English/Ire
Spirit Mixer masters Northumberland Plate rivals
Spirit Mixer secured another big-race prize when strong at the finish in the prestigious JenningsBet Northumberland Plate at Newcastle.
By Frankel out of his owner Jeff Smith's Group 1-winning mare Arabian Queen, Spirit Mixer was returning for a third crack at the 'Pitmen's Derby', having finished runner-up behind Alan King's topweight Trueshan in 2023 before coming home ninth twelve months ago.
Despite finishing a good second over two miles at Goodwood on his last outing, the Andrew Balding-trained seven-year-old was sent off a 25/1 chance under Rob Hornby, who made the lengthy journey north for just one ride on the card.
Always well-positioned in midfield by Hornby, he picked up well to press those at the head of affairs with two furlongs to travel before taking it up inside the furlong marker.
Ian Williams' Dancing In Paris emerged on the scene as a major threat but as the duo went on the battle it out, Spirit Mixer proved the stronger in the closing stages, keeping on well to see off the challenge by a neck.
James Owen's Charging Thunder was three lengths away back in third, with the Irish raider Tribal Star fourth.
The 7/2 market leader East India Dock, who is also trained by James Owen, stayed on well from an uncompromising position to finish sixth.
"He's such a cool horse," said Hornby on Sky Sports Racing. "He's a seven-year-old now and is a homebred of Mr Smith's. He's a beautifully bred horse and is just thriving. He's really enjoying his racing in his tender age.
"The race went pretty smoothly for me. When Andrew (Balding) said I could ride him, I said right 'lets roll the dice' and we just need a bit of luck with the draw.
"It's difficult here with a big field but I got a smooth run round. He's a horse you can kind of put anywhere, he doesn't over race, and he loves the surface.
"He's got a great battling attribute. I thought I was jostling for the lead early enough, but he got into a battle and outstayed them inside the last furlong.
"I'm delighted, it's important to be riding winners on Saturdays in these big races. I've been fortunate enough to win a July Cup in these colours. They mean a great deal to me, as does riding winners for Kingsclere.
"What a joy he is to own, train and ride."
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