Trawlerman Eyes Goodwood Cup Revenge Against Scandinavia After Royal Ascot Classic

The experienced Godolphin stayer is in line to make only his second appearance at Goodwood, having won a 1m6f handicap at the track four years ago. Connections are hopeful he can reverse the narrow defeat suffered at Ascot, where he was beaten by just a head on his seasonal reappearance.

Unlike previous campaigns, Trawlerman’s 2026 season began later than planned due to an ongoing eye condition. The eight-year-old now wears specially designed protective goggles, which forced him to miss his usual return in the Dubai Gold Cup at Meydan as well as a planned prep run before Royal Ascot.

Despite those setbacks, his comeback performance suggested he has retained all of his ability, and with fewer races under his belt than at this stage last season, a trip to Goodwood is firmly on the agenda.

The gelding was back on the gallops in Newmarket earlier this week, completing routine work on Warren Hill while wearing his trademark goggles.

Joint-trainer Thady Gosden said: “Trawlerman has come out of Royal Ascot in good order and all being well he’ll be heading to Goodwood. He has got into the routine of wearing his goggles at home and he’s cantering away nicely.”

Trawlerman attracted plenty of attention at Royal Ascot because of the unusual eyewear and is likely to be one of the most recognisable runners once again if he lines up at Goodwood.

His route to the Sussex meeting differs from last season, when he bypassed the Goodwood Cup after winning the Gold Cup before going on to claim victory in the Group 2 Lonsdale Cup at York. He rounded off his campaign with another Group 1 success in the British Champions Long Distance Cup at Ascot.

Also, among the entries for this year’s Goodwood Cup is Rahiebb, who finished eighth in the Gold Cup after tackling the extended two-and-a-half-mile distance for the first time. Last season’s St Leger runner-up is also expected to target the Group 1 Irish St Leger at the Curragh later this year.