Eight lined up for the flagship staying contest of the season. Following the retirement of two-time champ Kyprios, 2024 runner-up Trawlerman made his way to the head of the market. Having claimed the Group 2 Long Distance Cup and Group 3 Henry II Stakes, could the John & Thady Gosden star land the biggest prize of all at seven years of age?
In the absence of Kyprios, Aidan O’Brien called upon the services of Queen’s Vase, Prix de Chaudenay, and Ormonde Stakes hero Illinois. One of only two four-year-olds in the lineup, this classy son of Galileo looked a big threat if handling the step up to 2m4f.
Going in the Aga Khan silks, last carried to victory by Enzeli in 1999, Candelari flew the flag for France and Francis-Henri Graffard. A mark of 118 made him the joint-highest-rated runner in the field, but he also had stamina to prove over this marathon distance.
Moving further down the betting list, Sweet William provided a strong second string to the Gosden bow, having finished third in the 2024 edition. Andrew Balding’s eight-year-old Coltrane, meanwhile, made his third Gold Cup appearance and had an outside chance if he returned to the levels of his runners-up finish in 2023.
Of the others, Yashin and Wonder Legend had a lot to find on paper, but Saeed bin Suroor’s Dubai Future brought solid form from Meydan and a course win to the table.
Result
- 1st – Trawlerman 85/40F, Jockey: William Buick, Trainer: John & Thady Gosden
- 2nd – Illinois 9/4, Jockey: Aidan O’Brien, Trainer: Ryan Moore
- 3rd – Dubai Future 28/1, Jockey: Saeed bin Suroor, Trainer: James McDonald
Prize Money Breakdown
- 1st – £368,615
- 2nd – £139,750
- 3rd – £69,940
- 4th – £34,840
- 5th – £17,845
- 6th – £8,775
Tote and Forecast Payouts
- Tote Win – £3.13
- Tote Places – 1st – £1.15, 2nd – £1.50, 3rd – £3.75
- Exacta – £9.60
- Computer Straight Forecast (CSF) – £7.05
- Trifecta – £92.72
- Tricast – £99.10
Recap
Taking the ride on the only confirmed stayer in the field, William Buick stood the best chance if he ensured this was a thorough test. Undeterred by the blazing Ascot sunshine, the Godolphin number one pushed Trawlerman straight into the lead and set about testing the resolution of his rivals.
The blue silks led the way into the home straight for the first time. Sweet William sat just on the heels of his stablemate with Ryan Moore and Illinois prominent towards the inside. Wonder Legend, Candelari, and Coltrane made up the next wave of three, followed by Dubai Future and Yashin.
There were around 10 lengths between first and last moving into the back straight as Buick gently increased the tempo. All in behind appeared to travel well, but it was clear that staying power would be the number one requirement for success. Coltrane had slipped back towards Dubai Future and Yashin, but otherwise, the order was unchanged.
Moving into the final mile, Buick allowed Trawlerman to move through the gears on the downhill section of the course. Sweet William and Illinois sat on his heels and ready to strike, but Candelari appeared to be finding the pace too hot. Dubai Future travelled best of those in rear but had around eight lengths to make up on the leaders.
Any hopes that Trawlerman would pay for making the running disappeared in the straight. Kicking again off the bend, Buick soon had his fellow riders urging their mounts for more. Illinois moved around Sweet William to launch his challenge but never looked like making any inroads, as Trawlerman forged on relentlessly up the rail. Four lengths clear at the furlong pole, that lead extended to seven lengths at the line. Illinois plugged on for second, with Dubai Future staying on well to take third.
This was a fifth win in the race for John Gosden and a second in partnership with his son Thady. Owners Godolphin also claimed the prize for a fifth time, whilst William Buick celebrated a first Gold Cup triumph.
Runners
- 1. Coltrane – SP: 33/1, Trainer: Andrew Balding, Jockey: Oisin Murphy
- 2. Dubai Future – SP: 28/1, Trainer: Saeed bin Suroor, Jockey: James McDonald
- 3. Sweet William – SP: 7/1, Trainer: John & Thady Gosden, Jockey: Robert Havlin
- 4. Trawlerman – SP: 85/40F, Trainer: John & Thady Gosden, Jockey: William Buick
- 5. Wonder Legend – SP: 50/1, Trainer: James Ferguson, Jockey: Daniel Muscutt
- 6. Yashin – SP: 50/1, Trainer: Michael Bell, Jockey: Callum Shepherd
- 7. Candelari – SP: 5/2, Trainer: Francis-Henri Graffard, Jockey: Mickael Barzalona
- 8. Illinois – SP: 9/4, Trainer: Aidan O’Brien, Jockey: Ryan Moore
Non-Runners
All ran.