Brighton jockey Jason Watson has been booked to ride Albion chairman Tony Bloom's horse Withold in the Northumberland Plate at Newcastle on Saturday.

Watson, trainer Roger Charlton's stable jockey, takes over the mount from Bloom's retained jockey Robert Winston on Withold, who won the race last year before breaking a blood vessel and missing out on the Melbourne Cup in Australia.

The Argus revealed earlier this week that Bloom's star stayer would make his comeback at Newcastle. Watson has now been confirmed to be on board the 10-1 chance and will be wearing Bloom's blue and white silks.

Watson told The Argus: "I rode a horse for him (Bloom) called Tavus, trained by Roger. It's quite a nice thing to be a part of, different for sure.

"He (Withold) has obviously had a long time off and it was quite a bad experience for him down in Australia but, since he's been back, touch wood he's been as good as gold.

"We haven't had any issues with him. I think he should run a nice race and if he is anything like he was before he went off to Australia he will have every chance."