The build-up to the 2025 Sussex Stakes revolved around one horse. Notably unlucky when second in the 2000 Guineas, Field Of Gold emphatically put that right in the Irish version of the race before blowing the opposition away in a St. James’s Palace Stakes rout. Following in the hoofprints of his sire Kingman, who claimed the Irish 2000 Guineas and St. James’s Palace Stakes en route to Sussex Stakes success in 2014, he looked hard to beat on paper.
French 2000 Guineas champ Henri Matisse led the Ballydoyle charge. While failing to lay a glove on Field Of Gold at Ascot, he didn’t enjoy the clearest of runs that day. Proven in top company, and with the excellent Ryan Moore in the saddle, he appeared to have solid prospects of at least finishing closer. The Aidan O’Brien second string Serengeti rounded out the three-year-old challenge but had a mountain to climb on ratings and looked booked for pace-making duties.
Richard Hannon’s 2024 Irish 2000 Guineas and St. James’s Palace Stakes champ Rosallion led the charge for the older horses but had finished a narrow second to the re-opposing Docklands in the Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot. Three-time US Grade 1 winner Carl Spackler added an international element to the field but finished only sixth in that Queen Anne Contest. Finally, Qirat was a two-time course winner but had yet to score over 1m or outside of handicapping company. Sporting the same Juddmonte silks as Field Of Gold, he was surely only in the field to make the running for the favourite – or was he?
Result
- 1st – Qirat 150/1, Jockey: Richard Kingscote, Trainer: Ralph Beckett
- 2nd – Rosallion 11/2, Jockey: Sean Levey, Trainer: Richard Hannon
- 3rd – Henri Matisse 11/2, Jockey: Ryan Moore, Trainer: Aidan O’Brien
Prize Money Breakdown
- 1st – £599,708.25
- 2nd – £227,362.50
- 3rd – £113,787
- 4th – £56,682
- 5th – £28,446.75
- 6th – £14,276.25
Tote and Forecast Payouts
- Tote Win – £151
- Tote Places – 1st – £7.50, 2nd – £1.01, 3rd – £1.40
- Exacta – £464.70
- Computer Straight Forecast (CSF) – £793.38
- Trifecta – £1,517
Recap
The two designated pacemakers enjoyed mixed fortunes when the stalls opened. Qirat did his bit by immediately grabbing the lead against the rail, but Serengeti missed the break completely and found himself last. Henri Matisse and Rosallion sat second and third, followed by Carl Spackler, Docklands, and Field Of Gold.
Approaching the 6f pole, Serengeti swept round the outside of the field to apply some pressure to Qirat at the head of affairs. With the two rank outsiders out in front, the other riders seemed happy to wait, with Henri Matisse leading the group around three lengths off the leaders.
Turning into the straight, Serengeti rapidly shot into a four-length advantage. Qirat chose not to go with him, instead maintaining his pace in second. With six lengths now between second and third, the more fancied runners couldn’t afford to wait much longer.
One furlong from home, Serengeti’s tank finally emptied, allowing Qirat to move back into the lead. Still five lengths back, the chasing pack were urged for more. Rosallion was the quickest to respond, while Henri Matisse switched against the far rail and began to make ground.
Field Of Gold, the huge favourite, on the other hand, struggled to pick up and already looked beaten. As for Qirat, he had kicked again and was showing no immediate sign of stopping. With Henri Matisse’s challenge waning, it was left to Rosallion to launch a late thrust for glory. The Hannon runner came close, but not close enough, as Qirat hung on for a neck success. Henri Matisse took third, with Field Of Gold only fourth.
At 150/1, Qirat caused the biggest shock in the 185-year history of the Sussex Stakes. A first win in the race for both trainer Ralph Beckett and jockey Richard Kingscote.
Runners
- 1. Carl Spackler – SP: 28/1, Trainer: Ciaron Maher, Jockey: Shane Foley
- 2. Docklands – SP: 33/1, Trainer: Harry Eustace, Jockey: Tom Marquand
- 3. Qirat – SP: 150/1, Trainer: Ralph Beckett, Jockey: Richard Kingscote
- 4. Rosallion – SP: 11/2, Trainer: Richard Hannon, Jockey: Sean Levey
- 5. Field Of Gold – SP: 1/3F, Trainer: John & Thady Gosden, Jockey: William Buick
- 6. Henri Matisse – SP: 11/2, Trainer: Aidan O’Brien, Jockey: Ryan Moore
- 7. Serengeti – SP: 300/1, Trainer: Aidan O’Brien, Jockey: Wayne Lordan
Non-Runners
All Ran