By: Mark Nowell

James McDonald rode Antiquarium (16/1) to victory in the £150,000 Northumberland Plate (3200m) at Newcastle on Saturday.

McDonald Godolphin's retained rider in Australia, is in England on an extended visit, brought the Charlie Appleby-trained Antiquarium with a late surge and nail the leader and local favourite Seamour (13-2 favourite) 50 metres from the line.

Antiquarium and McDonald's powerful finish had them a length and a quarter in front of Seamour at the line.

"It's my first winner over here, so it's a nice way to do it," said McDonald.

"I'm thrilled to ride in a big race for Godolphin and Sheikh Mohammed, it's a big team effort and I'm the lucky recipient to be on top.

"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.

"He had a turn of foot like a miler and has plenty of pace. Hopefully he goes the right way."

Appleby's assistant trainer James Ferguson said: "James has given him a fantastic ride. There was a moment of worry halfway up the straight, but with the benefit of hindsight we can say we weren't panicking!"

For Antiquarium, the big target could now be the Melbourne Cup, a race Godolphin would so dearly love to win.

The 183-year-old handicap (Northumberland Plate) was being run on Tapeta for the first time - after Newcastle racetrack changed their turf track with an all-weather this year.

Antiquarium, who had showed his liking for racing on an artificial track by breaking his maiden tag at Wolverhampton last year, but Appleby said he thought Antiquarium could be just as effective on turf.

"We'll see what the handicapper does but there's a £100,000 open handicap at Goodwood, so we'll look at that. He'll be as effective back on turf." said Ferguson.

The Melbourne Cup awaits!