Bungleinthejungle (far right) edges out Morawij (centre) in the Molecomb
PICTURE: Getty ImagesBungle battles back to deny Molecomb favourite
Report: Glorious Goodwood, Tuesday
bet365 Molecomb Stakes (Group 3) 5f, 2yo
BUNGLE INTHEJUNGLE, a 14-1 shot, produced a storming late rally to nail 2-1 favourite Morawij right on the line and snatch this Group 3 speed test under jockey Martin Harley.
His chances appeared bleak after Morawij kicked three-quarters of a length clear inside the final furlong, but the Mick Channon-trained colt refused to be denied and battled back in the most valiant fashion to get the verdict by a head.
Hototo, an 11-2 chance, finished third.
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It was a third Molecomb success for Channon, and a long overdue Group success in Britain for part-owner Christopher Wright, who used to regularly dine at racing's top table.
"That's my first Group winner in England for an awful long time," he said. "I'm thrilled."
Martin Harley, who is enjoying a magnificent season as stable jockey to Channon, said: "They went very fast early on, but Bungle Inthejungle sees out five furlongs very well. He's tough, with a big heart, and battled on really well.
"This year is going great, and big thanks to the boss, who has
supported me with plenty of rides."
Favourite backers must have felt confident of collecting after
Morawij, who had sat in a stalking third, a couple of lengths behind duellers Bungle Inthejungle and Lady Ibrox, quickened to the front under Neil Callan over a furlong out.
Both Bungle Inthejungle and Lady Ibrox, who had done well to cut across to the stands rail from stall four, seemed sure to pay the penalty for their early exertions, while none of the other runners were able to strike a blow.
However, Bungle Inthejungle simply refused to be denied, and duly broke the heart of Morawij's supporters to clinch a brave and thrilling success.
Roger Varian, trainer of Morawij, said: "This game is all about fractions and he's just got run out of it. He's still not been on fast ground yet and he might have picked up even better on that, the winner also had the rail to help.
"Yes I'm disappointed but the horse has done nothing wrong and looks to be progressing with each run. He could go back up to six furlongs now and he's in the Gimcrack which will come under consideration."
Kevin Ryan, trainer of Hototo, was thrilled with third place. He said: "I'm delighted with him. He was a lot sharper today than at Newbury and the better ground has helped. He just didn't come down the hill that well, but when he hit the rising ground he's really picked up. If you're not close enough at Goodwood they just get away, maybe I should have run him in the Richmond.
"He's in the Gimcrack and a six-furlong sales race at York and we could look at one of those for him. He's a pleasure to train and loves his racing. We do very little with him at home. I like Sleeping Indian's, they're tough and affordable!"
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