In-running drama at Newcastle as 1.05 and 1.01 shots succumb to 799-1 winner

Many punters were left with a new year headache after two different horses traded at 1-20 or shorter in the closing stages of the novice hurdle at Newcastle on Saturday – and both were beaten.

Point Break was eight lengths clear going to the final flight and attracted £1,400 at 1.05, only to sprawl on landing.

That handed the advantage to For Three, who looked all over the winner – as shown by the £12,749.45 put on him at the minimum price of 1.01.

But those responsible did their money as Mountain Hawk, who had been around 13 lengths adrift of the leader going to the final flight and had £2.79 matched on him at 800, finished with a flourish to get up late on for a length-and-a-half victory.

"They went a good gallop and he wasn't going early doors," jockey Jamie Hamilton said of the winner.

"Turning in I knew I hadn't gone for everything and I thought he could fly home and be second or third. But once I got stuck into him he picked up well."

For Three was ridden by Steven Fox, who said: "They went very quick and I held him up long enough to give him a chance. I got to the leader and thought we'd got it but he was robbed by the other horse."

Ross Chapman reckoned Point Break might well have held on but for his mistake and said: "He didn't jump it too badly but he lost his back end on landing. It took him a while to get going again, it stopped him in his tracks.

"But that's racing," added the jockey, 22, who won the following 2m4f chase on Younoso and also took the bumper on Zakharova.

The last win meant he had ridden out his claim and he said: "I thought it was going to be one of those days but it's turned out all right!

"I rode my first winner a couple of years ago – and I'll be able to eat more now I don't have a claim!"