Zodiakos creates history as first winner back as British racing resumes following coronavirus suspension

After a 76-day break, the 22-1 chance emerged victorious at Newcastle

James Sullivan riding Zodiakos at Newcastle (Getty)

Zodiakos has written its name into the record books after winning the first race as British horse racing resumed after a 76-day break due to coronavirus.

Trained by Roger Fell and ridden by Jimmy Sullivan, the 22-1 chance emerged victorious in the Betway Welcome Back British Racing Handicap at Newcastle as the sport returned after the UK government cleared the sport to resume.

The Newcastle card was the first since the UK government cleared the sport to resume, subject to guidelines.

Zodiakos​ upset stablemate Al Ozzdi, who was ridden by champion all-weather jockey Ben Curtis.

All riders were wearing a face mask as part of strict hygiene protocols put in place, with Sullivan thrilled to carve out a piece of history.

“It’s very nice to get the first winner,” Sullivan admitted. “I’m blowing a bit as obviously it’s the first time I’ve ridden in a race for a while and it was hard work from three and a half furlongs out, but in fairness to Roger he had him very fit, he was spot on for today.

“I think his ability to handle heavy ground helped him. The track is riding very deep today and it helped at the end as he outstayed the other horse. Al Ozzdi got by me, but in the last 100 yards his stamina kicked in.”

“Hopefully that will have blown away the cobwebs. In this heat today, riding in the mask, it is very warm and after pulling up I pulled it down a little just to get a few breaths in. It wasn’t too bad, though, it’s manageable and it’s the sort of thing that in a week you won’t even notice it.”

While Fell revealed the tactics were to push hard in pursuit of victory.

He said: “My instructions were to make it, to get on with it because he has one pace and he did that perfectly.

“It (lockdown) has not been bad for us as we’re quite isolated, we’re not round lots of other people. A lot of the staff live on site so it’s quite easy.”

Zodiakos will race again at Newcastle on Thursday.