Our ambassador is taking us through all five days of the Goodwood Festival, starting with an electrifying opening day on Tuesday that features the prestigious Goodwood Cup. One of the most anticipated showdowns of the weekend is the rematch between Scandinavia and Trawlerman in the Al Shaqab Goodwood Cup (3.35) on the first day of the Qatar Goodwood Festival. This duel has been on my radar for weeks, and I expect it to be a highlight of what should be an unforgettable week on the rolling Sussex Downs. Scandinavia, the current champion trained by Aidan O'Brien, edged out a hard‑fought battle with the seasoned Godolphin veteran in the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot.
That win proved his superiority in a Group 1 contest, and the same dominance looks likely to continue at Goodwood, where the race is shaping up to be a two‑horse affair. Four years younger than the horse that gave Aidan O'Brien his first Goodwood Cup triumph, Scandinavia appears even stronger this season. If he can repeat the feat of O'Brien’s own Kyprios and capture the cup for a second time, he will hand the Ballydoyle master his fourth Goodwood Cup victory in five years – a remarkable record that underscores O'Brien’s dominance in long‑distance events. Roger Varian’s Yorkshire Cup winner Rahiebb also looks tempting, but he faces a steep uphill climb.
Rahiebb struggled to stay the marathon distance in the Gold Cup, and although he is being dropped back by half a mile, I doubt he can challenge the market leaders at this level. For the latest horse‑racing news, interviews and in‑depth features, keep tuning into Sky Sports Racing.
If Qirat takes the lead in the HKJC World Pool Lennox Stakes (3.00) at Goodwood, I don’t see any of his rivals having the stamina to pull him back. Ralph Beckett’s five‑year‑old, who shocked everyone with a massive upset in last year’s Sussex Stakes, impressed me again when he led from the front in the Group 3 Criterion Stakes at York, this time 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 this Saturday. The Shergar Cup will see Jamie Lynch field five horses at Ascot as international stars clash for glory.
Kevin Doyle, a former Premier League striker, is now chasing Cheltenham Festival success with Augusta Kate and La Bague Au Roi. At Ascot, Kalpana overcame Calandagan in a thrilling King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes battle. Legendary jockey Ryan Moore has been awarded an MBE in this year’s King’s Birthday Honours. In the Derby, Benvenuto Cellini leads a four‑strong Aidan O'Brien contingent for the Epsom Classic.
Scandinavia could still improve, and I would give him the edge over Andrew Balding’s Marvelman in a race that may not produce many winners this year but offers a solid chance for a decisive performance. Scandinavia delivered a smashing run in the Chipchase Stakes at Newcastle last month after returning from a long break, and he should be sharper now. Already a Group 2 winner, he needs to step up, and he poses a serious threat, while last year’s winner Witness Stand, who performed well at Chester, could also make a bold bid. I have also earmarked Pikachu as a horse to watch after his impressive Newmarket run, so I will not overlook him when he reappears in the Coral Vintage Stakes (2.25) at Goodwood.
Charlie Johnston’s Amo Racing colt finished strongly in the Superlative Stakes after encountering a flat spot and could break his maiden on his fourth attempt over the seven‑furlong distance. Never miss a story – get the latest racing news, interviews and features straight to your phone.
Al Hudaiba looks like a strong favourite after beating Pikachu in a Group 2, but his connections have added blinkers to help him focus, a move that adds an interesting tactical element. A more reliable pick 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 is tougher, he represents the Ballydoyle stable for a reason. Listed winner Liberty Lane, who claimed a victory at Goodwood, has dropped to an attractive mark and could be a danger to all 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 draws a favourable stall four under Clifford Lee. He hinted at a return to form at Sandown when first‑time cheekpieces were used, and those cheekpieces will be retained for this assignment.
My husband Tom’s Marquand‑trained mount Yabher also has the potential for a bold performance after a strong showing over the course and distance in May, despite a disappointing run at York last time. He will be looking to prove himself 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 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, appears well‑placed to win despite carrying a pound higher than his usual mark. However, 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 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 for a race of this nature, while 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 was speaking to Sky Sports Racing’s Simon Mapletoft, sharing her insights and excitement for the festival ahead.