Goodwood review: Johnny Barnes ends losing run

Johnny Barnes ended a lean spell stretching back almost two years when scorching clear of his rivals in the Grosvenor Sport Handicap.

The John Gosden-trained five-year-old gained the win his efforts this season had deserved when claiming his first success since landing a Group Three at Deauville in August 30 2015 in the seven-furlong event.

Although forced to take the brave man's route up the inside, the move paid off, with jockey Robert Tart getting a clear passage close to the rail before keeping the son of Acclamation up to his work to score by a length.

Gosden said of the 13/2 winner: "Because it had such a hammering at the main meeting, the ground was loose and rough, so he handled it well.

"He has got a quick digging action and it suited him and he got through on the rail. He never runs a bad race, but he usually runs up the backside of something as he comes from so far back.

"He is in the Ayr Gold Cup. He was unlucky in that last year and he finished about eighth, but never got a run so we will take a look at the Ayr Gold Cup."

Call To Mind won the Goodwood Revival March Stakes, denying Oisin Murphy a double after he had ridden Lightning Spear to victory in the day's feature race.

Murphy launched his challenge aboard favourite Count Octave a furlong from home, but Pat Cosgrave's mount picked up well once in the clear to win by just over a length.

Racing in the colours of Her Majesty the Queen, this son of Galileo looks one to watch after showing that stamina is very much his forte.

Her Majesty's racing adviser John Warren said: "There is no St Leger. I don't think the trainer is tempted. We will talk to the Queen. William actually thought this would be his last run of the year.

"He wants to look after him for next year to make him a very important horse for next year and he doesn't want to over-race him so he wasn't tempted to have a go.

"If he runs one more time he might run on Arc weekend in the mile-and-seven race (Prix Chaudenay) which will give him a bit more time between now and then."

Andrew Balding, trainer of the runner-up, said: "It was a slightly muddly race for him. He is still learning and has run with credit. He was beaten by a good horse and we will probably keep him in the St Leger for the time being.

"I think he is capable of running a place in the St Leger as he stays well."

Mountain Hunter defied market weakness on a good day for Godolphin to take the Whiteley Clinic Handicap in the style of a potentially smart sort.

Well-backed on his winning debut at Newmarket earlier in the month, Saeed Bin Suroor's gelding drifted markedly in the run-up to the off here, only to storm clear of the field and win as a 9/2 joint-favourite.

Racing here off a mark of 87, life will be tougher after this, but the imposing son of Lonhro gave the impression that he could be better than a handicapper in time.

The opening Absolute Aesthetics Fillies' Novice Auction Stakes went to Tricksy Spirit, who ran on strongly down the centre of the track to win at 14/1.

Mick Channon's horse had beaten just two rivals home in his first two starts, but stepped up markedly for a drop to six furlongs and was well on top at the death.

Favourite Kareva was a disappointing fourth, although she did suffer interference early on and may yet prove to be better than this run.

Finally, the concluding Golf Academy At Goodwood Handicap was won by Just In Time, as Murphy again hit the crossbar, this time aboard 16/1 runner-up Al Zaman.

It was a good result for punters, with Alan King's horse backed into 5/2 favouritism before the off.