The Fiji TimesThrumming hooves mark return of English sport at Newcastle

Zodiakos won the 1pm race at Newcastle on Monday. It was the first competitive sport to be played since the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic. The government gave the green light for the return of sport on Saturday. There were strict criteria, including no spectators and a raft of health measures. Jockeys wore face masks during the race. Horse-racing contributes $4.96 billion to the economy. Newmarket will host the 2,000 Guineas this weekend. British horse-racers are estimated to contribute $5 billion a year to economy, with 20,00 people involved directly or indirectly.