Hotel Whisky One made a spectacular return to the winner’s circle on Monday night after five months on the sidelines.

He resumed racing at Healesville earlier this month, facing tough competition from Mile A Minute and Field Day. But it was his first win back – following a groin injury sustained during his Horsham Cup campaign – that really got fans talking.

Stopping the clock at 21.56 seconds over the 390 metres, it was the second-fastest time ever recorded at Shepparton.

“He pulled up perfect, and we’re so happy to have him back,” said trainer Anthony Azzopardi.

Next up, Hotel Whisky One will line up in a hot field at Geelong on Friday night, taking on the speed of Serial Sticker and the talent of Zipping Gryllis.

All going well, the Dapo Megastar in August could mark his return to feature racing.

Hotel Whisky One demolishes the field at Shepparton from box 7 in near track record time over the 390 metres.

In more great news, it will only be a matter of time before we see Gambella back racing. She had her first workout up the straight on Tuesday morning.

“I’m hopefully going to get her right for the Million Dollar Chase,” Azzopardi said.