2022 champ Kyprios was the headline act ahead of the 2024 edition of the Ascot Gold Cup. Brilliant during that all-conquering four-year-old campaign, he didn’t look the same horse in two late-season starts following injury in 2023. However, he arrived following successive wins in Irish Listed and Group 3 events, suggesting he may be ready to return to his peak when it mattered most.
Lying in wait amongst the opposition was a three-pronged John & Thady Gosden attack headed by Trawlerman, who had conquered Kyprios in the 2023 Long Distance Cup. Stablemates Sweet William and Gregory hadn’t quite hit those heights but brought younger legs and stacks of potential to the table. Adding further intrigue to the race were 2023 runner-up Coltrane and 2023 Copper Horse Handicap champ Vauban, who attempted to hand Willie Mullins a first success in the biggest staying event of the flat season.
Result
- 1st – Kyprios 11/10F, Jockey: Ryan Moore, Trainer: Aidan O’Brien
- 2nd – Trawlerman 7/1, Jockey: William Buick, Trainer: John & Thady Gosden
- 3rd – Sweet William 9/1, Jockey: Robert Havlin, Trainer: John & Thady Gosden
Prize Money Breakdown
- 1st – £368,615
- 2nd – £139,750
- 3rd – £69,940
- 4th – £34,840
- 5th – £17,485
- 6th – £8,775
Tote and Forecast Payouts
- Tote Win – £2.10
- Tote Places – 1st – £1.25, 2nd – £1.80, 3rd – £2.65
- Exacta – £10.90
- Computer Straight Forecast (CSF) – £8.51
- Trifecta – £62.90
- Tricast – £42.90
Recap
None of the runners seemed particularly keen to make the running when the stalls opened. Prydwen briefly threatened to set the fractions, but in the end, it was left to Trawlerman to lead the field around the first bend. Gregory and Kyprios were prominent towards the inside and outside, respectively, with Sweet William notably restrained towards the rear. Only four or five lengths covered the field in the early stages.
There was little change in the order as they passed the winning post for the first time and moved into the back straight. Trawlerman set only an even gallop, stalked by Kyprios. All the other runners travelled nicely except Caius Chorister, who looked unsuited by the steady pace. Vauban was ridden quietly in midfield, with Sweet William bringing up the rear.
Approaching the back straight, the patience of Caius Chorister ran out, with the mare making a notable move to the front of the field. Trawlerman responded by quickening the pace as the field became a little strung out. Kyprios briefly tapped for toe but soon moved ominously well in third. Gregory was well placed to attack on the inside, whilst Vauban and Sweet William continued to receive patient rides.
Moving around the home turn, Caius Chorister’s exertions told as Trawlerman kicked for home. Gregory was one of the first of the fancied contenders beaten as Kyprios laid down the challenge and moved upside Trawlerman. The pair moved clear as Vauban and Sweet William began their charges from further back. An enthralling battle ensued as Kyprios and Trawlerman pulled five lengths ahead of the rest – Kyprios only forging ahead in the final 100 yards to land a thriller by a length. Trawlerman went out on his shield in second, with Sweet William putting in a career-best effort in third.
In becoming only the third horse to regain the Gold Cup, Kyprios handed Aidan O’Brien a record-extending ninth Gold Cup win. It was an excellently judged ride from Ryan Moore, who won the race for a fourth time.
Runners
- 1. Coltrane – SP: 10/1, Trainer: Andrew Balding, Jockey: Oisin Murphy
- 2. Enemy – SP: 100/1, Trainer: Ian Williams, Jockey: Richard Kingscote
- 3. Kyprios – SP: 11/10F, Trainer: Aidan O’Brien, Jockey: Ryan Moore
- 4. Prydwen – SP: 100/1, Trainer: George Scott, Jockey: Callum Shepherd
- 5. Sweet William – SP: 9/1, Trainer: John & Thady Gosden, Jockey: Robert Havlin
- 6. Trawlerman – SP: 7/1, Trainer: John & Thady Gosden, Jockey: Robert Havlin
- 7. Trueshan – Non-runner
- 8. Vauban – SP: 13/2, Trainer: Willie Mullins, Jockey: Colin Keane
- 9. Gregory – SP: 15/2, Trainer: John & Thady Gosden, Jockey: James Doyle
- 10. Caius Chorister – SP: 20/1, Trainer: David Menuisier, Jockey: Benoit De La Sayette
Non-Runners
Trueshan (unsuitable ground)