Glen Rovers produced a 33-1 upset to claim the Midnite All-Weather Easter Classic Middle Distance Handicap at Newcastle, spoiling a strong challenge from Willie Mullins’s Gaucher and champion all‑weather jockey Billy Loughnane. With £175,000 up for grabs, Gaucher looked to have the race sewn up turning for home, but Sean D Bowen—the 2024 champion apprentice—remained composed, launched a late challenge and prevailed by half a length.
Trained by Lucy Wadham, better known for her jumpers, Glen Rovers began his career in a bumper. Part‑owner Conor Ryan, who works for Charlie Appleby, celebrated a memorable day and paid tribute to Wadham and her team. He revealed the horse has been difficult to train, requiring several interventions, but has finally come together this season. Ryan added that the trip suited the gelding and that he had previously won at Newcastle. Bowen said the horse is ‘‘top heavy’’ and often needs a couple of runs to reach his peak; getting cover from a wide draw proved decisive.
In the BetMGM All‑Weather Championships Mile Handicap, eight‑year‑old Tyrrhenian Sea produced a brilliant turn of foot to reverse a recent defeat by Chancellor. A stalwart on artificial surfaces since debuting at Gosforth Park in December 2021, Tyrrhenian Sea has run 17 of 24 times on the all‑weather for trainer Roger Varian and boasts two Listed wins. He had finished second to Chancellor in the Tandridge Stakes while defending that title, but racing off 3 lb better on this occasion he turned the tables, winning by a length and a quarter from Blue Rc.
Jockey Jack Mitchell—who has partnered Tyrrhenian Sea more than any other rider—said the horse holds a special place for him and, despite his age, was expected to be at his best against younger rivals. Mitchell described negotiating a wide draw, tracking Rab Havlin on Chancellor and then finding momentum to hit the front. Varian and his team had debated whether to run in the Mile or in the Easter Classic; opting for the tougher heat and benefiting from the weight adjustment paid off. Mitchell added that, health permitting, the plan is to bring Tyrrhenian Sea back next year.
Andrew Balding’s Stateira justified favouritism in the BetMGM Fillies’ and Mares’ Championships Handicap, going off 11-8. After catching the eye at a trials meeting 72 days earlier, her connections targeted the £150,000 final and were rewarded. Oisin Murphy said he was mindful of a headwind, settled her well, and she relaxed before quickening when asked—looking in good form and possibly ready to step up into black‑type company.
In the Midnite All‑Weather Sprint Handicap, William Haggas’s Wiltshire—previously a slow starter—broke well and produced a smooth, controlled run under Cieren Fallon to follow the leader and draw clear to win by a length at 7-1. Maureen Haggas explained the colt had undergone a wind operation and now races with a tongue tie; a trapped epiglottis had been affecting him and today’s performance should give him confidence. Fallon’s calm ride and an improved jump from the stalls were also credited with making the difference.