ZUCCHERO SINGS FOR HIS SUPPER

Adiemus but his jockey picks up one day-ban

Zucchero proved a number one hit with bookmakers yesterday after flooring a nationwide gamble on Adiemus in the Lincoln. The six year old named by owner Philip Banfied after italian superstar singer Zucchero, one of his clients, had never been seen as a spring horse before. In previous years he had not racedprior to May and only ever won in july. But the David Arbuthenot trained winner did not want for fitness on his seasonal debut, and it was just as well. The favourite Adiemus, come back at him and made a game attemp to cut down Zucchero's lead, but the line came too soon and he was still a bead down at the line. Arbuthnot's other runner, Lord protector, was seen ad the more likely winner but once Mick Kinane elected to come up the stands rall his die was cast. The further they went, the further those on the far side went clear. Victory fulfilled a long-term plan by Arbuthnot, who was aiming at this race ever since injury cost Zucchero a tilt at the Cambridgeshire last autumn. "He injured himself and when we put him away i said we would have a crack at the Lincoln," the trainer said. " I didn't really expect to get him here as he is a very gross horse and i thought he would need the race.