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| Staff Writer |
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Kyprios set a new course record and reaffirmed his status as Europe’s leading stayer with an emphatic victory in the Gr.1 Al Shaqab Goodwood Cup, the highlight of day one at the Qatar Goodwood Festival.
Ridden by Ryan Moore for trainer Aidan O’Brien, Kyprios followed up his recent success in the Gr.1 Gold Cup with a commanding six-length victory. He stopped the clock at 3m 21.53s and eclipsed the previous record of 3m 24.86s. O’Brien’s stablemates filled the placings, with Sweet William in second and Gregory finishing a head further back in third.
This triumph marked Aidan O’Brien’s 25th winner at the Qatar Goodwood Festival, while jockey Ryan Moore celebrated his 60th Goodwood Festival victory.
Kyprios, a six-year-old son of the late Galileo, has now recorded six victories at the highest level and secured his second Al Shaqab Goodwood Cup after his unbeaten 2022 campaign. The champion faced a significant setback early in 2023 when he suffered a serious infection in a joint that raised doubts about his future, but thanks to the skillful management of O’Brien’s team, he has made a spectacular return.
O’Brien said: “Kyprios is an incredible horse. All the credit goes to the team behind him. I’m so delighted for them; he’s a very special horse. He has an abundance of class, coasting along in second gear for much of the race. Ryan had a tricky time; he nearly slipped on the top bend, but he managed to gather him well and guide him through. It was an incredible ride on an incredible horse – we know he stays well, but he possesses a lot of class, too.
“The Gold Cup is a key race for him every year, and we will take care of him with that in mind. If he handles today well, we might look to bring him back for the Irish St Leger. If we can get him through that, we’ll have him set for next year. We have to respect him because, considering where he came from, it’s hard to believe he is here today. He did find the undulations of the track a bit more challenging than before, but I can’t say enough good things about him.
“Kyprios represents resilience; people face tough times in life, and he embodies that spirit. We thought he might never return, but he has. He’s genuine; he wears his heart on his sleeve every day. He was sweating a lot today, likely due to the heat, and we were a bit worried about that. He was a little off his usual self, so we felt relieved when it was over. Anyone who follows a thoroughbred can see his genuineness; he always keeps a bit in reserve.
“He’s like an athlete with plenty of miles on the clock, so he needs daily care. We’re lucky to have the facilities and people to cater to him. And, of course, he has the character and will to perform. At his age, he’s developed an eye for a filly, as you’d expect!”
Moore commented, “I thought there would be pace from Al Qareem, who is usually a free-going horse. It took a while to get to the front, but my horse stays very well. It was all very smooth, and we now hold the track record.
“The only hiccup was when he slipped on the top turn, which put him on the back foot momentarily. However, he still finished strongly with two furlongs to run. He can be a bit idle in front, but it was a tremendous performance.
“Over the last year, Kyprios has proven his quality through two defeats, none of which were entirely his fault. He’s an exceptional horse and has been for quite some time. He doesn’t always show how good he is, but he’s genuinely very skilled. While he’s not an Arc horse, he stays well and wouldn’t disgrace himself in that company.
“I remember Aidan ringing to tell me what happened at the end of his brilliant year; I never thought we would see him race again—all credit to everyone at Ballydoyle for their exceptional efforts.
“It’s a pleasure to ride him, knowing he’s head and shoulders above the rest.”
Michael Tabor, co-owner of Kyprios, remarked: “When you witness his turn of foot against strong competition, it’s incredible. Kyprios continues to shine in every race. Ryan instilled confidence in me ahead of the race; we needed that confidence, and I knew he wouldn’t be beaten unless he didn’t perform to his usual standard. He cruised to victory.
“Credit goes to Aidan for bringing him back to this level. We’ve been privileged to have many top horses; it’s difficult to rank them, but Kyprios definitely ranks high.
“His trip is still open for discussion; nothing is set in stone. I believe two miles is ideal, but he could handle shorter or longer distances, as he’s shown.”
John Gosden, trainer of the placed horses, said: “Both Sweet William and Gregory put in solid performances behind a very good horse. We’re pleased with what they achieved. Our next targets include the Lonsdale Cup at York and the Doncaster Cup. Gregory came into Royal Ascot in great shape but didn’t emerge from it as well. That happens in racing, and we won’t shy away from taking Kyprios on again.”
Philippa Cooper, owner-breeder of Sweet William, said: “I am incredibly proud of him. He showed great promise, being on and off the bridle, which I love to see. It gives the horses a chance to settle. He’s maturing nicely and really dug deep in the finish.”
James Doyle, who rode Gregory, added: “It’s well-known that Gregory wasn’t quite right after Royal Ascot, but he showed he’s back to form today. It was a very solid run.”