Lochbuie catches Mubtaker at wire

Mubtaker was denied his fourth consecutive victory in the Group 2 $163,000 Geoffrey Freer Stakes at Newbury on Saturday, when he was caught near the line by the 12-1 Lochbuie.

Jockey Richard Hills had tried to lead virtually throughout on Mubtaker, and the pair looked home free approaching the eighth pole. Mubtaker couldn't quite last, though, and was reeled in only 50 yards out by Lochbuie.

John Egan guided Lochbuie over the 1 5/8 miles and 61 yards in 2:51.97 on good to firm ground. Group 1 winners Mamool and Gamut finished fourth and fifth in the five-runner field.

Earlier, Attraction, 11th in the Champions Mile in Hong Kong last time May 14, showed signs of life in the Group 3, $90,000 Hungerford Stakes but failed to last after leading to the eighth pole. A four-time Group 1 winner, Attraction faded to fourth, 6 1/4 lengths behind the winner, Sleeping Indian.

Trained by John Gosden, Sleeping Indian, the 9-4 favorite, got the seven furlongs in 1:24.68, defeating runner-up Majors Cast by a length. The winning time for seven furlongs was 1:24.68.