Sky Sports Racing ambassador Hollie Doyle offers a preview of the highlights slated for Day Four of the Goodwood Festival, with the Group Two King George Qatar Stakes set as the centerpiece of the day's programme. The five-furlong downhill sprint is tailor-made for Karl Burke’s rapid-fire Night Raider, who is looking to rebound after a disappointing run at Royal Ascot in Friday’s feature. The King George Qatar Stakes, scheduled for 3:35 p.m., offers the perfect arena for the Temple Stakes winner to showcase his speed.
Although Ascot proved a stiff test, Night Raider should be able to unleash his class from a respectable draw in stall 13, even though he will be carrying a three‑pound penalty for the Group Two effort at Haydock. Another intriguing contender is Aspect Island, who recently finished a close second in a Listed race at York. The colt appears to be on the cusp of Group‑level success and could deliver another strong performance for trainer James Owen and jockey Billy Loughnane.
Having placed third in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint last autumn, Aspect Island thrives on pure speed and should relish the short, sharp test at Goodwood. In the Group Three HKJC World Pool Thoroughbred Stakes (2¼ miles) on Friday, Talk of New York could provide a headline‑grabbing ride for William Buick. The horse, a son of Wootton Bassett, caught my eye in the Heron Stakes at Sandown and later produced a big figure in the St James’s Palace Stakes at the Royal Meeting, despite a tendency to refuse to settle. He finished less than two lengths behind the spectacular Sussex Stakes winner Bow Echo on Wednesday, indicating that he can handle top‑class company over middle distances.
Saber Strike, carrying a nine‑pound penalty, remains a well‑regarded contender in Charlie Appleby’s stable. William Haggas and his team have always spoken highly of the colt, and his third‑place finish in the Group Three Criterion at York suggests he is in good form.
The addition of blinkers for the first time and the uniquely undulating Goodwood track should keep him engaged and may produce a strong finish. Hollie Doyle also hints that Thunder Call could feature prominently in the Shergar Cup at Ascot, which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Racing on Saturday. Additional storylines to watch include Jamie Lynch’s five entries for the Shergar Cup, former Premier League striker Kevin Doyle’s pursuit of Cheltenham Festival glory with Augusta Kate and La Bague Au Roi, and Kalpana’s victory over Calandagan in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot. Legendary jockey Ryan Moore has been awarded an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours, while Benvenuto Cellini leads a four‑horse Aidan O’Brien contingent for the Epsom Derby.
For fans who want instant updates, the Sky Sports Racing app delivers the latest racing news, interviews and feature stories straight to your mobile device. The Coral Golden Mile (3 p.m.) on Friday promises a spectacular showdown with a field of twenty runners thundering down the hill, including David Menuisier’s Tribal Chief. All signs point to a strong performance from the five‑year‑old, piloted by veteran jockey Jamie Spencer, who excels with hold‑up horses.
Spencer first noticed Tribal Chief in a defeat in a major handicap at Ascot and Sandown, and the horse now seems ready to enjoy a day in the sun on a track where he has already tasted victory. I am also hopeful that my husband Tom’s mount Scoville can build on an encouraging run in the Royal Hunt Cup – his first start after a wind operation. Although he was a potential shot at Ascot, a different riding strategy may be required given his wide draw this time. Turning to the marathon Coral Goodwood Handicap (1½ miles) on Friday, I am a big fan of Alan King’s stayer Believitanducan, who could extend his winning streak to four this year.
The improving five‑year‑old handled a five‑pound increase in weight for his win in the Northumberland Vase at Newcastle last month with apparent ease. His stamina should see him through the extra half‑mile, making him an attractive ride for William Buick.
Valiancy, who ran a strong second in the Copper Horse at Royal Ascot behind Alan King’s Daiquiri Bay, showed significant progression and should not be dismissed. He is a solid favourite but will have to concede ten pounds to Believitanducan. At longer distances, keep an eye on Irish raider Alphonse Le Grande, who was a close runner‑up in my selection at Gosforth Park and will contest the race from the same mark he won in the controversial Cesarewitch two years ago.
I secured the Vase on him at Newcastle in 2024 and know he can be a tough, relentless stayer when conditions suit. In the six‑furlong Hawes and Curtis Nursery Handicap (4:45 p.m.) on Friday, Jaijai appears well‑drawn and reasonably weighted. Richard Hannon’s course winner may have found five‑furlongs at Windsor too easy last time, but the added distance could provide a tougher test and a chance to demonstrate his stamina.
Another horse to watch is Innichen, a typically resilient Jack Channon handicapper. He is carrying eight pounds more in a hotter race than the one he won at Nottingham, but Tom (Marquand) knows him well, and I would not be surprised to see him continue his upward trajectory despite a questionable draw.
I will return on Saturday with my thoughts on the final day of what promises to be a memorable Qatar Goodwood Festival, including analysis of the Stewards’ Cup and other key races.