Melbourne Cup runner wins at Newcastle in the UK

Image: AAP

Group Two-winning stayer Raymond Tusk has made a successful return to English racing after an unplaced run in the Melbourne Cup.

The Richard Hannon-trained horse won the All-Weather Championships Qualifier over 3300 metres at Newcastle on Saturday (Sunday AEDT).

Raymond Tusk started the 11-4 favourite and was pushed to the line by Tom Marquand to beat French horse Funny Kid in a fighting finish by half a length.

He finished 16th of 24 in the Melbourne Cup on November 5, five lengths from the winner Vow And Declare.

The Newcastle win gives Raymond Tusk an automatic berth in the Marathon (3200m) race on All-Weather finals day at Lingfield on April 10.