Bandari upset in Hardwicke
Saturday, 18 June 2005 16:02Mark Johnston's Bandari caused a surprise at York when he sprang a surprise in the Hardwicke Stake at Royal Ascot at York.
The 10-1 shot, ridden by Willie Supple, was giving trainer Mark Johnston his fourth success in this race and his second victory at the meeting.
Bandari gamely held Maraahel, the owner's first string, after a ding-dong battle throughout the final furlong.
Orcadian set a scorching pace, going six lengths clear at one stage, but he faded away in the straight as Supple took Bandari over to the far rail.
Gamut, trained by Sir Michael Stoute, was the first to challenge Bandari, but it was the other Stoute runner Maraahel who ranged alongside after being slowly away.
However, Bandari would not give in and was a half a length to the good at the line, with Gamut five lengths away third.
Godolphin's Doyen, the 13-8 favourite, was a disappointing fifth of the six runners on his seasonal debut.
Afterwards Johnston added: "Your confidence gets dented when he runs a disappointing race like he did in the Coronation Cup last time.
"He was in great form at home, but we took him there thinking it was his Group One day and he didn't deliver.
"That has been the story of his life. He beats the big boys when it's least expected and here he is, a five-year-old having still not won a Group One.
"Something will come out of this race and win a Group One - let's just hope it's him."
