BITTERSWEET DAY
Fatality tarnishes much trumpeted return
IT was a bittersweet return for racing following a 76-day lockdown at Newcastle yesterday.
The sport showed that it could take place behind closed doors amid stringent government guidelines including jockeys wearing masks.
But the day was marred when Phil Kirby’s December Second, ridden by PJ McDonald, suffered a fatal fall in the feature race.
He brought down Financial Conduct and Jim Crowley, although both jockeys were unhurt.
Racing certainly was a different beast yesterday.
With jockeys resembling a bunch of outlaws in a Wild West movie hidden behind face masks, James Sullivan emerged from the pack to partner Zodiakos to a historic win in the first race.
On Sullivan’s return to the winners’ enclosure, there was no back slapping, no high fives, just a man in a boiler suit with a bucket of water.
On a sweltering day, the only recognition Sullivan received came from his fellow riders who were sunbathing in the empty grandstands.
Like everyone attending, he was equipped with a face mask – but he was not complaining.
Sullivan said: “In this heat today, riding in the mask, it’s 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 probably won’t even notice.”
Roger Fell, the successful trainer and joint owner, was also responsible for the second home, Al Ozzdi.
The bookies were also laughing all the way to the bank after a string of big-price winners.
Paddy Power said: “The return meant a clash alongside two French classics and turnover was ‘brisk’ – to put it in perspective equating to an excellent Bank Holiday Monday, but not an average Saturday live on ITV.”
But David Stevens, of Coral, said: “Betting shops remain shut across the country, so turnover was solid rather than spectacular.”
As for December Second, Kirby tweeted: “A beautiful horse with a big future. We’re so sad to lose him”