Munhamek continues hot run in Winter Championships Series Final at Flemington

Eight-year-old marvel Munhamek sealed a hat-trick of wins in the Winter Championship Series Final as trainer Nick Ryan reveals how he has found career-best form.

Munhamek made it three wins in a row in the Winter Championship Series Final at Flemington on Saturday. Picture: Vince Caligiuri/Getty Images

Munhamek set a weight carrying record in the Listed Winter Championship Series Final (1600m) on Saturday with a dominant performance at Flemington.

The Nick Ryan-trained iron horse, sealed a hat-trick of wins and back-to-back triumphs at Headquarters, saluted by 1¾ lengths from Lounge Bar Rubi.

Green Fly and King Magnus finished third and fourth respectively.

Munhamek, with 60.5kg on his back, shaded the Winter Championship weight record, previously held by 2015-winner Amovatio (60kg).

“There’s no doubt he’s gone to another level,” an emotional Ryan said.

“I know he’s tough, the more we’ve given him the more he’s raised the bar … he’s been in work 16 months, he’s taught me a lot of things, too, as far as training goes.

“These tough old geldings, you push the boundaries with them and they give a bit more.”

Munhamek does it again! 💪

The rising nine-year-old wins the Winter Championship! 🏆@[e-mail]/BrXExqYBah

— 7HorseRacing 🐎 (@7horseracing) July 6, 2024

Munhamek returned $4.80 with TAB.

Ryan said being aggressive with Munhamek after an unusual lacklustre performance in Sydney during the autumn has been the difference.

“I learned a lot after the Doncaster Prelude, we came back and weren’t sure where we were going with him, he got away on me a bit, he got fat,” Ryan said.

“I had to get aggressive and get into him and I’ve kept doing it and he’s kept coming back for more, that’s what I mean he’s taught me a lot.

“I’m very fortunate getting a horse like him into the stable, a small barn to have a flag-bearer like this horse, who can go around every two weeks and win, keep your name in lights is good.”

Munhamek gets a hug from strapper Zoe Miller after winning the Winter Championship Series Final. Picture: Vince Caligiuri/Getty Images

Jockey Jamie Mott, who won the Swan Hill Cup on Munhamek three starts back, lauded the gelding’s performance.

“Even though I got caught wide, he was really comfortable throughout and I knew he would be strong for me,” Mott said.

“I was a little bit surprised how easy he was going into the straight, I had to grab hold of him again not to get there (in front) too early.

“What an unbelievable horse he is, he continues to perform really well … definitely two or three lengths better than Swan Hill Cup (run) for sure, obviously he won nicely in between.”

Ryan said Munhamek would be aimed at the Group 2 PB Lawrence Stakes (1400m) on August 17.

Ryan attempted the same double with his 2020 Winter Championship winner Sircconi, who finished second in the PB Lawrence behind Savatiano.

Originally published as Munhamek continues hot run in Winter Championships Series Final at Flemington