David Carr: how Newcastle's switch to Tapeta turned out to be a masterstroke

When Royal Ascot decamped to York, the singalong after racing ended with On Ilkla Moor Baht 'at – in Berkshire last week, it ought to have been Blaydon Races.

Had there been any racegoers round the bandstand, they would have felt honour-bound to serenade the stream of horses coming on from Newcastle and lining punters' pockets.

Frankly Darling set the tone on the opening day, having scored on the opening day of the new season at Gosforth Park before going on to show her class in the Ribblesdale Stakes.