The Ascot Gold Cup is the highlight of the stayers’ division in Flat racing, and this year’s contest has attracted a strong field once again, which includes a former winner, a Classic winner and a Triumph Hurdle winner.
Here is a look at the leading contenders for the feature race at the royal meeting.
Kyprios (Aidan O-Brien)
The dazzling Kyprios was foaled #onthisday in 2018; a superstar stayer and serial winner under the masterful Aidan O’Brien. Who could forget the thoroughbred’s Gold Cup glory at #RoyalAscot in 2022? A magnificent ride. pic.twitter.com/axGmtHX2CZ
— Ascot Racecourse (@Ascot) May 18, 2024
In what was a dominant season for the Irish horse, Kyprios won all six of his races in 2022, including the Ascot Gold Cup. Unfortunately for his connections, he was unable to defend his crown in the race in 2023 due to injury.
Aidan O’Brien’s runner is now fully fit again, and he is the odds-on favourite at 10/11 in the Ascot 2024 odds for the day three contest. He heads to the Berkshire racecourse on the back of consecutive triumphs at Navan and Leopardstown, respectively.
O’Brien has also entered his leading stayer in the Hardwick Stakes where he is 40/1 in the Paddy Power horse racing odds. That is a backup option should the ground become too heavy on Gold Cup Day at Ascot.
Gregory (John and Thady Gosden)
As a son of former Derby winner Golden Horn, Gregory is bred to be a champion in Flat racing. He made an impressive start to his career, winning his opening three races on the track, including the Queen’s Vase at the 2023 Royal Ascot.
John and Thady Gosden’s colt was beaten on his fourth racecourse appearance in the Group Two Great Voltigeur Stakes at York. He had to settle for third place in the race won by subsequent British Classic winner Continuous.
The four-year-old finished fifth of nine runners in the St Leger on his final outing in 2023. That race came on soft ground at Doncaster. The Gosden team revealed after the race that their horse did not enjoy the conditions at the Yorkshire racecourse.
Gregory made his seasonal reappearance in 2024 in the Yorkshire Cup at York. Although he could only finish third in that race, his connections will have been pleased with the way their horse rallied late on in that contest. He is likely to improve for the run, while the extra distance in the Ascot Gold Cup will be in his favour.
Vauban (Willie Mullins)
What a stunning performance from Vauban!
Willie Mullins’ star is awesome in the Copper Horse Handicap for Ryan Moore in the Ricci Silks at #RoyalAscot pic.twitter.com/4ZVadbVAEP
— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) June 20, 2023
Former Triumph Hurdle winner Vauban has had a lot of success in National Hunt racing, and he is now bidding to have major glory on the Flat. The Irish horse won a handicap race at Royal Ascot in 2023, while he also prevailed in the Group Three Ballyroan Stakes last season.
Willie Mullins’ runner travelled down to Australia with strong claims in the Melbourne Cup last November. However, the weight he was carrying in that handicap contest proved too much in Victoria, as reported in the Guardian race report.
The six-year-old should be fresh for his shot at the feature race of the week at Royal Ascot. If victorious, he will give his trainer a maiden victory in the Grade One contest.
The 2024 Ascot Gold Cup takes place on Thursday, 20th of June at 16:25. The final field will be confirmed at the declaration stage on Tuesday, 18th of June.