Antiquarium Storms To Northumberland Plate Success

Antiquarium flew home under James McDonald to claim a remarkable victory in the John Smith's Northumberland Plate at Newcastle, UK, on Saturday, June 25.

Stepping back up to two miles following several good efforts over shorter, the Charlie Appleby-trained four-year-old was covered up in the middle of the 20-strong field for most of the heritage handicap, which was run on Tapeta for the first time this year.

Antiquarium was shuffled further back as the race began in earnest in the straight and still had the majority almost of the field in front of him with two furlongs to race.

He ran on strongly through horses soon afterwards, collaring Seamour inside the final 100 yards before going away to score cosily by a length and a quarter in 3m 30.91s.

Charlie Appleby said: "Antiquarium ticked a lot of boxes today and we were hopeful of his chances. He had a good draw in stall three, had won on the All-Weather before and ran well on his seasonal return at Newmarket.

"James McDonald has given the horse a fantastic ride. He is a world-class jockey, who has won big races all over the world, and I am delighted that he has ridden a winner for Godolphin in such an historic race.

"This was the race we had targeted for Antiquarium and I think that he will be able to translate this level of form back to turf now. The fact that he has now won over this distance also opens up a few options.

James McDonald added: "It is a great thrill to ride a big race winner for Godolphin and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed in the UK. It's a big team effort and I am the lucky recipient to be on top.

"Antiquarium went a really nice tempo and he felt like a miler with his turn of foot as he has plenty of pace. Hopefully, he can continue to go the right way."