With falling attendances and a reduction in betting levels domestically, British horse racing was in need of a meeting that catapulted the sport back into the national media spotlight and into the hearts and minds of the neutral fan. The much-anticipated Glorious Goodwood managed to do just that, with this year’s card one of the most important and entertaining that we’ve seen at the famed racecourse for quite some time.
The 36 fixtures in total and three Group 1 affairs didn’t just deliver solely because of its standard of quality, with their star-studded and competitive fields also providing the sport with a significant boost in exposure as punters flocked to the bookies to partake in some horse racing betting.
Boasting a schedule that included generational talents such as Baaeed, Kyprios and Stradivarius – we were destined to get a Goodwood meet for the ages – and provided the response from fans and pundits alike since its conclusion, it has further established itself as one of the premier flat events on the UK & Ireland’s summer racing calendar.
With the meeting’s success in mind, read on as we take a look at the three memorable Group 1 fixtures and highlight why each race has forever etched itself in Glorious Goodwood folklore.
Goodwood Cup
In one of the best races you are likely to see in 2022, Kyprios and Stradivarius’ bitter rivalry continued in the two-mile affair as both battled it out down the straight. Kyprios seemed to have gained the ascendency with half a mile remaining and appeared as though he would canter to a second victory over the eight-year-old in as many months.
However, in true Stradivarius fashion, the three-time Goodwood Cup winner showed all of his grit and determination in the closing stages to challenge his Aidan O’Brien-trained opponent. In what was a back-and-forth affair, Kyprios managed to put forth an incredible final 100 metres to stave off Strad and win by a neck.
Although there were a number of people who wanted to see the John and Thady Gosden-trained horse secure another Goodwood Cup victory, it’s important to acknowledge just how impressive a thoroughbred Kyprios is proving himself to be.
With wins this year at Navan, Leopardstown and in the Royal Ascot Gold Cup prior to his triumph at Goodwood – the sky is the limit for this incredible four-year-old.
Sussex Stakes
There isn’t a horse in the world at the moment who is arguably under more pressure to perform than Baaeed. The world number one ranked horse draws the attention of fans for a myriad of reasons – including those who want to see an all-time great at the peak of his powers, along with those who tune in to see him lose his unbeaten record.
He keeps proving the believers right and the doubters wrong, and his performance in Glorious Goodwood’s Sussex Stakes was a sight to behold. He followed up that July win with a dominant display up a trip at York – and with him expected to race on just one more occasion before he retires to stud – it’s imperative that we truly appreciate the greatness we are witnessing.
Nassau Stakes
Trailing the pack and needing plenty to do late, the incredible double-act of filly Nashwa and jockey Hollie Doyle reiterated their brilliance as a pairing in this year’s Nassau Stakes. The supremely timed and patient run saw Nashwa streak past her competitors down the straight to best the second-placed Aristia by nearly two lengths.
Their win is further indication of the rapport the two are building, and with Doyle becoming the first female to claim both the French Oaks and Nassau Stakes, they’re creating history seemingly every time they take to the track together.
The duo will have yet another chance to prove their class in early October, with Nashwa tipped to run in the Prix de l’Opera at Longchamp.
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