Glorious Goodwood gets underway with blockbuster Goodwood Cup showdown

One of the highlights of the British flat racing season begins today as Glorious Goodwood returns for five days of top-class action on the Sussex Downs.

The opening day is headlined by the £500,000 Goodwood Cup, where Scandinavia and Trawlerman renew their rivalry after serving up a thrilling finish in last month’s Ascot Gold Cup.

Scandinavia, trained by Aidan O’Brien and ridden by Ryan Moore, edged out Trawlerman by a head at Royal Ascot and now returns to Goodwood looking to defend the title he won 12 months ago. Victory would make him the first horse since Stradivarius in 2018 to successfully retain the Goodwood Cup.

Moore believes his mount still has room for improvement despite already proving himself at the highest level.

“Scandinavia didn’t look to have much to spare over Trawlerman at Ascot, but he’s a four-year-old who’s still open to further progress. He also won this race last year, so we know the course and distance holds no fears.

“Trawlerman’s first run of the year was in the Gold Cup, so there is a school of thought that he could improve for that race. He’s a very consistent, high-class horse and I’m sure we’ll have another good battle.”

While the market is dominated by the two Gold Cup protagonists, Roger Varian’s Rahiebb heads the chasing pack after dropping back in distance following his Royal Ascot disappointment.

Moore believes the leading pair have established themselves as the ones to beat but highlighted another contender who could still have more to offer.

“Those two look to have a bit of a gap on the field, though maybe Lazy Griff is the interesting one being slightly unexposed. French Master ran well enough in the Queen Alexandra behind Illinois, but still has plenty to find, while Rahiebb will need to be suited by the step back to be a danger.”

Away from the feature race, Moore also has high hopes for Haffner in the Group Two Vintage Stakes. The son of Justify impressed when winning at Newmarket earlier this month after finishing runner-up on his previous start at the Curragh.

The step up in class presents a tougher challenge, but Moore believes the conditions should suit his young mount.

“He’s over the same trip here as Newmarket, and I think Goodwood will suit.

“This is a fair step up in grade, but the Godolphin horse, Al Hudaiba, has to carry a penalty for winning the Superlative Stakes, where he beat Abraham Lincoln, so that makes things a bit harder for him this time.

“Pikachu was just behind him in third in that same race, so looks to have a chance again, while Undiscovered and Doctor’s Rascal come here unbeaten after nice wins in novice company. Ruler’s Control was last seen finishing fourth in the Windsor Castle, so isn’t out of this either.”

Moore’s final ride on the opening card comes aboard Richard Hughes-trained Severn Councils in the six-furlong maiden.

With championship races, elite horses and one of the most picturesque settings in racing, Glorious Goodwood promises another memorable week. The opening day’s Goodwood Cup looks set to deliver an early highlight as Scandinavia and Trawlerman go head-to-head once again, with one of the staying division’s biggest prizes on the line.