Mudbir Shows Mettle in Whispering Angel Handicap
Trained by John and Thady Gosden and bred in the esteemed Shadwell silks, Mudbir (4/1) held off a late surge from Dance In The Storm to claim the Whispering Angel Handicap over seven furlongs. Only a short-head separated the duo at the post, and although a bump close to the line triggered a stewards’ enquiry, the result stood, adding a third win to Mudbir’s season tally.
“Mudbir is a brave one. When the second came to him, he picked up again,” said Thady Gosden. “He’s still learning and wandered under pressure, but he’s from a top Shadwell family, Handassa is the dam of two Group One winners. He’ll keep improving.”
Rider Jim Crowley, who navigated a tricky draw in stall one, added: “He got a smack in the face coming through a tight gap, then ran around a bit when he hit the front. But he held the second and showed toughness on a track he’s never experienced before.”
While connections celebrated, Dance In The Storm earned high praise from trainer Andrew Balding. “That was a smashing run from a bad draw [14]. She’s come out of it with a lot of credit. We hoped the enquiry might go our way, but it’s an independent call.”
Isaac Newton Steps Forward for O’Brien
Earlier in the day, Aidan O’Brien unleashed another potential star in Isaac Newton (8/13), who broke his maiden in the British Stallion Studs EBF Maiden over seven furlongs. The Camelot colt, second to stablemate New Zealand at the Curragh, had to work for the win, eventually collaring Evanesco (14/1) by a neck.
Ryan Moore, ever the cool hand, said: “The pace was solid, and he stayed on well, showing a good attitude. Seven furlongs here isn’t ideal, but he did everything right and is improving with each run.”
Trainer Charlie Johnston was encouraged by Evanesco’s near-miss: “We’ve always thought a lot of him. We wouldn’t have brought him to Goodwood if we didn’t. He took a good step forward today.”
Gladius Guts Out Coral Golden Rewards Shaker Handicap
The closing race of the Qatar Goodwood Festival, the nine-furlong Coral Golden Rewards Shaker Handicap, saw Gladius justify favouritism at 11/8 with a determined head victory over Whip Cracker (17/2).
Trainer Andrew Balding praised the performance: “He did it the hard way, posted a bit wide, but William [Buick] gave him a lovely ride. He’s not flashy at home, so every run has been a nice surprise. We might target another handicap off this effort.”
Buick added: “It’s tough ground out there after five days of racing, tacky and tiring, but he kept finding. He’s straightforward, responsive, and improving.”
Richard Hughes, trainer of Whip Cracker, was satisfied despite the narrow defeat: “That was a blinder. I thought the race suited him perfectly, but Gladius was very well-handicapped and had a good run. We’ll look at the Chelmsford City Cup next.”
Festival Takeaways
The final day of the Qatar Goodwood Festival spotlighted rising stars across divisions. From Mudbir’s composure and lineage to Isaac Newton’s cool progression and Gladius’ grinding determination, the stage now shifts to their next chapters.
To catch up on more from the Goodwood season, read the news coverage in our international section.
For official race results and upcoming fixtures, visit Goodwood Racecourse or check the British Horseracing Authority.
