Time a great healer as Newcastle's all-weather switch proves a hit

Newcastle is bathed in glorious sunshine as the Northumberland Plate field passes the standsCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

One of my saddest days working on a racecourse came on September 4, 2015. It was the last meeting at Newcastle before the bulldozers ripped up the turf track.

There were no tears in the stands and the general mood was a begrudging acceptance of the inevitable. Change was coming and there was nothing anyone could do about it.

Outrage and condemnation had greeted Arena Racing Company's announcement that plans for a new all-weather course would result in the end of turf Flat racing at the venue.

Read the full story

Read award-winning journalism from the best writers in racing, with exclusive news, interviews, columns, investigations, stable tours and subscriber-only emails.

Subscribe to unlock

Racing Post digital newspaper (worth over £100 per month)
Award-winning journalism from the best writers in racing
Expert tips from the likes of Tom Segal and Paul Kealy
Replays and results analysis from all UK and Irish racecourses
Form study tools including the Pro Card and Horse Tracker
Extensive archive of statistics covering horses, trainers, jockeys, owners, pedigree and sales data

Already a subscriber?Log in

Andrew DietzReporter

Published on 2 July 2018inComment

Last updated 17:09, 2 July 2018

Copy