Andy Newton reviews the great Newcastle race

Towards the end of this month, and after all the hustle and bustle of the Derby and then Royal Ascot, it’s off to Newcastle racecourse as they stage one of their biggest race days of the season, with the Northumberland Plate the feature race.
Run over two miles, the Northumberland Plate is one of the richest staying handicaps in the world and to the older readers will still be known as the ‘Pitmen’s Derby’.
First first run in 1833, there is plenty of history attached to the race and being run over 2 miles can often at...