A horse to Beatall challengers (From Gazette & Herald)

A horse to Beatall challengers

Ryedale-based Michael Newton, whose 13 successes in the saddle as a conditional jockey a few years back, included a brace of bumper wins on top-notch hurdler Dato Star, is displaying a new dimension to his talents - in the privacy of his garden shed.

Newton, 30, who still works for Norton trainer Malcolm Jefferson, has, in his spare time, started making mechanical horses - based on the American-style Equiciser - and has recently sold his first one to jump-jockey Vinnie Keane.

The impressive-looking product, which he has named Beatall, comes complete with a moving neck, rocking body - and even pricked ears.

"It's all based on springs, within a mechanical frame, surrounded by MDF and covered in carpet," said Newton, who, it seems, is nothing if not versatile.

Having previously made a whole range of elaborate saddle covers, some of which are used by a certain AP McCoy, there was no reluctance on his part when it was suggested that he should try to develop a static horse.

"I can usually turn my hand to anything, so as soon as a few of the lads mentioned it, I thought I've give it a try," he added.

The second finished model from the Newton stable is on sale (retailing at around £600) at Chris Hoggard's White Rose Saddlery in Malton and has been nicknamed Woody by the proprietor, who has him proudly positioned in the shop front.

"A lot of jockeys, including Kevin Darley, Russ Garritty, Ritchie McGrath and David O'Meara have had a ride on Woody and given him the thumbs-up," said Hoggard.

"Because these are the next best thing to riding a proper horse, it is no surprise that are very good at improving fitness in the saddle, which is why they are so popular with amateurs and point-to-point riders.

"In fact," added Hoggard, "we've had so much interest in Woody that we're thinking of using him in a social evening-cum-workshop, with Russ Garritty giving budding riders some tuition."

It looks as though Newton could be burning further midnight oil in his garden shed if the growing interest in his Beatall horses continues at the gallop.

Tim Walford's horses are going bananas - for bananas!

The Sheriff Hutton trainer, on the mark with newcomer Pass Me By at Musselburgh last Friday - his first runner for three months - revealed a new ingredient to his feeding regime.

"I have started giving the horses bananas, and they are absolutely thriving on them. Pass Me By is on about 20-a-day - skins and all - and it's a good job I've got an owner, who has a supermarket because I'm buying them by the ton!"

Pass Me By, who was bought unbroken at Doncaster Sales last August, is held in high regard by Walford, who was delighted to see the four -year-old score by three lengths from the hat-trick seeking Loopy Linda.

Following this success, it could be worth keeping an eye on the Walford horses in the near-future. They should be easy to spot in the racecourse stables. They'll be the ones climbing the walls!

Updated: 10:49 Wednesday, January 22, 2003