De Sousa sounds warning about lack of lights in pull-up area

Champion jockey Silvestre de Sousa has warned the lack of floodlighting beyond the winning post on Newcastle's new all-weather track is a potential hazard and could be dangerous if a rider is unshipped.

De Sousa – who yesterday conceded defeat in his attempt to defend his title – has ridden winners at both the meetings staged under lights at the Arena Racing Company-owned course since it relaunched in May following the completion of a £12 million redevelopment programme.

A feature of the new Tapeta track is a floodlit straight mile but the illumination does not extend into the back straight which runners head towards to pull up after crossing the line. Original plans to floodlight the whole circuit met with objections from residents with homes neighbouring the back straight.