Som Tala storms to Plate glory

Som Tala put up a brave front-running performance to land the John Smith's Northumberland Plate at Newcastle.The Mick Channon-trained six-year-old was given a superb ride by Tony Culhane to keep all of his rivals at bay.The 16-1 shot hung on bravely to beat Wells Lyrical, with Friston Forest third and Hendersyde fourth.Culhane said: "It wasn't the plan to make it (the running) but the draw is so important in this race. The one thing myself and Mick discussed this morning was to hold the draw and to do the right thing at the right time."I found myself there (at the front) and I just thought I'd stay where I was. He's a good old horse. He kept finding more and when I let him out I thought it would take a good one to get him."I'm going to enjoy it."Gill Richardson, Channon's representative, said: "He's so genuine and so tough. He was bucking and kicking in the parade ring, and the Ascot Stakes at the Royal meeting didn't take anything out of him."We don't get many that stay a trip like this and it is great for the owner (Sheikh Ahmed Al Maktoum). It's Mick's first winner in the race but, to be fair, he will not have had many runners in it."