Ellison sets two strong contenders for the Northumberland Plate

Brian Ellison, a native of the North-east, has famously never won the Jenningsbet Northumberland Plate Handicap. However, he has two strong contenders this weekend Tashkhan, who carries top weight, and Onesmoothoperator, who won the November Handicap.

Ellison, born on Plate day in 1952, will turn 72 the day before this year's race. In 2016, he came close to victory with Seamour, who was narrowly beaten by Godolphin's Antiquarium.

This year, Ellison will be entrusting Tashkhan, the highest-rated horse in the race, and Onesmoothoperator, who has already proven himself in big handicaps on the all-weather.

"Tashkhan is the best horse, and Onesmoothoperator has shown his talent on the all-weather," Ellison said. "Both horses have a good chance, and while Tashkhan is fit and ready to go, Onesmoothoperator has also been working well."

Ellison is hopeful that one of his horses can finally secure victory in the Northumberland Plate Handicap. "It would be a great achievement for me to win this race, and I will keep trying until I succeed," he said.