RACECOURSE bosses showed their support for a play by naming two races after it yesterday.

The events, at Newcastle Racecourse, paid tribute to the forthcoming premiere of Good to Firm at the Customs House, South Shields, South Tyneside, from June 5 to 8.

The comedy is by first-time writers Ed Waugh and Trevor Wood. Some are set at the Tyneside course, which hosts the Northumberland Plate.

The racecourse also gave permission for a pantomime horse to appear in the parade ring and cross the winning line yesterday to promote the production.

Mr Wood said: "The support given to us by everyone at Newcastle Racecourse has been fantastic.

"Not only are they helping us to publicise the play, they have also offered to provide props."

Customs House director Ray Spencer said: "The play captures the triumphs and disasters of a day's racing and takes the audience on a rollercoaster of emotion towards a moving, but hilarious, climax."

Tickets for the show, priced £7 and £5, are available from 0191-454 1234