Our ambassador is setting the stage for all five days of the Goodwood Festival, starting with a thrilling opening day on Tuesday that features the prestigious Goodwood Cup. The headline clash that has captured my imagination is the anticipated rematch between Scandinavia and Trawlerman in the Al Shaqab Goodwood Cup (3.35) on the first day of the Qatar Goodwood Festival. This duel promises to be one of the highlights of a week that will showcase the rolling hills of the Sussex Downs in all their glory.
Scandinavia, trained by Aidan O'Brien, entered the season as the reigning champion after edging out a tenacious Godolphin veteran in a hard‑fought Gold Cup at Royal Ascot. That victory confirmed his superiority over the older generation, and the Goodwood Cup now looks set to become another two‑horse showdown, with Scandinavia again pitted against a seasoned opponent.
At four years younger than his rival and arguably in even better form this year, Scandinavia has the chance to emulate O'Brien’s own Kyprios, who captured the Goodwood Cup twice. A second win would give the Ballydoyle star his fourth Goodwood Cup triumph in five seasons, cementing his reputation as a true staying specialist. Roger Varian’s Yorkshire Cup winner Rahiebb also looks attractive, but the horse faces a steep uphill battle.
Rahiebb struggled to stay the marathon distance in the Gold Cup and, despite dropping back half a mile for today’s contest, I find it hard to see him posing a serious threat to the market leaders. For the latest horse‑racing news, interviews and in‑depth features, tune in to Sky Sports Racing. If Qirat takes the early lead in the HKJC World Pool Lennox Stakes (3.00) at Goodwood, I doubt any of his rivals will be able to reel him back.
The five‑year‑old, trained by Ralph Beckett, shocked everyone with a stunning upset in last year’s Sussex Stakes and then showed a turn of foot from the front in the Group 3 Criterion Stakes at York when he first wore a tongue‑tie. Hollie Doyle also hinted that Thunder Call could make an impact in the Shergar Cup at Ascot, which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Racing on Saturday. The Shergar Cup itself will feature five horses from Jamie Lynch’s stable, all vying for glory as international stars clash on the Ascot turf. Kevin Doyle, a former Premier League striker turned trainer, is chasing his own piece of Cheltenham Festival history with the likes of Augusta Kate and La Bague Au Roi.
At Ascot, Kalpana edged out Calandagan in a gripping King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes duel, while legendary jockey Ryan Moore was honoured with an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours list. In the Derby, Benvenuto Cellini heads a four‑strong Aidan O'Brien contingent aiming for the Epsom Classic. Scandinavia could still improve, especially in a race that may not demand a massive winning margin this year, and I would rank 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 now. Already a Group 2 winner, he needs to take the next step and looks a serious threat, while Witness Stand—who won this race for me last year—has shown better form than his Chester outing and could mount another bold bid. I have also earmarked Pikachu as a horse to watch after his impressive run at Newmarket, and I will not overlook him when he returns in the Coral Vintage Stakes (2.25) at Goodwood. Charlie Johnston’s Amo Racing colt broke strongly in the Superlative Stakes after hitting a flat spot and could 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—find out more on the Sky Sports Racing app. Al Hudaiba appears to be the likely favourite; he demonstrated his talent when he beat Pikachu in a Group 2 contest, but his connections have added blinkers in an attempt to sharpen his focus, making his preparation an interesting subplot. 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 be a solid place‑getter. Listed winner Liberty Lane, who triumphed at Goodwood last season, has been dropped to a tempting weight and becomes a genuine danger in the opening Coral Chesterfield Cup Handicap (1.50) at Goodwood. Karl Burke’s 2024 Cambridgeshire winner has not contested at this mark in nearly two years. Drawn in stall four under Clifford Lee, the horse hinted at a return to form at Sandown when first fitted with cheekpieces, which remain in place for today’s assignment.
My husband Tom’s Marquand‑trained mount Yabher also possesses the ability to make a bold statement after a strong showing over the course and distance in May, despite a disappointing run at York last time. He will be eager to prove his worth in this competitive handicap. The Coral Rewards Shaker Handicap (4.10) at Goodwood promises to be fast and furious, and a strong contender is Lexington Blitz, who produced a huge performance in the Epsom Dash last month.
Robert Cowell’s four‑year‑old, a proven course and distance winner, looks well‑placed to win despite carrying just a one‑pound higher mark. However, Richard Spencer’s pair Run Boy Run and Twilight Calls should not be underestimated.
Spencer has a knack for winning big sprint handicaps and has enlisted the services of Ryan Moore’s son Toby, who claims a valuable 7‑lb allowance on Run Boy Run. The horse is drawn in stall 17, an advantageous position for a sprint, while Newmarket winner Twilight Calls carries a respectable 90‑lb mark with the in‑form Saffie Osborne in the saddle. 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 was speaking to Sky Sports Racing’s Simon Mapletoft, sharing her insights and excitement for the festival ahead.