ANTIQUARIUM came from nowhere to mug Seamour close home and win a thrilling renewal of the John Smith’s Northumberland Plate at Newcastle.
Seamour looked set to give local trainer Brian Ellison a cherished victory in the prestigious heritage handicap – run on Tapeta for the first time – when setting sail for home only to be caught in the closing stages by Godolphin’s Antiquarium.
Seamour (13-2 favourite) had to settle for second place, with Nearly Caught (16-1) taking third spot for the second year running, with Moscato (14-1) fourth.
The winner was partnered by James McDonald, Godolphin’s retained rider in Australia.
“I’m delighted, he was proven on the all-weather and I’d been pleased with him going into the race,” said Appleby.
“The trip wasn’t a concern and when he was drawn well we had plenty of reason to be hopeful.
“I was hoping the trip would actually bring out improvement and it appears it has.”
He went on: “James gave him a great ride and filled him with confidence. He was over for Ascot and as there not much going on at home for him he stayed a bit longer.
“There’s a handicap at Goodwood which could be an option, but I’m a believer in the horses telling you when to run, he’s got no lofty entries.
“He might be a Cup horse later in the season, we’ll see. Not many have been coming from off the pace there so it’s nice he was able to.”
New Zealander McDonald said: “Maybe there’s a good one in mind in early November (Melbourne Cup). I’m sure he will, he showed a really good turn of foot which we like Down Under.”
Ellison said of the runner-up: “He probably went too early, but he had so much horse underneath him. He was going too well.
“It does show we have a really good horse on our hands. He’ll go for either the Ebor or the Lonsdale (at York in August). That’s where he’ll go next.
“We had him right on the day.”
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