Our ambassador is giving us 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 on the first day pits the talented SCANDINAVIA against the seasoned Trawlerman in the Al Shaqab Goodwood Cup (3.35). This rematch is one of the most intriguing contests on a program that promises a week of high‑quality racing across the rolling Sussex Downs. Scandinavia, who was trained by Aidan O'Brien, secured a hard‑won victory in a prolonged duel with Godolphin’s experienced veteran in the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot.
That triumph confirmed his superiority at the highest level, and the Goodwood Cup now looks set to become a two‑horse showdown, with Scandinavia aiming to replicate the feat achieved by O'Brien’s own Kyprios. Four years younger than Kyprios and arguably in even better form this season, Scandinavia has the chance to become a double Goodwood Cup winner, matching the achievement of the Ballydoyle star and delivering Aidan O'Brien his fourth Goodwood Cup triumph in five years.
Such a repeat would cement Scandinavia’s reputation as a true marathon specialist and underline O'Brien’s dominance in long‑distance Group 1 races. Roger Varian’s Yorkshire Cup winner Rahiebb also looks attractive, but the horse faces a steep challenge. Rahiebb struggled to stay the marathon distance in the Gold Cup and, although he is being dropped back half a mile for this outing, I doubt he can pose a serious threat to the market leaders.
His form suggests he is more suited to middle distances, and the step up in stamina required for the Goodwood Cup may expose his limitations. For those following the broader racing narrative, Sky Sports Racing continues to provide the latest news, interviews and feature stories across the sport. Their coverage remains a valuable resource for fans wanting in‑depth analysis and insider perspectives. Turning to the HKJC World Pool Lennox Stakes (3.00) at Goodwood, QIRAT looks likely to take the early lead.
If he can dictate the pace, I do not see any of his rivals having the ability to pull him back. QIRAT’s front‑running style has served him well in previous Group races, and a clear run at Goodwood could see him dominate the contest. Ralph Beckett’s five‑year‑old, who produced a stunning upset in last year’s Sussex Stakes, impressed me again when he ran a front‑running race in the Group 3 Criterion Stakes at York, this time wearing a tongue‑tie for the first time. The equipment change appeared to sharpen his focus, and the horse showed a renewed willingness to battle from the front.
In other news, Hollie Doyle highlighted 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. The Shergar Cup always delivers an international flavor, with top jockeys and horses from around the world competing for team glory. Jamie Lynch’s five‑horse contingent will be one to watch at Ascot as the international stars clash in the Shergar Cup.
Their performances could influence future selections for high‑profile races later in the season. Kevin Doyle, a former Premier League striker, is now chasing success at the Cheltenham Festival with his horses Augusta Kate and La Bague Au Roi, illustrating the cross‑disciplinary appeal of racing for athletes from other sports. At Ascot, Kalpana secured a hard‑won victory over Calandagan in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes, a race that often serves as a benchmark for middle‑distance excellence. Legendary jockey Ryan Moore was awarded an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours, recognizing his contributions to the sport over a remarkable career.
In the Derby, Benvenuto Cellini heads a four‑horse Aidan O’Brien team targeting the Epsom Classic, underscoring O’Brien’s continued ambition to dominate the season’s marquee events. Scandinavia could still improve, especially in a race where the pace may not be blistering.
I would give him a slight edge over Andrew Balding’s Marvelman, who has shown promise but lacks the same level of proven stamina. Scandinavia’s recent performance in the Chipchase Stakes at Newcastle, where he produced a smashing run after a long layoff, suggests he will be sharper this time around.
He is already a Group 2 winner, and a step up to Group 1 competition would be a logical progression. Meanwhile, Witness Stand, who won this race for me last year, appears stronger than his showing at Chester and could mount another bold bid.
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 am keen to see if he can replicate his earlier form. Charlie Johnston’s Amo Racing colt, who broke through strongly in the Superlative Stakes after encountering a flat spot, may finally break his maiden over the seven‑furlong distance on his fourth attempt. Never miss a story: the latest racing news, interviews and features are available on your phone via the Sky Sports Racing app, ensuring you stay up‑to‑date wherever you are.
Al Hudaiba appears to be the likely favourite in his upcoming race. He demonstrated his talent when he beat Pikachu in a Group 2 contest, though his form is somewhat complex. Trainer Charlie Appleby is considering blinkers to help him concentrate, a tactical change that could sharpen his performance.
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 the Ballydoyle brand for a reason and could surprise the field.
LIBERTY LANE, a Listed winner at Goodwood, has dropped to a very attractive mark, making him a genuine threat 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, but he is well drawn in stall four under trainer Clifford Lee. He hinted at a return to form at Sandown when he wore cheekpieces for the first time, and those will remain in place for this assignment. My husband Tom’s Marquand‑trained mount Yabher is also capable of a bold performance after a strong run over this course and distance in May.
Though he was disappointing at York last time, he has something to prove in this competitive handicap. The Coral Rewards Shaker Handicap (4.10) at Goodwood promises to be fast and furious, and the rapid Lexington Blitz, who delivered a huge effort in the Epsom Dash last month, could be the horse to beat.
Robert Cowell’s four‑year‑old, a proven course and distance winner, looks well‑placed to win even with a slightly higher mark, but don’t underestimate Richard Spencer’s pair Run Boy Run and Twilight Calls. Spencer has a knack for winning big sprint handicaps, and he has enlisted the services of Ryan Moore’s son Toby, who claims a valuable 7‑lb allowance on Run Boy Run. Toby is drawn in stall 17, a favorable position for a sprint.
Meanwhile, Newmarket winner Twilight Calls carries a respectable mark of 90 and will be partnered by the in‑form Saffie Osborne. I will return with my thoughts on Wednesday’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’s insights, shared with Sky Sports Racing’s Simon Mapletoft, will continue to guide our analysis throughout the festival.