. The Malton based yard saddled Hover On The Wind, who made a winning return to the all-weather here back in November and is unexposed on this surface. Completing the line-up would be another runner for the Michael Dods team, Darlo Pride. The grey's most recent win came over a year ago and he would continue to run well during the early parts of 2025. He showed promise recently when fourth on his first start after a lengthy break.

Winner: KING'S CROWN (#6) (Starspangledbanner x Textured) - S. Kirrane - M. Dods

This well contested event got away to a good, even break as the gates opened and from the outset, Hover On The Wind would show bright early speed to lead in the opening couple of furlongs. Coronado King and Mesaafi would sit handily in the early exchanges but hampered their own cause by racing a shade too keenly. Lion's House would come next with Bonnie's Boy, Blue Lakota and Pineapple Island while the likes of Juan Les Pins and the grey Darlo Pride were held up for a late challenge. 
The order would remain mostly the same until the final furlong where the race began to heat up. Lion's House had moved alongside Hover On The Wind to challenge for the lead, but the group fanned out across the width of the course in a wide open climax. Over on the far side, Juan Les Pins had travelled smoothly into a share of the lead, but the action was just as competitive in the middle of the track. Bonnie's Boy had edged in front inside the final half furlong with Blue Lakota, but amongst bodies, King's Crown squeezed through the gap to poke his head in front where it mattered. As the line was fast approaching, King's Crown wrestled the lead away from Blue Lakota to land the spoils by half a length. Juan Les Pins would produce a good effort in third while fourth would go to Bonnie's Boy as just two lengths covered the first six finishers. 

It would be a continuation of the good form shown previously by King's Crown, whose career was galvanised during 2025. Michael Dods's six year old began last year with just a sole win which came in a juvenile season where he was highly tried at times. Since moving north to the Darlington-based yard of Michael Dods, the gelding has found his feet at a lower level and on the all-weather. Initially starting last year in class six contests, he looked to appreciate the drop to five furlongs with four wins throughout the summer and autumn. He would finish the year off in good style with a win over course and distance in November before going close against a well handicapped horse in a similar contest here last month. This was also his first win in this grade, which suggests he has the confidence and natural ability to slowly climb back up the ladder with a trainer who knows the time of day with sprinters.

Race Five: The Win £250,000 With BetMGM's Golden Goals Handicap - Class Four - One Mile - Runners: 10

The third and final decent quality handicap would take place over a mile. 

Brian Ellison's Callianassa would shoulder top weight for this contest, but has a good record over the straight mile course at Newcastle. The filly took a long time to get off the mark, but has now recorded three and ran well into third in a similar contest last month. The five year old Qazaq looked to be a promising sort earlier in his career, but his form has fallen away. Despite running in some better quality races last year, he has yet to find improvement since joining the Iain Jardine yard. Another filly who goes well here would be David O'Meara's Donna Nook. The four year old has better form on the all-weather and produced her best finish in this country when second over course and distance in November before taking third at Southwell on her latest start a month later. The gelded Eve's Boy looked to have a good career ahead of him after winning a good maiden race at Ayr in 2024, but that remains his only win to date. Michael Dods's four year old switched the all-weather in recent months and shaped with promise in similar contests to this one. The multiple winner The Green Man went through a lengthy quiet spell before joining the Phil Kirby stable where he rediscovered his form. The seven year old has now won three times since September and is making his way back up the ladder. Another once smart sort who has been revitalised by a new trainer is Bajan Bandit. The six year old moved to Pat Morris's stable halfway through 2025 but had to wait until December to win. He has since backed up that run with a pair of second placings at a slightly lower level. The grey Flying Fletcher is yet another horse to know this place like the back of his hoof and made his fourteenth start at Newcastle. In that time, the five year old has won twice and placed on many other occasions, including last time out when second. He would be joined by fellow grey Novak, trained by Iain Jardine. The seven year old won on this day in 2025 and would be looking to continue the tradition. Despite this, his recent wins have come lower class races, including the latest which came in September. Katie Scott has done an excellent job with her runner Concert Boy, who ended the year in brilliant form. The six year old won twice and placed on four other starts at Newcastle, but the latest win came in very easy fashion. Completing the line-up would be another in form runner, the Tony Carroll-trained Francesi. The seven year old grey has found further improvement since moving to current connections and won here a month ago. He continued to be in form when third here three days ago and this would also be his milestone fiftieth start. 

Winner: FRANCESI (#10) (Caravaggio x Show Me The Music) - M. Coppins - T. Carroll.

As the cold winter wind began to make conditions even more unbearable for those in attendance, the floodlights began to cut through the January darkness. There would be drama before the start of the race as Callianassa, a filly who does things her own way when it comes to loading in the stalls, decided not to oblige for the handlers and was subsequently withdrawn at the start.

The remaining nine runners would enter their gate without incident and the race got underway. The early pace would be no more than a hack canter in the first couple of furlongs as Qazaq was seemingly reluctant to go on. The pack would then race in single file down the centre of the course as Francesi held second ahead of Bajan Bandit, Flying Fletcher, Novak, Donna Nook and The Green Man. Plenty of those racing towards the rear began to race keenly, but as Qazaq lead the field to the nearside rail, he began to inject some pace in the race to open up a clear lead. Qazaq's rivals appeared happy to give him some rope, but as the two furlong pole approached, the lead had been whittled down by the peloton. As soon as the chasing pack reached the tail of Qazaq, the long time leader dropped away tamely and was soon out of contention. The race's focus would fall on the grey Francesi, who gained first run on his rivals. Bajan Bandit attempted to go with the new leader, but the closers from the rear began to threaten. Flying Fletcher emerged from the pack with a big target ahead in the form of Francesi. The two greys would go eye to eye in the final few metres, but Francesi bravely did enough to hold on by a short head. The Green Man had suffered plenty of interference in the pack, but charged home to take third at the line, a place ahead of Concert Boy in another thrilling, bunched finish. 

The handicapper will have pleased with the job he made of framing this race as once again the top four finishers could be covered with a blanket. The in form Francesi was always well positioned by his young jockey Myla Coppins, who has made a great start to her career with three wins from seven rides. She will continue to perfect her craft throughout the winter and appears to a name to make note of. Tony Carroll's seven year old grey Francesi would win on his fiftieth career start, but has found improvement during the short period of time he has been with his new handler. The son of Caravaggio has been a regular at this sort of level on the all-weather, but was never the most consistent when it comes to form. Moving to the very shrewd Tony Carroll in the October sales, Francesi had already struck up a good partnership with Myla Coppins by winning over course and distance last month. The duo would perform well once again at Gosforth Park in the period between Christmas and New Year's Day where he took an honourable third in a lesser race. With plenty of similar races to this one on offer throughout the all-weather season, it wouldn't be a surprise to see Francesi in the winner's enclosure on more occasions in the near future.

Race Six: The Always Gamble Responsible With BetMGM Handicap - Class Six - One Mile - Runners: 11

As the darkness of evening began to fall over Newcastle, the racing action would begin to draw to a close as well. The next race would take place once again over the straight mile and gave a chance for the more modest horses to show what that they can do. 

Ben Haslam's Volenti had the task of carrying top weight in this contest as he continues to search for a return to form. The inconsistent seven year old was in a good patch of form two seasons ago, but his best effort of late came here when third over a mile. The Kevin Ryan stable often unlock progress in their horses in these kind of races and would be hoping that was the case for Sherlock. The four year old gelding remains a maiden, but started to find form towards the end of 2025; placing three times on the all-weather. David Thompson's Coramento ended 2025 on a high with a pair of victories here and has been given a small break since his last start. All of the five year old's career wins have come at Newcastle which boosts his chances. Another North-Eastern based yard represented here would be Brian Ellison with Miners Gamble. The five year old has placed over hurdles and produced a good run when a close second here in May, but his performances after a break haven't been as good. Another maiden in the line-up would be Springbok from the Richard Fahey stable. The four year old has the natural ability to win a race, but things haven't gone his way on track so far. The lightly raced five year old Believe In Lies only won once during her first season last year, but has solid form at this level. After winning over seven furlongs, she then placed over nine furlongs which suggests this course can play to her strengths. Another in form runner in the line-up would be the Iain Jardine-trained No Nay Nevermind. The four year old filly has shown improvement of late, finishing second on her last two starts albeit over a furlong shorter. Shifter has won and placed over longer trips than this one, but Wilf Storey's seven year old was below her best when last seen in action. The mare has struggled to land any blow in two starts over a mile here in recent starts. Another former course and distance winning veteran would be Pallas Lord from the Donald Whillans stable. Now an eight year old, the gelding was last successful here in March but struggled for form ever since. He bounced back to near his best when third over course and distance last month and often starts each year with good form. The evergreen Trais Fluors is now a twelve year old but still holds his appetite for racing and Linda Perratt's gelding was collared on the line last time out. He would be a popular winner as he approaches his 100th race start. Liam Bailey originally had two runners entered, but Harswell Duke was found to be off colour shortly after declarations. Instead, the Middleham yard relied on Wait For It who completed the line-up. The filly endured a quiet first season in Britain but should be able to make her mark soon enough at this level.

Winner: TRAIS FLUORS (#10) (Dansili x Trois Lunes) - A. Jary - L. Perratt

As the gates opened, Pallas Lord would be sharpest away and took up the early running under Sean Kirrane, who was aiming for a double of wins on the night. Next came the keen running Sherlock, Coramento and No Nay Nevermind as the pace looked to be an average one for the level. The majority of the pack opted for the centre of the course and remained tightly bunched down the extended part of the mile straight. Joining the racecourse proper, the order up front remained the same as Springbok, Shifter and the slow starting Trais Fluors looked on from afar at the back. 
At the two furlong pole, the race began to take shape. Pallas Lord had fended off his rivals to this point and remained in a comfortable lead. No Nay Nevermind and Sherlock had moved alongside the leader approaching the final furlong as Springbok, Miner's Gamble and Coramento all remained in the firing line. Further back, the eye was drawn to the purple silks of Trais Fluors, who was cutting through the field like a hot knife through butter. His rider Alex Jary sat almost motionless in the saddle, easing the veteran into contention before unleashing his challenge at the half furlong pole. Trais Fluors took dead aim at Pallas Lord and joined the long time leader in the closing stages. There would be a head bobbing finish to the line, but after a lengthy photo finish call, the win was given to Trais Fluors. Pallas Lord would do everything right except from winning to take second while Springbok and Miner's Gamble made decent late ground to take third and fourth respectively.

On a very chilly night, it would be a heart warming sight to see the popular veteran Trais Fluors return to the winner's circle. He turned twelve years old on the day of the race but still shows the same enthusiasm for racing as he did on his debut back in late 2016. The son of Dansili began his career in France with Andre Fabre where he ran to a very high standard; winning a Group Two before finishing second in the Group One Prix Jean Prat in 2017. He would then take the next step in his career by moving to Ireland in 2020, but was unable to replicate that excellent form. After a short stay in Ireland, he then moved to Mick Channon's yard in the twilight of his career, but he was still classy enough to win a class two handicap in 2021. As his age grew older, his talent began to wane. He would leave Lambourn for a new adventure in Scotland with the Linda Perratt team who have recaptured his love for the game. Trais Fluors had won twice before for current connections, but not since late 2024  so this would be a perfect start to 2026 after a winless twelve months. On his previous start, Trais Fluors had been slow to start and missed out by a nose in an identical race here three weeks ago and connections will have feared the same outcome again here after a slow getaway. Despite this, he was coaxed into the race and looked like a Group One horse against class six horses. As he approaches his 100th start which is in just eight races time, this was definitely the result of the meeting for horse racing purists.

Race Seven: The Midnite Built For 2025 Not 2005 Handicap (Div. I) - Class Six - Six Furlongs - Runners: 12

The final contest of the afternoon was well supported with entries and it prompted a split in the race. The six furlong event would see plenty of old favourites and Newcastle regulars and division one would be the stronger of the two.

Top weight in division one would be carried by Michael Keady's gelding Master Dandy. The six year old is a regular on this surface, but has shown only brief spells of promise since joining the Keady yard. One of his better displays came last time out over course and distance when third, caught in the closing stages. Next up would be the Grant Tuer-trained filly Sovereign Class. The four year old made her debut just under a year ago and has shown ability with four second placed finishes throughout 2025. She went very close in a similar contest here three starts ago and returned to those conditions here. The grey Auntie Jo would line up for the David O'Meara stable for her first start since April last year. The four year old remains a maiden and has gone close on a couple of starts. Her trainer will surely be able to find a race win for her at this sort of level. The five year old Eco Power Boy hasn't seen much racing than his age suggests, but he has shown glimpses of promise since joining Seb Spencer's yard. He would weaken out of contention having shown up prominently here last time out and looks to be coming into form. The mare Green Valentine has won just twice in her career and those wins have seemingly come from out of the blue. Alan Brown's five year old won at big prices at Hamilton and at this course last autumn, but her from elsewhere hasn't been inspiring. The most recent winner in the line-up would come from Jim Goldie's stable, Doon The Glen. The six year old landed his first career win at this venue on his latest start, but that came back in March and he would need to overcome a nine month absence. The popular stalwart of Nigel Tinkler's stable Atholblair Boy has now turned thirteen years old but the gelding keeps going strong. The Newcastle specialist showed there was life in him yet when a close second here last month. Another well travelled runner who has threatened to go close recently is Spartan Fighter from the Anthony Brittain stable. The nine year old returned from a small break to finish placed here three times in a row, albeit well held by the winner on his latest start. Julie Camacho would be another Yorkshire based stable with a runner here as she saddled Brave Bob. The four year old has been generally disappointing so far with a best finish of fourth, but he remains unexposed on the all-weather which could help inspire some form. Yet another mare in the line-up would be Katie Scott's five year old Yellow Lemons. She would go close over course and distance back in October when second, but she has yet to follow that effort up in four other starts. Phil Makin's runner She'sashambles still has just the one win to her name back in 2024, but she has some good placed efforts on the all-weather including at Newcastle. The five year old is another who wasn't at her best towards the end of the year. Linda Perratt would be represented by Bernie The Bear in this contest and the six year old's last win came over two years ago. Since then, he has joined current connections and placed on a number of starts but appears to be not the most consistent.

Winner: SPARTAN FIGHTER (#9) (Dutch Art x Survived) - C. Hardie - A. Brittain

As the meeting reached its final furlong, many of the brave racegoers had called it quits in the cold weather and left, but those who remained were treated to more familar faces to Gosforth Park.

The action would get away and the nine year old Spartan Fighter would make the best start of all and make a beeline for the near side running rail. The pace wouldn't be an overly strong one as Master Dandy and Brave Bob kept the leader honest in the opening stages despite racing keenly. Eco Power Boy initially missed the break but quickly made up ground to take a handy position behind the leaders as She'sashambles came next. Sovereign Class, Auntie Jo and Atholblair Boy would be amongst those towards the rear as Green Valentine and Yellow Lemons both made sluggish starts. 
The group had already covered more than half of the race distance as Spartan Fighter turned the screw at the front. He would open up a good lead inside the final furlong, leaving Eco Power Boy to chase his shadow in second. The race would be in the bag for Spartan Fighter who crossed the line a length and a half to the good at his favourite course. Eco Power Boy would finish alone in second with another small gap to Sovereign Class who stayed powerfully on into third as Auntie Jo completed the frame.

On a day where course specialists came to the fore, a third one would win here in the shape of Spartan Fighter. Antony Brittain's nine year old has been on the go since 2019, winning twice as a juvenile and amongst the leading fancies in the Gimcrack Stakes of that year when trained by Declan Carroll. He failed to progress as hoped however and now plies his trade as this much lower level. The son of Dutch Art won his first race for the Brittain stable in 2020 and has become a popular member of the yard over the last five years. At the end of 2021, he would go through a purple patch with three wins at Newcastle before adding two more at the start of 2022. There would be a gap of two years before his next win at Southwell in February 2024 and he be successful at Newcastle again at the end of 2024. Last year would be more of a quieter year for Spartan Fighter, but he finished it off in good form with three placings at this course over six and seven furlongs. He did things the easy way by making all the running, but he knows where the winning post is at Newcastle and will be back for more races in 2026. 

Race Eight: The Midnite: Built For 2025 Not 2005 Handicap (Div. II) - Class Six - Six Furlongs - Runners: 11

The finale of the opening fixture of 2026 would be division two of the six furlong low grade handicap.

Top weight would be carried here by Jess Macey's Diligent Henry, who has some good form at this level in the past. The five year old's two wins have come at Wolverhampton over seven furlongs and he has yet to finish better than fifth in previous visits to Newcastle. The grey Classy Clarets has gone close at Newcastle in the past, albeit for previous connections and his two wins have also come at Wolverhampton. He has since joined Iain Jardine's stable but was slowly away from the stalls and never featured on stable debut over course and distance last time out. Liam Bailey's gelding Beneficiary started off 2025 in good form with a win here over five furlongs before his form began to tail off. Connections will be hoping that this time of the year is the time to catch him right. Another horse who hasn't won for a while is Laurens Dream from the Mick and David Easterby stable. The four year old has won at Newcastle two seasons ago and ran moderately throughout 2025. Despite this, her rating has now fallen down to below her last winning one. Gary Rutherford would be represented here by the filly Penny Mountain, who offered a glimmer of hope last time out when fourth in a similar contest here. That was her best effort in a while and the question remained open as to whether she can follow it up. Korroor lined up for the Julie Camacho stable as a previous course and distance winner, as all three of them came at this venue. The five year old returned to winning ways over six furlongs in October, but struggled from a higher rating on his next two starts. The multiple winner Fircombe Hall has been a credit to the Phil Kirby stable over the years and the eight year old looks to be heading back to the winner's enclosure after his close second last time out at Newcastle. Lauren Young enjoyed a breakthrough season in the saddle last year and looked to kick off 2026 in good form with Wee Nan for the Alan Brown stable. The four year old offered a small bit of promise when fourth on her second start, but was beaten a long way on her last start here. Another former Newcastle winner would be Nazca from the Linda Perratt stable. The seven year old's last win came nearly two years ago and has struggled for form since, so he had plenty to prove this year. Yaahobby is a regular on the all-weather scene over a range of distances and Anthony Brittain's seven year old would make his seventieth start. He would make a rare start over six furlongs but showed up well by taking fourth in a similar event recently. Completing the line-up would be the lowly rated Aurora's Doublesix for the Brian Rothwell stable. The four year old filly has been very poor in all starts to date, but hopes will be pinned on a new stable finding improvement. 

Winner: PENNY MOUNTAIN (#5) (Churchill x Nevereversaynever) - K. Fraser - G. Rutherford

The meeting would mercifully reach its climax with this modest event which saw the absence of Wee Nan, who was deemed a non runner earlier in the day.

The field of ten would break out of the stalls in an even manner and Korroor would make the early running under Tom Kiely-Marshall. The leader would go at no more than a steady pace however and raced keenly in the process. Benficiary would come next with David Nolan, followed by Aurora's Doublesix and Classy Clarets who were both keen in the early stages. Nazca had been slow to start initially, but the slow pace allowed him to catch up quickly and began to put pressure on Korroor in the lead. Yaahobby had raced at the pack through the first half of race, but approaching the final two furlongs, he began to threaten by moving into a prominent position. The mare Penny Mountain would shadow Yaahobby's move and was another to challenge at the final furlong as Korroor was under pressure. Penny Mountain would edge ahead of Korroor in the final stages and kept on strongly to take victory by two lengths. Yaahobby would usurp Korroor in second place as the long time leader weakened gradually into third. Fourth would go the way of Diligent Henry whose finishing kick amounting to nothing.

An older mare winning her first race kicked off the meeting earlier in the afternoon and it would be the same in the final race as Penny Mountain tasted success for the first time. The five year old had looked very limited in the ability stakes up until recently as she was well beaten on a regular basis in Ireland. Things looked to follow a similar path initially after her move to the small stable of Gary Rutherford, but there were seeds of promise sewn in her previous start. The daughter of Churchill still looked awkward when making her move, but finished a close fourth over course and distance which was her personal best effort. Sitting behind the pace once again under Kaiya Fraser, she moved through the race nicely and picked up strongly when asked t quicken. She soon put clear daylight between herself and tasted success for the first time. The race lineup may not have been the strongest, but it is likely that Penny Mountain can progress now with this maiden victory.