Taking up its traditional spot as the centrepiece on the opening day of the Qatar Goodwood Festival, the 2024 edition of the Goodwood Cup attracted a small but select field of stayers. The home team outnumbered the Irish raiders by five to one, but the betting suggested that one was all the Irish would need.
Starting with the British-based runners, John & Thady Gosden sent out a strong two-pronged attack in the shape of Sweet William and Gregory. Having finished a solid third in the Ascot Gold Cup last time, course winner Sweet William boasted the strongest claims on 2024 form, but Gregory was hard to rule out on his impressive Group winning form from 2023.
Elsewhere among the home team, 2021 champ Trueshan attempted to turn back the clock at eight years of age. Coltrane also returned for another crack, having finished fourth in 2022 and third in 2023, whilst Al Kazeem arrived in decent form, but would need a big career best to prevail.
No lack of talent in the above quintet but towering above them all was the Aidan O’Brien-trained Kyprios. Untouchable in the staying division in 2022, he had taken a while to return to those stratospheric levels but was at his brilliant, gutsy best when landing his second Ascot Gold Cup last time. Successful in this race during that 2022 campaign, he started as the red-hot favourite to reclaim his crown.
Result
- 1st – Kyprios 8/13F, Jockey: Ryan Moore, Trainer: Aidan O’Brien
- 2nd – Sweet William 11/2, Jockey: Robert Havlin, Trainer: John & Thady Gosden
- 3rd – Gregory 14/1, Jockey: James Doyle, Trainer: John & Thady Gosden
Prize Money Breakdown
- 1st – £283,550
- 2nd – £107,500
- 3rd – £53,800
- 4th – £26,800
- 5th – £13,450
- 6th – £6,750
Tote and Forecast Payouts
- Tote Win – £1.62
- Tote Places – 1st – £1.05, 2nd – £1.20, 3rd – £1.95
- Exacta – £3.40
- Computer Straight Forecast (CSF) – £4.06
- Trifecta – £14.60
Recap
Assessing the field in advance, Al Qareem appeared the most likely to make the running. However, changing tack from his recent subpar displays, Gregory was bustled into an early lead by James Doyle. Kyprios immediately tracked in behind him, with Al Qareem trapped in a pocket on the inside. Sweet William and Coltrane were content to let the others do the donkey work.
Turning into the back straight, Al Qareem obtained a clear passage and wasted little time drawing level with Gregory before quickening the pace to lead the field. Gregory travelled well enough in second, with Kyrpios restrained in third by Ryan Moore. Little change in the order, with only around five lengths separating first and last.
Taking the turn for home, Al Qareem kicked on and opened up a two-length lead, briefly catching those in behind on their heels – including Kyprios, who was urged for more for the first time in the race. Straightening up, Al Qareem held onto the clear lead. Gregory and Coltrane travelled smoothly, Kyprios stayed on ominously, and Sweet William was under a strong drive from Robert Havlin but began to respond.
Al Qareem’s trailblazing effort finally petered out at the 3f pole, with Gregory, Kyprios, and Sweet William all passing him on the outside. Of that trio, Kyprios was almost back on the bridle and travelling much the best. Once asked the question by Moore, the son of Galileo stamped his class all over the field – opening up a three-length lead in a matter of strides. Sweet William got the better of Gregory in the battle for second, but nothing could get near the four-length winner.
A second Goodwood Cup for Kyprios, fourth for Aidan O’Brien, and third for Ryan Moore.
Runners
- 1. Al Qareem – SP: 16/1, Trainer: Karl Burke, Jockey: Clifford Lee
- 2. Coltrane – SP: 12/1, Trainer: Andrew Balding, Jockey: Oisin Murphy
- 3. Gregory – SP: 14/1, Trainer: John & Thady Gosden, Jockey: James Doyle
- 4. Kyprios – SP: 8/13F, Trainer: Aidan O’Brien, Jockey: Ryan Moore
- 5. Sweet William – SP: 11/2, Trainer: John & Thady Gosden, Jockey: Robert Havlin
- 6. Tashkan – Non-runner
- 7. Trueshan – SP: 15/2, Trainer: Alan King, Jockey: Hollie Doyle
Non-Runners
Tashkan (unsuitable ground)