Adonis Hurdle winner Zubayr earns first victory for Ian Williams at Southwell

Zubayr, who won the Grade 2 Adonis Hurdle at Kempton on his first start in Britain three years ago, relished the return to obstacles to thwart Mister Universum in the 2m4½f handicap hurdle at Southwell.

Making his fourth start for Ian Williams since leaving Paul Nicholls, the dual-purpose campaigner built on three previous Flat outings for his new trainer to score under Byrony Frost.

The ever-effusive rider told Sky Sports Racing: "He's a good boy and it's great that he's no longer the bridesmaid. I probably got there a bit too soon in truth, but he ground it out well."