RACING returned to Newcastle for the first time since early November and racegoers were treated to a local winner as Chris Grant’s Star Player returned to form in the S V Rutter Handicap Chase.

Now a nine-year-old, he looked a promising sort in his younger days but injury has prevented him from becoming the horse he might have been.

Back in the 2007-08 season Grant coaxed three wins out of him, mixing hurdles and fences, and in the last of those successes he beat subsequent Scottish National hero Merigo at Carlisle. However, he was pulled up lame on his last start that season and had nearly two years off the track before returning to action.

He looked a shadow of his former self when pulled up on all four starts during the last campaign but had run with more encouragement in two outings this term.

Given a fine front-running ride by Denis O’Regan, the 9-2 co-favourite beat Irish raider Arctic Mick by three lengths.

“Denis gave him a great ride and it was great to see him win again,” said Billingham- based Grant.

“He’s been off a long time, he had a ‘leg’ and then we had problems with him last year so it’s good to see him back in the winner’s enclosure.

“He’s always jumped well, he loves soft ground and we’ll just see how we go with him.”

For a long way in the ESH Group Handicap Hurdle it looked as if Grant was going to double up with Mister Pete but he was reeled in at the end of the long run-in by Too Cool To Fool (4-1 favourite).

Mister Pete looked to have things under control but Graham Lee timed his run to perfection on the Jim Goldietrained winner, who scored at Ayr last week.

Malcolm Jefferson has had barely a handful of runners since early November but the victory of The Magic Bishop (18-1) in the sportpool.co.uk Handicap Hurdle suggests his horses are fit enough.

The giant six-year-old became involved in a protracted duel up the straight with Rolecarr but just prevailed under James Halliday by half a length.

“The battle with him is in his head, he’s got ability and now he’s won one hopefully he can go from here,” said Jefferson.