THAT'S THE SPIRIT

Balding's star finally bags Plate

- BY JOE REILLY

SPIRIT MIXER sparkled for thriving Andrew Balding in the Northumberland Plate at Newcastle.

The race regular was a 25/1 outsider despite giving staying superstar Trushan a fright in the Pitmen's Derby two years ago.

The seven-year-old was kept out of the firing line for much of the two-mile trip by Rob Hornby but began to make smooth progress two furlongs out.