In a thrilling display of grit and speed, Mambonumberfive staged a remarkable last-to-first victory to claim the Grade 2 Wayward Lad Novices Chase at Kempton this afternoon.
A Dramatic Start and Mid-Race Struggle
The race, which began at 1.55pm GMT, saw early drama as Alnilam made a significant error in the opening stages. He managed to recover and join Mirabad at the front of the field, though Mirabad was notably jumping with more fluency. Meanwhile, Mambonumberfive found himself at the rear of the pack and compounded his difficult position with a mistake of his own.
The Stunning Comeback
As the race entered its decisive phase, Mirabad attempted to seize the initiative and kicked for home. However, the story was about to change dramatically. From the back of the field, Mambonumberfive launched an extraordinary charge. He swept past his rivals, took the lead, and then produced a superb jump at the final fence. Once clear, he powered away up the Kempton run-in to secure a smooth and impressive win.
A Fitting Commentary Call
The spectacular finish was perfectly captured by the race commentator, who heralded the winner with the iconic line: “Ladies and gentlemen, here’s Mambo No 5.” The victory provided a memorable moment in the day's racing calendar, showcasing the unpredictable and exciting nature of novice chase contests.
The result was confirmed shortly after 2.02pm GMT, cementing Mambonumberfive's name on the prestigious race's roll of honour and delivering a performance that will be talked about for some time.
