Pipe set for Plate challenge

Royal Ascot hero Riyadh is set to head a two-pronged challenge by champion jumps trainer Martin Pipe in Saturday’s Foster’s Lager Northumberland Plate at Newcastle.

As well as the Ascot Stakes winner, Pipe is also due to saddle progressive hurdler Polar Red in the big staying event.

Riyadh was a game head winner over Establishment in the two and a half mile event at the Royal meeting last week and Pipe was full of praise for that performance.

He said: ‘‘Riyadh was given a terrific ride by Kieren Fallon at Ascot and he’s a great jockey.

‘‘Riyadh had been disappointing over hurdles but he loves the Flat and was a good fourth in the Chester Cup before Ascot.

‘‘He’s come out of the race well and is due to run in the Northumberland Plate with Fallon riding once again. We will check the horse out throughout the week but he seems fine.’’

Pipe’s other intended runner Polar Red has not been seen on the track since finishing a disappointing 13th in the Vincent O’Brien County Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival back in March.

He impressed when winning the Sunderlands Imperial Cup at Sandown earlier that month and Pipe added: ‘‘Polar Red will also run for Sir Stanley Clarke, who runs the racecourse.’’