ONESMOOTHOPERATOR CLAIMS VICTORY AT JENNINGSBET NORTHUMBERLAND PLATE HANDICAP

ONESMOOTHOPERATOR wins live on ITV Racing!

On Saturday, the racing world witnessed a stunning performance as Onesmoothoperator lived up to his name, securing an emotional win in the Jenningsbet Northumberland Plate Handicap live on ITV Racing. This victory was particularly special for Newcastle-born trainer Brian Ellison, who celebrated his 72nd birthday the day before.

Ellison, who was born on Pitmen’s Derby day in 1952, has long dreamed of winning this prestigious north-east prize. The success of Onesmoothoperator brought jubilant scenes to the winner’s enclosure at Gosforth Park.

Ridden confidently by Connor Beasley, the 12-1 winner surged to the front at the furlong pole on the nearside rail, comfortably beating 40-1 outsider Evaluation by two and a half lengths.

Reflecting on the win, Ellison shared, “I’ve been wanting to win it for a long time and we knew we had him right. In the last two days, we were a bit worried about the surface being on the soft side, but the lads came in today and said it was riding a lot quicker.

“I told Connor not to worry about the pace, as I knew Tashkhan was going to be up there and made sure there was a good pace. They went a helluva gallop and when this horse is on-song, he’s some animal.

“Turning in I said ‘this has hacked up!’ Connor said he could have won on the bridle, but he’s a good horse when he’s right.

“I don’t think it’s sunk in yet. I thought we’d won it with Seamour one year (2016), when he went clear and got caught, and we’ve come here trying to win it before and been disappointed.

“It’s always in the back of your mind that you’re going to get disappointed and it hasn’t sunk in that we’ve won it, but it’s fantastic.

“Connor used to come to mine to ride when he was a baby, as his mum and dad worked for me. We go back a long way.

“I’m from here and have got a lot of connections here and a lot of family and friends. It’s great for the north and great for Newcastle – it’s a great race to be in.

“It’s got to be (the best day of my training career). Everyone says ‘you’ve got to win the Plate’ and it’s nice to get the monkey off your back.”

Winning owner Patrick Boyle, also a proud Geordie, expressed his delight, saying, “It’s a big thrill, it’s the biggest race in the north east and I’m from just round the corner.

“He travelled brilliant and we knew the horse was in great form. He has to come off a strong pace and he did. Fair play to Brian and the team, they’re the guys that do it all.

“I think we’ll have a celebration tonight. Brian is a great friend and he’s got family here. It means a lot for him and I’m delighted.”

The victory of Onesmoothoperator marks a significant milestone in Ellison's career, bringing joy and pride to the local community and highlighting the rich racing heritage of Newcastle.