The Perspective of Connections on Day One at Goodwood

Battle Between Stable Companions Ends with Courage Mon Ami’s Victory

In a surprising turn of events, Courage Mon Ami emerged as the winner of the prestigious Al Shaqab Goodwood Cup, beating his stable companion Gregory. Both horses, owned by Wathnan Racing and trained by John and Thady Gosden, had been considered strong contenders for the race due to their recent success at Royal Ascot.

The decision to field Courage Mon Ami over Gregory was influenced by the prevailing soft ground conditions. Initially, connections had contemplated taking advantage of Gregory’s three-year-old weight allowance. However, unpredictable weather patterns forced them to reconsider.

A Change in Plans Based on Weather Conditions

Racing advisor Richard Brown explained the rationale behind this strategic shift: “John was keen on training both horses for this race. The likelihood of soft ground or probable soft ground ultimately swayed our decision towards running Courage Mon Ami.”

This change meant that Gregory would now take a different route with his main aim set on competing in the St Leger instead.

Courage Mon Ami’s Stellar Form Continues

Frankie Dettori rode Courage Mon Ami to victory from an advantageous fifth draw position. Despite dropping back in trip from his previous win at Goodwood before the Gold Cup, there were no concerns about his ability to handle two miles once again:

“I don’t think it will be a problem coming back to two miles,” said Richard Brown confidently during an interview prior to the race. “He did impressively well here before winning the Gold Cup and we know he handles the track.”

The four-year-old colt had shown excellent form during training, leaving both John and Thady Gosden delighted with his last piece of work on Friday.

Emily Dickinson’s Preference for Soft Ground

Aidan O’Brien’s Emily Dickinson, who finished fourth in the Gold Cup, showcased her affinity for soft ground by triumphing in the Curragh Cup over 14 furlongs. Aidan O’Brien spoke highly of her abilities: “She loves the ease in the ground at the Curragh. While fast ground does not bother her, she seems to thrive on softer conditions.”

Broome Joins O’Brien’s Contenders

O’Brien also entered Broome into this challenging race, ridden by William Buick. The trainer expressed his confidence in their chances as they strive to secure victory at Goodwood once again.

Giovellotto Skips Ascot for a Shot at Goodwood

Marco Botti decided to bypass Ascot and instead aimed Giavellotto directly at the Goodwood Cup after an impressive win at York where he demonstrated excellent stamina over two miles:

“We felt that running him in the Ascot Gold Cup might have stretched him a bit,” explained Botti. “But now he settles well and looks even stronger than before.”

Botti remains slightly concerned about ground conditions but hopes for favorable racing conditions overall.

Coltrane Seeks Redemption After Narrow Defeat

Influential jockey Oisin Murphy is eager to make amends aboard Andrew Balding’s horse Coltrane after narrowly missing out on victory in the Gold Cup by three-quarters of a length:

“I was obviously gutted to get beat on Coltrane in the Gold Cup, but he has come out of Ascot very well,” said Murphy. “The return to two miles should work in our favor.”

The competitive field and unique track challenges make the Goodwood Cup a difficult race to win. However, each contender is determined and optimistic about their chances.