Arc Bleu captured the Northumberland Plate on Saturday at Newcastle Racecourse. Arc Bleu was initially listed as a reserve but came into it following two defections on Friday.
Under the direction of jockey Adrian Nicholls, Arc Bleu was involved in a skirmish in the initial stages of the race at Newcastle Racecourse. Turning for home, Arc Bleu was still at a disadvantage as he was still at the middle of the pack, with much of his competitors still ahead of him.
But Nicholls was able to summon a tenacious late surge from seven-year-old Arc Bleu to head home and capture the prestigious marquee event at Newcastle Racecourse. Richard Fahey-trained Hala San came in second while long time leader Bogside Theatre was third. Akarem came in fourth.
"That was brilliant. I can't say how pleased I was yesterday morning when we got in as a reserve - it's a good system, just as it is over in Ireland," trainer Tony Martin said.
"We decided to have a go at this race at the beginning of the year. We had considered the Ascot Stakes but thought two and a half miles might be too far.
"There was a bit of mess-up with the journey over from Ireland . We were due to get here at 6pm last night but didn't get here until 10pm .
"Fortunately he's a horse with a very tough constitution and it didn't bother him.
"We always thought he was good enough to win a good handicap and hopefully he can win a few more."
UK
US
CAN
AUS
HK
