Electric atmosphere at Pitmen’s Derby

Jun 29 2008 by Ruari O'Toole, Sunday Sun

BIG HATS, big bets, bubbly and bling . . . it could only be the most important event in the North’s social calendar.

The Northumberland Plate, the region’s best-known horse racing event, has rolled round again and, like every year, the atmosphere has been electric.

With wads of money won and lost on the horses and glamorous fashions adorning some of the region’s richest men and women, the sold-out festival was once again three days to remember.

People came from all over the region, some to have a punt, others just to see and be seen.

Some travelled from as far afield as Glasgow, shunning posh suits for their beloved Celtic tops.

Heavy skies threatened but the rain held off on the final day of the festival and the glitzy, well-heeled crowds at Northumberland Park Race Course in Newcastle certainly made the most of the warm weather.