Nurburgring swooped late to grab Grade Three honours in the Bar One Racing “Price Boosts Across All Channels” Juvenile Hurdle at Fairyhouse.
Joseph O’Brien’s charge was last seen coming home in front of Friday’s impressive Newbury Listed winner Wodhooh at Listowel in September, with Nurburgring later demoted to second by the stewards after bumping his rival in the closing stages.
He was again involved in a tight finish in this two-mile affair, with Kala Conti appearing to hold all the aces before Richard Deegan conjured a late burst from Nurburgring to prevail by half a length on the line.
The Zoffany gelding had to survive another stewards’ inquiry but was eventually declared the 17-2 winner, with 7-4 favourite Batman Girac unplaced.
Solness had been a Listed scorer at Fairyhouse in the colours of Bronsan Racing on Saturday and Neil Sands felt the victory had added poignancy following the death of renowned owner-breeder Theresa Marnane.
He said: “It has been an extraordinary week, as this has been our third winner in the space of seven days, which is very special.
“However, it is a win tinged with sadness, as the Marnanes from Bansha House are our partners who have sadly lost Theresa Marnane.
“I was particularly touched by the minute silence here yesterday for Theresa, which was observed with such sincerity.”
Brides Hill had to work hard to justify 2-1 favouritism in the Bar One Racing “Bet 10 Euros Get 50 Euros Sign Up Offer” Irish EBF Mares Handicap Chase.
Keith Donoghue’s mount turned in a fine round of jumping but after taking the lead between the final two fences, she was all out to fend off the late challenge of Queen Jane by a head, with the pair pulling 14 lengths clear of third-placed Must Be Obeyed.
Trainer Gavin Cromwell said: “She was top weight and the classiest mare in the race. She needed the line and probably just over-raced a bit on that ground.
“Apart from the first, she jumped really well. We have done an awful amount of schooling with her and I think the penny has finally dropped.
“She wouldn’t want the ground any softer than that and is probably one more for the spring. We might look at Leopardstown, as the ground is often better there.”
The extended three miles and five furlongs of the Listed Bar One Racing “Guaranteed Overnight Prices” Porterstown Handicap Chase proved a stern test on deep ground, but Street Value rose to the challenge at odds of 22-1.
The eight-year-old had not won since January 2022 but he kept finding for Danny Mullins, keeping on to beat History Of Fashion by three lengths in a gruelling renewal.
John Flavin said: “He deserved that, as he got a wicked bad fall here in the race after the Grand National and I thought he was dead when he hit the ground.
“The lads (Miracle Cure Syndicate) deserved a big day like that and they have been with me from the very start.
“To come back and do that is unbelievable. He ran well over hurdles in Clonmel but the ground dried up too much in Carlisle the last day.
“This was always the plan. They went a wicked gallop, which I knew would suit him as he stays, and Danny gave him a great ride. He kept him wide and he jumped great.
“He loves soft ground and is much better going this way. If he got in, he might go for the Irish National one day. The National Trial in Punchestown could be a race for him.”
Flooring Porter will return to racing left-handed at Leopardstown over the Christmas period, with Gavin Cromwell retaining faith that he can repeat his top-level hurdling exploits over fences.
The dual-Stayers’ Hurdle hero made a brilliant start to his chasing career when beating subsequent Listed scorer Broadway Boy at Cheltenham in October, but could only finish third when continuing his education in Punchestown’s Florida Pearl Novice Chase.
That was the first time Flooring Porter had raced right-handed in over two years and, after interference from loose horse Churchstonewarrior saw him veer left for the majority of that contest, Cromwell is keen to quickly revert to racing the other way round.
He is now poised to run in Dublin on December 29 in the Grade One Neville Hotels Novice Chase, as his handler continues to aim high with one of his stable stars.
Cromwell said: “The loose horse messed it all up for us, but he started off in a nice position and in a nice rhythm.
“He jumped the first four fences fine and then the loose horse upset him, which kind of put told to his chances.
“I think he actually ran an OK race considering everything which happened in the race and he came home safe and sound, so we’re happy with that.
“He’s entered in the Grade One (at Christmas) and we’ll more than likely go there.
“He’ll be back going left-handed, which is a big thing, really. He’s clearly better that way and I wouldn’t be ruling it (right-handed) out again, but for the moment we’ll definitely be sticking to left-handed.”
In a thrilling spectacle at the Antofagasta Minerals Copper X Prix, Jamaican driver Fraser McConnell showcased his prowess despite encountering challenges during the qualifying rounds. X44 Vida Carbon Racing, with McConnell behind the wheel, emerged as the top qualifiers in Round 9 of Season 3, setting the stage for an electrifying competition.
The qualifying sessions were rife with incidents and red flags, adding an extra layer of intensity to the already competitive event. Despite facing hurdles, X44 Vida Carbon Racing secured the coveted top spot in the qualification standings, thanks to McConnell's stellar performance in Qualifying 1 Heat 2 and Qualifying 2 Heat 2.
Cristina Gutiérrez and Fraser McConnell accumulated 18 points, positioning themselves strategically for the Grand Final. The achievement holds particular significance as it gives the team, currently in fifth on the championship leaderboard, an opportunity to climb higher and contend for the title.
The competition saw the unfortunate exit of the No. 99 GMC HUMMER EV Chip Ganassi Racing due to a Did Not Finish (DNF) in Qualifying 1 and a subsequent 30-second penalty in Qualifying 2. This setback relegated them to the Redemption Race and out of contention for the championship.
Despite the challenges, McConnell and Gutiérrez demonstrated resilience and skill, earning them a well-deserved top qualifying position. Their impressive performance sets the stage for an exciting Grand Final, where they will compete against other top qualifiers.
As the teams prepare for the final showdown, X44 Vida Carbon Racing remains a strong contender, aiming to capitalize on McConnell's driving prowess and secure a notable victory in the Antofagasta Minerals Copper X Prix. The championship battle promises to be fierce, and fans can expect thrilling moments as the season reaches its climax.
Lookaway could step into deep waters for his next start, with Aintree’s Formby Novices’ Hurdle on Boxing Day a possible option for the Greatwood Hurdle runner-up.
Neil King’s six-year-old enjoyed one of his finest hours on Merseyside when claiming the Grade Two bumper during the Grand National meeting in 2022 and following a forgettable 2022-23 campaign, has sprung back to life with a fine run of form.
Having won cosily in two low-key Uttoxeter events in the spring, he brought up a three-timer in a Cheltenham Grade Two in October before narrowly missing out on more Prestbury Park success when chasing home Iberico Lord most recently.
He received a 4lb rise from the handicapper for that performance which brings Ascot’s Betfair Exchange Trophy on December 23 into calculations, but King is leaning towards waiting three days for a first taste of Grade One action in Liverpool.
“He’s taken the Greatwood well and come out of it nicely,” said King.
“He only went up 4lb for that which I thought was very acceptable and it will be all systems go now for either the big hurdle at Ascot on the Saturday before Christmas, or probably more likely the race that was the Tolworth that’s at Aintree.
“He’s ran well at Aintree before and we’ll enter for both and keep an eye on the weather etc. But I thought it would be more likely we’ll go for the Tolworth.
“I’m thrilled with his progress, he’s stepping in the right direction and the direction we thought he would. He has plenty of options being a second-season novice.”
Dual Champion Hurdle winner Honeysuckle is reported to be embracing potential motherhood after a positive update about her new broodmare career.
The daughter of Sulamani dominated on the track over the course of her racing campaign, bringing the house down when bowing out with an emotional fourth Cheltenham Festival victory in the Mares’ Hurdle this March.
However, as soon as the dust settled on that triumphant farewell, she left Henry de Bromhead’s Knockeen training grounds to embark on the next stage of her career and in May was discovered to be in foal to Walk In The Park, having been sent to the star National Hunt sire for her maiden cover.
Although the foal’s due date remains the best part of five months away, the journey so far has gone well and, following a scan in early October, anticipation builds ahead of the arrival of Honeysuckle’s first progeny.
“She’s good and still in foal,” said Peter Molony, racing manager to owner Kenny Alexander and at whose Rathmore Stud in County Limerick Honeysuckle currently resides.
“She was in foal on October 1 and she is due in April next spring, so fingers crossed, everything crossed, everything will be good.
“It’s so far, so good and all seems fine with her so far.”
Gareth Southgate says England must have the “humility to start again” as the Euro 2020 runners-up look to go one glorious step further in Germany next summer.
Impressive progress during the former defender’s seven-year reign means the side ranked third in the world are among the favourites to lift the European Championship trophy in Berlin.
England found out their Euro 2024 group and potential pathways to the July 14 finale in Saturday evening’s draw at the stunning Elbphilharmonie concert hall in Hamburg.
Southgate’s top seeds avoided a so-called group of death after Slovenia and Serbia followed Euro 2020 semi-final opponents Denmark, but there is little chance of complacency seeping in.
“Well, certainly when Denmark came out, and you could still have Denmark, Croatia, Italy or something like that, then you’re wondering where it’s heading,” the England manager said.
“But then, of course, you have to be very careful not to underestimate the opponents you have.
“I’ve been fortunate as a coach and a player to have been to eight tournaments.
“I’ve seen a lot of teams that were fancied and well ranked going into tournaments not deliver and not get out of their group.
“So, we have to have the humility to start again, as well as we’ve been playing and as well as we’ve built over a long period of time.
“We’ve been ranked in the top five in the world for five years, so we’ve had consistency of performances and results.
“But a new tournament means a new challenge and the first objective is to get out of the group again.”
England have progressed from every group during Southgate’s tenure, going onto reach at least the quarter-finals at all three major tournaments.
There were signs of progress before they lost at that stage to eventual finalists France at the 2022 World Cup, having gone within penalties of becoming continental champions in the last edition of the Euros.
Put to Southgate that opposing teams and players have praised his work and the England team, he said with a smile: “Yeah, well, I take that with a pinch of salt. Managers are good at that… because I do it myself!
“It’s clear the team are heading in a good direction. The rankings came out this week and we were third in the world, so I think our performances across the calendar year have been good.
“Eight wins, two draws, we won the toughest qualifying group and we won it comfortably, but that’s history and you have to go again in the next calendar year.
“It’s nice when we travel around Europe I have to say do get well received and we do get a lot of credit, which is lovely.
“But of course we know there’s still a step we want to take and that’s what drives us.”
This is shaping up to be Southgate’s final tournament in charge, with his contract at the Football Association expiring after next year’s finals.
The 53-year-old had considered quitting after Qatar this time last year but decided to give it another go at winning a trophy he and the nation craves.
“Probably the biggest pressure is what you put on yourself because of what you want to achieve and what you what you want to bring for your country, really,” Southgate said.
“But it’s no more or less than when I started in the job seven years ago.
“We now have a lot more experience, a lot more experience of big matches, a lot more experience of navigating tournaments, so we’re looking forward to it.
“We’re hoping that we can give our fans, our public some more great nights like I think we have in the last three tournaments.”
This summer will go down in history if England flourish in Germany, where fans will make the journey to a tournament en masse for the first time during his time in charge.
“The most recent tournaments have been a little bit different,” Southgate added.
“It wasn’t so easy to get to Russia or Qatar, and in the Euros we were coming out of Covid and was very different as well.
“This will be a little bit more like the tournaments when I was playing and when I was growing up and, yeah, we’re looking forward to that.
“We’re pleased that our fans are excited because that’s what it’s all about.”
In a solemn ceremony at the National Indoor Sports Centre in Kingston on Saturday, Jamaica's Sports Minister, the Honourable Olivia Grange, paid a touching tribute to the late Marland Washington Nattie, Vice President of the Jamaica Basketball Association.
Nattie, a stalwart in the world of basketball, passed away on October 8 after battling a massive stroke. His funeral drew mourners from across the basketball and sports fraternity who gathered to bid farewell to a beloved figure. They included Paulton Gordon, President of the Jamaica Basketball Association, past JABA president Ajani Williams, Christopher Samuda, President of the Jamaica Olympic Association as well as past Netball Jamaica President Marva Bernard and members of the Sunshine Girls.
Addressing the congregation, Minister Grange reflected on Nattie's character and contributions, stating, "A heart of gold has stopped beating. Working hands are at rest. Marland Washington Nattie was as good to people as he was a powerhouse in the sport of basketball."
Nattie, survived by his wife of more than a decade, Oberon Pitterson-Nattie, a former national netball player and coach, and daughter Coleen, was remembered not only for his sporting achievements but also for his compassion and generosity. Minister Grange highlighted Nattie's selfless acts, including purchasing a house for his mother to uplift her from challenging circumstances.
"He was a disciplinarian who stood for integrity, but he was kind. He Coleen to always help others. He lived by the ancient African word, Ubuntu, which means ‘humanity to others.’ It reminds us that, 'I am what I am because of who we all are,'" expressed Minister Grange.
Marland Nattie's impact on the basketball community was immeasurable. As a player, coach, and administrator, he devoted his life to the sport. Minister Grange acknowledged his multifaceted contributions, stating, "He gave his all to the sport as a player, coach, and administrator. We benefited from his lifetime love and affinity for basketball."
Despite his significant role in sports, Nattie's character extended beyond the court. Minister Grange shared, "Most persons in sports would hesitate to 'big up' a politician or a minister of government, but he would always speak highly of me even in the media."
Nattie served as the President of the Jamaica Basketball Association on multiple occasions, contributing significantly to the development of basketball in Jamaica and the Caribbean region. His recent role as Vice President in charge of development at the Caribbean Basketball Confederation (CBC) underscored his commitment to the sport beyond national borders.
Expressing the sorrow of losing Nattie just when recovery seemed imminent, Minister Grange remarked, "It is particularly sad that Marland’s passing on October 8, 2023, came just when we thought he was on the road to recovery from his illness."
In conclusion, the Minister extended her gratitude, saying, "As Minister of Sport and on behalf of the Government of Jamaica, I must say thanks to Marland Washington Nattie for his herculean work to take the sport of Basketball to another level not just in Jamaica but in the Region."
The heartfelt tribute concluded with condolences to Nattie's family and the entire basketball community. "Nattie, your life was truly a blessing, your memory a real treasure. May the Angels welcome him to the Heavenly Court and peace be his in the Eternity," said Minister Grange.
Scotland boss Steve Clarke is reading nothing into Germany’s struggles heading into Euro 2024, warning the tournament hosts are “always on it” when it comes to major finals.
Scotland will have the eyes of the continent on them on June 14 next year when they take on Germany in the tournament’s opening match in Munich.
Germany failed to get out of their group at the World Cup in Qatar, with a 2-1 defeat to Japan contributing to their exit. A 4-1 loss to the same opponents in a friendly in September cost Hansi Flick his job.
Results have been mixed since, with former Bayern Munich coach Julian Nagelsmann succeeding Flick at the helm.
But Clarke does not see Germany as a vulnerable opponent in any way, shape or form. They are three-time Euro winners with a further four World Cup titles to boot.
“When Germany get to the finals of a major tournament they are always on it,” Clarke told the PA news agency.
“I don’t think it will be a poor Germany team, I think it will be a very, very good Germany side.”
Clarke’s team are also up against Hungary and Switzerland in Group A, as they aim to become the first Scotland side to go beyond the first stage of a finals tournament.
“The first thing for us to do is just to prepare properly,” Clarke said.
“Make sure we’re competitive, play as well as we can in the games and then after that we’ll count on the points and see if we’ve got enough.”
Clarke’s team qualified with two matches to spare, finishing second in their group behind Spain but ahead of a Norway side infused with the star quality of Erling Haaland and Martin Odegaard.
“I think what impressed me most about this group of players (in qualification) is that they want to be competitive every time they go out there,” he said.
“We want to continue to improve – they feel as though they can improve a little bit more and hopefully between now and next summer, we do improve and we can be very competitive in Germany.”
Rob Page has called on his Wales team to give their supporters the chance to enjoy the Euro 2024 experience.
Wales are still two wins away from qualification but now know that if they can make it to the tournament they face mouthwatering matches against the Netherlands, Austria and France in Group D.
Page and his team will have home backing from the ‘Red Wall’ for their play-off semi against Finland on March 21 and the final against either Poland or Estonia on March 26 should they progress.
He wants his players to be buoyed on by the thought of setting up a Welsh party in Germany after challenging assignments for the fans at the last two major tournaments.
“Off the back of 2016 we’ve had Euro 2020, but because of Covid we were limited with travel,” he told the PA news agency.
“The World Cup (in Qatar last year) was very difficult for our supporters to get to, and respect to the supporters who got out there.
“For them to have a tournament that is close by, well organised, you know what the tournament is going to be like. For our supporters to experience that will be an extra bit of incentive to go and get the results (in March).”
Wales and France have faced each other six times before but never competitively, while Wales have lost all 10 of their previous encounters with the Dutch.
Nevertheless, Page is relishing the matches facing his side if they can make it to Germany.
“When you dream of becoming a footballer as a kid, you want to play against top teams, you want to play against top players, and those teams that are drawn in that group certainly fall into the category,” he said.
“They’re the best teams in Europe and well respected in world football and rightly so.
“For us to get there will be a big achievement and to look forward to playing those teams is incredible for the players again.”
Page also believes playing such big competitive matches less than three months before the finals will stand his team in good stead.
“I think so. It’s important that we strip the emotion out of it, I thought we handled (the World Cup play-offs for Qatar) really well and the big players on the occasion stepped up and delivered,” he added.
“It’s a different team, a different squad, we’re in transition. I’m trying to introduce some of the young players in like Brennan Johnson and Harry Wilson.
“We will be fully focused on March to get the games won, but what a carrot that (draw) is.”
Wales’ first match would be a 2pm UK time kick-off against the Netherlands on Sunday, June 16 should they make it, before facing Austria at 5pm UK time on June 21.
A match against France at 5pm UK time on June 25 would round off the group campaign.
Rangers have expressed “regret” at the fans’ pyrotechnics display at Dens Park last month as they warned of potential sanctions against the club if further incidents occur.
The cinch Premiership game against Dundee on November 1 was delayed by 45 minutes after the Gers team bus was held up in traffic and then suspended for 18 minutes after the travelling supporters let off a large number of flares that triggered fire alarms under the stand.
Rangers have been subject to an SPFL investigation and ahead of the home game against St Mirren on Sunday, a Rangers statement read: “As everyone at Rangers FC prepares for a massive month of fixtures, the club reminds supporters the use of pyrotechnics is not only dangerous, but also illegal within sports stadia.
“Supporters who bring pyrotechnic devices to football matches are at risk of arrest and put the club at risk of football sanctions.
“Rangers regrets the display of pyrotechnics at Dens Park last month, which resulted in a fire alarm triggering and our match with Dundee FC being temporarily suspended.
“This led to an investigation by the SPFL and has put Rangers in a position where a repeat has the potential for the club to be subject to disciplinary action.
“Rangers will continue to engage positively with the SPFL, Scottish FA, Police Scotland and the Scottish Government on this matter.
“The club thanks all our supporters for their fantastic, ongoing support during this busy spell of matches.”
Gabriel Martinelli is determined to ensure Arsenal stay at the Premier League summit after the Gunners’ narrow victory over Wolves guaranteed them top spot heading into the midweek fixtures.
Mikel Arteta’s side ran out 2-1 winners at the Emirates Stadium as early strikes from Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard were enough to seal the points despite a nervy end after Matheus Cunha halved the deficit late on.
Having moved top with victory at Brentford the previous weekend, the Gunners are now where they want to be.
Last season Arsenal were top of the table for 248 days before being caught by eventual champions Manchester City in the closing stages.
It is the longest period a side has been at the Premier League summit without going on to win the title – and this time Martinelli does not want any slip ups.
“We know we are top of the Premier League now,” he said.
“We want to be there; we want to be top of the Premier League for the rest of the season. We’ll try our best.
“We tried our best (against Wolves), we kept going, we didn’t start to play like it was already won.
“As I said, we tried our best to score another goal, but we didn’t score. But the most important thing is three points.”
Wolves have already beaten City and Tottenham this season and recovered from two early blows to run Arsenal close.
Gary O’Neil’s side have amassed 15 points from their 14 games to date and host Burnley on Tuesday night.
“We need to keep working because on Tuesday we have another game and we need to think positive and prepare the next game well. We play at home, so we will go with everything,” said Toti.
The centre-back also felt Wolves put in a good shift in north London, despite ultimately coming away empty-handed.
“We knew we were having a tough match,” he told the club’s official website.
“It’s not easy to come here, play against Arsenal and leave with a good result, but I think we did our best.
“It’s not easy to suffer those two goals at the beginning, but we had to stick together after those two goals so we could not concede more.”
Fairyhouse and Carlisle have been given the green light to race this afternoon, but the meetings at Leicester and Southwell have been lost to the cold weather.
Day two of the Fairyhouse Winter Festival, which features a trio of Grade One contests, has survived the threat of frost and a dense fog.
Clerk of the course Brendan Sheridan said: “The fog has lifted, even a little earlier than Met Eireann said it would, which is great.
“You can see the full length of the straight here now and you can also see right around Ballyhack.
“As you know, fog is a bit tricky and it can come and go, but at this point in time, we don’t envisage any more problems.
“We’re in a good place now and we’re all good to go.”
Sheridan had earlier reported on the IHRB Twitter site: “Thankfully, the frost didn’t set in overnight.
“The ground on both tracks is soft. We’ve a completely fresh hurdles and bumper track and we’ve seven or eight yards of fresh ground on the chase track.”
Parts of Cumbria were hit by heavy snowfall overnight but Carlisle passed an early-morning inspection, although racegoers have been warned to be careful on the surrounding roads.
Ramsgate striker Joe Taylor is hoping the Kent club’s own bit of ‘Crazy Gang’ spirit can help the eighth-tier side pull off an FA Cup shock against AFC Wimbledon on Monday night.
The Isthmian League South East Division pacesetters head to Plough Lane for the televised tie eyeing another upset after winning at Vanarama National League side Woking to book their place in the second round for the first time.
It is 35 years since Wimbledon beat Liverpool’s ‘Culture Club’ to lift the FA Cup trophy at Wembley, where captain Dave Beasant saved a penalty from John Barnes, the first goalkeeper to do so in a final.
With the since-reformed south-west London club now in Sky Bet League Two, it is Ramsgate who will take up the underdogs tag on Monday night, by which time the draw for the third round will have been made.
Taylor feels Ben Smith’s “tight-knit squad” can deliver another piece of FA Cup magic.
“We are quite a small squad of senior players and then we have got a group of young lads that have come through the academy,” Taylor told the PA news agency.
“They have sort of wrapped around us very nicely. It is a really good relationship.
“Obviously all of this cup stuff helps and we are up there in the league, so when you are winning, everyone is happy – but when times haven’t been so good, the group has been really good together.
“If we can get half of that ‘Crazy Gang’ spirit, then we would stand a good chance wouldn’t we?”
With nine goals so far in the competition, Taylor is in the race for this season’s Mitre Golden Ball Award, which recognises the top scorer in the FA Cup and gives players lower down the pyramid the opportunity to compete against Premier League stars.
Despite the extra attention on the Rams, Taylor is confident they can stay focussed to deliver the required performance at Plough Lane.
“In the last couple of weeks, we have had a lot of media (interest) and stuff that we are not used to, then we have had some really important league games during that time,” he said.
“The manager sort of banned any FA Cup talk – then he brought the TV cameras into the changing room and they were following us around everywhere!
“But we have managed to win all the (league) games and then drew a tough one (at Cray Valley).
“We are sitting up there in the league and we have had all of this going on as well, so the focus has been good actually.”
Taylor added: “We are no stranger to an upset now. I think the last four teams we have played have been higher league opposition.
“We sort of suit that (underdog) tag pretty nicely and we have all bought into that.
“Let’s be frank, Wimbledon are a better side than us, they are full-time, but we know our qualities and our strengths, so we are ready to give it a go.”
Eddie Howe is confident there is more to come from Anthony Gordon as he attempts to force his way into Gareth Southgate’s England squad for next summer’s Euro 2024 finals.
The 22-year-old, a £45million signing from Everton in January, scored for the fourth successive Premier League game at St James’ Park to secure a 1-0 victory over Manchester United on Saturday night to further enhance his blossoming reputation.
Howe has studiously avoided pressing Gordon’s case for a senior international call-up, but knows further improvement will inevitably catapult him into Southgate’s thinking.
Asked how much more there is to come from the youngster, Howe said: “I think there is a lot more to come, but I would say that, that’s always been my mentality to players, especially if they want to improve.
“Anthony has got this desire to get better every day. Every day he steps on to the training pitch, he’s wanting to do extra. We have to sometimes take him off the pitch ourselves when we feel he’s done enough.
“But he’s got a burning motivation to be the best that he’s capable of becoming and we’re loving working with him.
“There’s an openness in him, he is inquisitive, he wants to ask questions, he wants to start that dialogue and debate his game which is great from our perspective.”
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Gordon’s 55th-minute intervention proved decisive on the night as he timed his run to meet Kieran Trippier’s inviting cross and slot past keeper Andre Onana.
He also scored the winner against Arsenal on November and registered against both Crystal Palace and Chelsea to underline his rich vein of form.
Asked if his consistent level of performance put him in contention for England’s Euros campaign, Howe said: “I’d agree that he’s playing at a very, very high level and he has done this season. When you’ve come here to watch Anthony, that’s been his level.
“He is getting the goals and you need the headlines if you are going to force your way into the England squad with the competition that he has in those positions.
“There’s a long way to go to that squad and he’s just got to keep very level and focused on playing so well for us, and hopefully the rest will take care of itself.”
The only sour note for Newcastle was an injury to keeper Nick Pope, who is to see a specialist after dislocating his left shoulder late in the game.
Howe said: “That’s the disappointment of the night. Nick looks like he’s dislocated his shoulder. It was such a strange thing, really, because he has made that dive thousands of times, but it looks like the arm has kept going maybe on the moist floor and his shoulder has come out of joint.
“We’re going to have to seek specialist opinion and see what happens, but it doesn’t look good for him.”
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