Top 40 winner Mudbir (4/1) rounds off Glorious Goodwood

Top 40 entry French Duke was set a stiff task in the staying handicap on the final day of the Qatar Goodwood Festival. Roger Varian's four year old was tackling a mile and six for the first time having finished eighth in the Duke of Edinburgh Stakes at Royal Ascot on his belated reappearance. Entered in the Skybet Ebor at York later this month, he was anchored in rear and, despite making some headway on the outside approaching the final two furlongs, his effort petered out in the closing stages. It is difficult to say whether the four year old was a non stayer or set an impossible task. Either way, it would have been some effort to come from last to first in such a competitive event. 

Thankfully, the five day meeting rounded off on a positive note as far as the Top 40 were concerned with the progressive Mudbir (4/1) winning an equally competitive three year old handicap over seven furlongs. Trained by John & Thady Gosden, the well bred Kingman colt had only been raised two pounds following his victory at Sandown's Eclipse meeting last month. Drawn on the far rail, Jim Crowley's mount showed a good attitude to squeeze through a gap before hitting the front inside the final furlong. He was able to repel the late thrust of old rival Dance In The Storm by score by a short head. Successful off a mark of 91, his jockey feels he will be even better on a sounder surface.