Easterby enjoys triple success

Newcastle’s three-day Northumberland Plate meeting got underway with a success for Tim Easterby as Charlie Tipple showed the way home in the Nexent Maiden Auction Stakes.

The field split into two and racing on the nearside, Charlie Tipple struck the front approaching the final furlong under Micky Fenton.

Charlie Tipple (100-30 favourite) strode away in fine style to pass the post with two and a half lengths to spare over Sir Charles.

Frankie Dettori’s mount Grand Art was the first of the group on the far side but he finished only fifth overall.

Easterby said: “This horse was bought to go to Israel at the Doncaster October Sales but something fell through and I bought him.

“He is now owned by Norman Jackson – Micky Fenton rides for him and that is why he had the mount and not David (Allan). He is a very nice horse and I thought this track would suit him.”

Fergal Lynch who rode the runner-up said: “It is the nicest ground I have ridden on all season.”