Friday saw two of our runners return to the racecourse after having extended periods off the track, as Diamond Days and Cast No Shadow featured at Fontwell and Newcastle (AW).

The afternoon kicked off in West Sussex, as Diamond Days ran for the first time in eight months following his long summer break. He started the race in exuberant fashion, challenging the leading duo of Low Expectations and Pate Mollee at the head of the field before settling in just behind under the guidance of in-form jockey, Ben Jones.

Diamond Days travelled into the race well, making just one small mistake throughout, which was a marked improvement on a couple of last season's efforts where he sometimes struggled for consistency when jumping. As the race began to heat up, it was Diamond Days and Low Expectations who went clear of the rest of the field as they turned for home, but it was Nick Gifford's five-year-old who stayed on best who went on to win by an impressive seven and a half lengths.

Diamond Days' lack of competitive race fitness led to him weakening after the final hurdle, but he still ran a promising enough race to come home in third place, landing his 10 owners for the day £630 who got to take home an equal 10% share each.

WATCH: Ben Jones shares his positive thoughts on Diamond Days following his third place finish at Fontwell

Trainer, Joe Tizzard, told us this morning that Diamond Days came out of his race really well and that the run has sharpened him up perfectly. With that in mind, Joe has decided to strike whilst the iron is hot and enter him for another race at Plumpton next Monday. You could be in attendance as one of Diamond Days' Owners for the Day and collect a share of any prize money he wins at Plumpton on Monday. Enter our latest competition for your chance to win an unforgettable experience!

Just 45 minutes later, we headed north to Newcastle for Cast No Shadow's ninth career start at the all-weather track as he lined up in a competitive five furlong handicap.

He showed good early speed after breaking from the stalls well, which was very pleasing given the nine month layoff that he was returning from, and it seemed clear that he hadn't missed a step when it came to his race IQ. It did however become clear that he was lacking in race fitness in the latter stages of the race, when he began to fade quickly as the field entered the final furlong of the race. 

As soon as Jason Hart realised that our four-year-old had ran his race, he eased Cast No Shadow down and allowed him to make his own way to the line, coming home ten lengths behind the winner in last place. Despite looking like a disappointing result on the face of things, trainer Hugo Palmer told us that he was pleased with the enthusiasm and zip Cast No Shadow showed for a long way and that it definitely gives the team at Manor House something to build on. 

Check out what else Hugo Palmer had to say when we caught up with him yesterday: 

"Cast No Shadow is absolutely fine after his comeback run at Newcastle on Friday. He did plenty right in the race but just got tired late on, which was no surprise. I expect that he will come forward a great deal for the run and I am looking forward to seeing him back at Newcastle over his preferred 5f, towards the end of the month."

Keep an eye on the Coral Racing Club website to find out exactly when Cast No Shadow will next be out on course and to find out how you could be there as one of his Owners for the Day!