The Glen Rovers claims Easter Classic prize

The Glen Rovers sprang a 33-1 surprise in the Midnite All-Weather Easter Classic Middle Distance Handicap at Newcastle.

With £175,000 on offer a competitive field had assembled, including one from the all-conquering Willie Mullins yard in Gaucher, ridden by champion all-weather jockey Billy Loughnane.

He appeared to have everything covered going into the final furlong and hitting the front but Sean D Bowen, himself champion apprentice in 2024, was coolness personified before making his challenge, winning by half a length.

Trained by Lucy Wadham, better known for her handling of jumpers – and indeed The Glen Rovers started his life in a bumper – he provided his enthusiastic part-owner Conor Ryan, who works for Charlie Appleby, with one of the best days of his life.

Ryan said: “We’ve had him a couple of years now, he’s been a bit difficult to train but Lucy and the team at home have done a fantastic job with him.

“The team in the yard have done a great job, it’s been a big team effort and he’s been put back together a couple of times but Lucy has looked after him.

“He just took his time to come to fruition this season, a couple of small issues he had, but had to run him to get him fit but he came into this race today way overpriced.

“We were pretty confident he’d run well, we knew the trip would suit and he’d won here before.

“This horse has changed my and my family’s life, that is what being involved in a racehorse can do to you.”

Bowen said: “He was very good, he’s two from two here now. I was able to get cover from a wide draw and that made the difference.

“Lucy and the team, and Conor at home have done a great job, I can’t thank them enough for the opportunity.

“He’s top heavy so he takes a few runs to get into the swing of things.

“Just over three furlongs out I had to take him back off the horse in front of me, that was when I thought we had a chance and I was always getting there.”