Our ambassador is offering a day‑by‑day preview of the five‑day Goodwood Festival, starting with an electrifying opening day on Tuesday that features the prestigious Goodwood Cup. The headline clash that has captured my imagination is the eagerly awaited rematch between Scandinavia and Trawlerman in the Al Shaqab Goodwood Cup (3.35) on the first day of the Qatar Goodwood Festival. This contest promises to be a centerpiece of what looks set to be an unforgettable week on the rolling hills of the Sussex Downs.
Scandinavia, the current champion trained by Aidan O'Brien, previously edged out a hard‑fought battle with Godolphin’s seasoned veteran in the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot. That victory confirmed his superiority in a Group 1 showdown that, once again, appears poised to become a two‑horse duel. Four years younger than his rival and arguably in even better form this season, Scandinavia has the chance to follow in the footsteps of O’Brien’s own Kyprios by securing a second Goodwood Cup win, which would give the Ballydoyle maestro his fourth triumph in the race over the past five years. Roger Varian’s Yorkshire Cup winner Rahiebb also looks attractive, but he faces a steep challenge.
Although Rahiebb showed plenty of stamina in the Gold Cup, he struggled to stay the marathon distance. Dropping back a half‑mile may suit him better, yet I find it hard to see him dislodging the market favourites on the day. For the latest horse‑racing news, interviews and feature stories, keep an eye on Sky Sports Racing.
If Qirat breaks well and leads the HKJC World Pool Lennox Stakes (3.00) at Goodwood, I doubt any of his rivals will be able to pull him back. Ralph Beckett’s five‑year‑old, who produced a stunning upset in last year’s Sussex Stakes, impressed me again when he took the lead in the Group 3 Criterion Stakes at York, even wearing a tongue‑tie for the first time.
Hollie Doyle also hinted that Thunder Call could play a role in the Shergar Cup at Ascot, which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Racing on Saturday. In related news, Jamie Lynch will have five horses to watch at Ascot as international stars clash in the Shergar Cup. Kevin Doyle, a former Premier League striker, is now chasing Cheltenham Festival glory with Augusta Kate and La Bague Au Roi, while at Ascot Kalpana edged out Calandagan in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes. Legendary jockey Ryan Moore was recently awarded an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours, and Aidan O’Brien’s four‑strong team, led by Benvenuto Cellini, will contest the Epsom Derby Classic.
Scandinavia could still improve further in a race that may not demand a massive effort this year, and I would place him ahead of Andrew Balding’s Marvelman. Scandinavia delivered a smashing performance in the Chipchase Stakes at Newcastle last month after returning from a lengthy break, and he should be sharper this time. Already a Group 2 winner, he needs to take the next step and poses a serious threat, while Witness Stand, who won this race for me last year, has shown better form than at Chester and could launch another bold bid. I also nominated Pikachu as a horse to watch after his impressive run at Newmarket, and I will not overlook him when he re‑appears in the Coral Vintage Stakes (2.25) at Goodwood.
Charlie Johnston’s Amo Racing colt produced a strong finish in the Superlative Stakes after hitting a flat spot and may finally break his maiden on this seven‑furlong trip. Never miss a story – the latest racing news, interviews and features are available on your phone.
Find out more. The likely favourite Al Hudaiba demonstrated high class when beating Pikachu in a Group 2 contest, though his form is a little complex.
It is interesting that Charlie Appleby has opted for blinkers to help him focus. 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.
Though the competition will be tougher, Haffner represents Team Ballydoyle for a good reason. LIBERTY LANE, a Listed winner at Goodwood, has been dropped to a tempting handicap mark, making him a danger to all contenders in the opening Coral Chesterfield Cup Handicap (1.50) at Goodwood. Karl Burke’s 2024 Cambridgeshire winner has not raced off this mark in nearly two years and is well drawn in stall four under Clifford Lee. He hinted at a return to form at Sandown last time when first‑time cheekpieces were used, and those pieces will stay on for this assignment.
My husband Tom’s Marquand‑trained mount Yabher also possesses the ability to make a bold statement after a strong performance over this course and distance in May, although he was disappointing at York last time and will be eager to prove himself in a competitive handicap. The Coral Rewards Shaker Handicap (4.10) at Goodwood promises to be fast and furious, and the rapid Lexington Blitz, who produced a huge effort in the Epsom Dash last month, could be the one to take it.
Robert Cowell’s four‑year‑old, a proven course and distance winner, looks well‑placed to win off a mark just one pound higher, but don’t underestimate Richard Spencer’s pair Run Boy Run and Twilight Calls. Spencer has a knack for winning big sprint handicaps and has enlisted the services of Ryan Moore’s son Toby, who claims a valuable seven‑pound allowance on Run Boy Run. Toby is well drawn in stall 17 for a race of this type, while Newmarket winner Twilight Calls remains well‑handicapped at a mark of 90 with the in‑form Saffie Osborne in the saddle.
I will return with my thoughts on Wednesday’s action at Goodwood, which will feature the Group 1 Visit Qatar Sussex Stakes and the exciting juvenile sprint, the Group 3 Molecomb Stakes. Hollie Doyle was speaking to Sky Sports Racing’s Simon Mapletoft, providing further insight into the day’s events. Overall, the Goodwood opening day offers a blend of seasoned champions and rising stars, each with a story to tell.
Whether Scandinavia can emulate Kyprios by securing a second Goodwood Cup, or whether a dark horse like Pikachu or Lexington Blitz can surprise the market, the race‑goers can expect a day filled with tactical battles, thrilling finishes and plenty of talking points for the rest of the festival. The combination of proven Group‑level talent and promising newcomers ensures that the Goodwood Cup will be a highlight of the Qatar Goodwood Festival, setting the tone for an exhilarating week of top‑class racing across the Sussex Downs.