Racing: Long faces over Funny

Supporters of the heavily backed Phar From Funny failed to see any joke at Wincanton yesterday after his rival Morstock made all the running to win the fourth race. Morstock's jockey, Tom Dascombe, was able to take a clear lead at the start.

While the 4-5 favourite and the two other runners dawdled, Dascombe immediately gained a 15-length lead. Morstock (3-1) tired badly in the closing stages but still held off the fast-finishing Phar From Funny, ridden by Richard Dunwoody, by two lengths.

"We stole it!" Ivor Hodges, the trainer's brother, said. "The plan was to try and pinch a big lead while the others were still thinking about it and it worked.''