Latest news from this afternoon’s meeting at Goodwood

Poignant win for Mambo

Mambo Nights came out on top in a battle of the hat-trick seekers in the Unibet 3 Boosts A Day Handicap.

The 9/1 winner and Value Bet selection A Star Above (13/2) had this between them inside the final furlong and the Richard Hannon trained winner showed great resolution to fend off his rival close home and score by a neck.

The winner was sporting the yellow and black silks of owner Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum who sadly lost his flagbearer Defoe on Wednesday morning after he sustained an injury on the gallops.

Retained rider Andrea Atzeni, who struck up such a formidable partnership with that gelding, was aboard Mambo Nights and said: “It was sad news this morning about Defoe passing away, a horse that everyone loved, and I’m sure the boss is watching this and proud that we’ve found this fellow.

“He’s a horse who’s going the right way. He had some very good form as a two-year-old and he’s improved this year. Just look at the size of him and he can only get better. He’s a big, raw horse and this track probably wouldn’t be ideal for him but his ability got him away with it. There are better days ahead.”

Hubert brings down the House

It took Just Hubert two miles three and a half furlongs to master Rochester House in the Unibet You’re On Goodwood Handicap but the 25/1 chance got on top close home to win the longest race of the Qatar Festival.

Tom Marquand gave the winner a fine ride and had to drive him out to the line as his front-running rival, sent off at 6/1, tried to rally.

Value Bet selection Smart Champion (13/2) came home well in third.

“I think could probably have done with leaving it a few strides later, we all know what it’s like trying to run down one of Mark Johnston’s you think you’re going to pick them up but you get there and they keep on running,” the winning rider mused.

“Luckily this lad was pretty brave inside the final furlong and kept going.”

Just Hubert overhauls Rochester House at Goodwood

No catching Chamade in opener

There was a surprise in the opening British Stallion Studs EBF Fillies’ Handicap as Chamade (22/1) made every yard of the running to strike for Ralph Beckett and Harry Bentley.

She was clear approaching the furlong marker and it soon became obvious the chasers, led by 13/8 favourite Waliyak, weren’t going to get to her.

At the line she was two-and-a-three-quarter lengths clear of the market leader with another closer, Dean Street Doll (14/1), a further length-and-a-half adrift in third.

Chamade bounds to victory at Goodwood