The Northern Echo's business editor, Owen McAteer, poked his head round my door earlier to let me know he was on a half-day and was going to Newcastle Races.

I had a quick look at the paper and recommended that he should back Kaptain Kirkup in the second race and The Osteopath in the third.

Both horses are owned by Kevin Kirkup, who runs an osteopathic business in Birtley.

I had the pleasure of meeting Kevin earlier this year when I visited Michael Dods' stable at Denton, near Darlington.

At the time, he still hadn't named Kaptain Kirkup but said he had high hopes.

I've just had a look at the results and Kaptain Kirkup won at 9-4, while The Osteopath won at 10-1.

I didn't have a penny on either but surely I'm on commission from the business editor?