Our ambassador is setting the stage for the entire five‑day Goodwood Festival, starting with a thrilling opening day on Tuesday that features the prestigious Goodwood Cup. One of the most anticipated clashes on the first day of the Qatar Goodwood Festival is the rematch between SCANDINAVIA and Trawlerman in the Al Shaqab Goodwood Cup (3.35). This duel has captured my imagination and I am eager to see how it unfolds against the stunning backdrop of the Sussex Downs.
SCANDINAVIA, the reigning champion trained by Aidan O'Brien, previously edged out a seasoned Godolphin veteran in a hard‑fought Gold Cup at Royal Ascot. That victory cemented his superiority in Group 1 company, and the Goodwood Cup now appears poised to become a two‑horse contest, with SCANDINAVIA once again the favourite.
Four years younger than the horse that won the Cup for O'Brien last year, SCANDINAVIA looks even sharper this season. If he can emulate the achievements of Aidan’s own Kyprios by taking the Goodwood Cup for a second time, he will hand the Ballydoyle master his fourth Goodwood triumph in five years – a remarkable record that underscores O'Brien’s dominance in long‑distance racing. Roger Varian’s Yorkshire Cup winner Rahiebb also looks tempting, but he faces a steep hill to climb. Rahiebb struggled to stay the marathon distance in the Gold Cup and, despite being dropped back half a mile for the Goodwood contest, I doubt he can challenge the market leaders.
His form suggests he may be outclassed, but a surprise is never impossible in a race of this calibre. For the latest horse‑racing news, interviews and in‑depth features, keep an eye on Sky Sports Racing.
Their coverage will provide valuable insights as the festival progresses. Turning to the HKJC World Pool Lennox Stakes (3.00) at Goodwood, if QIRAT breaks well and takes the lead, I see little chance of his rivals being able to pull him back. QIRAT’s front‑running style has served him brilliantly in the past, and a clear run could see him dominate the field. Ralph Beckett’s five‑year‑old, who shocked the racing world with an upset victory in last year’s Sussex Stakes, impressed me again in the Group 3 Criterion Stakes at York when he wore a tongue‑tie for the first time.
The tongue‑tie seemed to sharpen his focus, and I expect him to be a strong contender in any sprint or middle‑distance contest at Goodwood. Hollie Doyle has hinted that Thunder Call could play a significant role in the Shergar Cup at Ascot, which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Racing on Saturday.
Thunder Call’s versatility and recent form make him a horse to watch in the team competition. In related news, Jamie Lynch will field five horses at the Shergar Cup, pitting international stars against each other in a thrilling showdown.
Kevin Doyle, the former Premier League striker turned trainer, is chasing a Cheltenham Festival triumph with his mares Augusta Kate and La Bague Au Roi, adding another layer of intrigue to the weekend’s narrative. At Ascot, Kalpana edged out Calandagan in a hard‑fought King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes, a race that showcased the depth of talent in the middle‑distance division.
Legendary jockey Ryan Moore has been awarded an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours, a fitting tribute to his decades of excellence on the track. The Epsom Derby will see Benvenuto Cellini lead a four‑horse Aidan O’Brien contingent, underlining the Irish trainer’s continued influence on Britain’s classic races. Scandinavia could still improve further in a race that may not demand a huge effort this year, and I would give him the edge over Andrew Balding’s Marvelman, who has shown flashes of ability but lacks the consistency of the Irish colt.
Scandinavia’s recent performance in the Chipchase Stakes at Newcastle was nothing short of spectacular, especially after a long lay‑off. He should return to Goodwood sharper than ever. Although he already boasts a Group 2 win, a step up to the Group 1 level would cement his status as a top‑class stayer. Meanwhile, Witness Stand, who won the Goodwood Cup last year, appears stronger than his run at Chester suggested and could launch another bold bid for the prize.
I have also earmarked PIKACHU as a horse to watch after his impressive run at Newmarket. He will contest the Coral Vintage Stakes (2.25) at Goodwood, and I will not overlook his chances on his return. Charlie Johnston’s Amo Racing colt, who showed great determination in the Superlative Stakes after hitting a flat spot, is likely to break his maiden over the seven‑furlong distance at Goodwood.
A win here would be a fitting reward for his perseverance. Never miss a story – the latest racing news, interviews and features are just a tap away on your phone.
Stay informed and enjoy the action. Al Hudaiba, a highly talented contender who previously beat Pikachu in a Group 2 race, is currently the odds‑on favourite.
Trainer Charlie Appleby has opted for blinkers to help the colt focus, a tactical change that could prove decisive. A more reliable option might be Aidan O’Brien’s Haffner, a promising son of Justify who built on his Curragh debut with a maiden win at Newmarket earlier this month. While the competition is stiff, Haffner represents the Ballydoyle brand for a reason and could surprise the field. LIBERTY LANE, a Listed winner at Goodwood, has dropped to an attractive weight, making him a genuine threat in the opening Coral Chesterfield Cup Handicap (1.50).
His previous success on this course suggests he could be a key player. Karl Burke’s 2024 Cambridgeshire winner has not raced under this mark in almost two years, but he is well drawn in stall four under the guidance of Clifford Lee. He hinted at a return to form at Sandown when he wore cheekpieces for the first time, and those accessories will remain in place for today’s race.
My husband Tom’s Marquand‑trained mount Yabher is also capable of a bold performance after a strong showing over this course and distance in May. Although he was disappointing at York last time, he will be eager to prove himself in this competitive handicap.
The Coral Rewards Shaker Handicap (4.10) at Goodwood promises to be a fast and furious affair, with the speedy LEXINGTON BLITZ – who delivered a massive performance in the Epsom Dash last month – likely to be a leading contender. Robert Cowell’s four‑year‑old, a proven course and distance winner, looks well‑placed to win even with a slightly higher weight.
However, Richard Spencer’s entries Run Boy Run and Twilight Calls should not be underestimated. Spencer has a knack for winning big sprint handicaps, and he has enlisted the services of Toby Moore, son of Ryan Moore, who claims a valuable 7‑lb allowance on Run Boy Run. Run Boy Run is well drawn in stall 17, while Twilight Calls, a Newmarket winner, carries a mark of 90 and will be partnered by the in‑form Saffie Osborne. I will return on Wednesday with my analysis of the next day’s action at Goodwood, which includes the Group 1 Visit Qatar Sussex Stakes and the exciting juvenile sprint, the Group 3 Molecomb Stakes.
Hollie Doyle was recently interviewed by Sky Sports Racing’s Simon Mapletoft, offering further insight into her predictions and the stories that will shape the festival.