Winning debut for Zacynthus at Newcastle

Zacynthus got his career off to the best possible start as he emerged victorious from the Godolphin quartet declared for the opening Virgin Holiday Cruises Maiden at Newmarket.

The chestnut colt, ridden by 7lb claimer Antioco Murgia, impressed with his strong appearance in the paddock and did not disappoint on the track.

The 7-1 shot took over from stablemate Bowermaster approaching the furlong pole and ran on in good style to score by two and a quarter lengths, with Maher the eyecatcher back in third.

Odds-on favourite Cult Classic appeared to break down two furlongs from home and was immediately dismounted by jockey Steve Drowne.

Charlie Appleby, representing Godolphin, said: "We're very pleased with that - seven furlongs is the right trip for him."

Trainer Luca Cumani was all smiles after watching Khor Sheed secure a first career victory in the totesport.com Empress Stakes.

Cumani's charges are usually brought along gradually but the Dubawi filly was stepped up into Listed class from finishing second in a Haydock maiden 17 days earlier.

The 3-1 shot proved a suitably tenacious ally for her rider Kieren Fallon to wear down the favourite Shoshoni Wind inside the closing stage of the six-furlong race and eventually prevail by a length.

Cumani said: "It is unlike me to have a two-year-old winner at this time of the year and unlike me to run a maiden in a Listed race. So I must have taken a funny pill!

"Joking apart, she has always looked nice. She was a bit unlucky first time out and she came on for the run."