Godolphin adds another glorious chapter at Royal Ascot
Royal Ascot, the glittering jewel of British flat racing, once again lived up to its lofty billing this year, delivering unforgettable moments, stirring narratives, and heart-stopping finishes.
For Godolphin, the global racing force established by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, in 1993, this year's Royal Ascot was a meeting to remember. It was a vivid display of grit, talent, and an unwavering commitment to raising the bar of thoroughbred racing excellence.
'It's the Olympics of racing,' trainer Charlie Appleby remarked, summing up a tumultuous five days where highs and lows collided and heartbreak gave way to triumph most spectacularly.
Godolphin's week was crowned by standout performances that echoed the values on which Sheikh Mohammed created the stable — ambition and a global outlook.
From the Ombudsman's defining win, Trawlerman's relentless staying power, and Rebel's Romance's defiant brilliance on the final day, the Royal Meeting became a grand stage for blue silks to shine.
In the Group 1 Prince of Wales's Stakes, Ombudsman didn't just win — he made a statement. The four-year-old son of Night of Thunder now widely seen as Europe's top older middle-distance contender, powered away from the pack with such authority that competitors were left trailing in his wake.
A tilt at the Eclipse Stakes (July 5 at Sandown Park), a high-stakes contest between three-year-olds and older horses could be next as he continues his upward trajectory.
Following the win legendary trainer John Gosden, a US Racing Hall of Fame trainer, paid tribute to Godolphin's founder saying: 'Sheikh Mohammed is without doubt the nicest and easiest owner I've ever trained for. He says, 'Do what we think is right.' I never get pushed. This horse wouldn't be the horse he is without that kind of patience.'
Thursday was the day of redemption and record-setting for Godolphin's Trawlerman. After finishing second in last year's gruelling 4,014-metre Gold Cup, the seasoned seven-year-old returned with fierce determination, surging ahead to claim victory by an impressive seven lengths — a true masterclass in endurance. Once again, the training duties were handled by John Gosden and his son Thady
'He owed us nothing, but he gave us everything," said William Buick, Godolphin's retained jockey. Dubai Future, trained by Saeed bin Suroor, a gallant third in the same race, confirmed Godolphin's strength in depth.
Only two days later, William Buick was back in the saddle, guiding one of Godolphin's flagbearers to another unforgettable triumph. Rebel's Romance, already a globe-trotting marvel with Group 1, wins on three continents, became the oldest horse ever to win the Group 2 Hardwicke Stakes. It was Appleby's final runner of the week, a last roll of the dice.
Appleby's voice cracked with emotion as he spoke of Rebel's Romance: "What more can I say about this horse? He's more than our Iron Horse. He's kept our yard afloat this week. He's our stable favourite and always will be."
The Dubawi gelding took his win tally to 18 wins, stretching his lead over stablemates Anamoe and Lemon Pop as Godolphin's most prolific racehorse. Seven of those iconic victories have come at Group 1 level. From the Breeders' Cup Turf to the Dubai Sheema Classic, from Hong Kong to Germany, he's flown the Godolphin flag with distinction. And now, he has added a Royal Ascot success to his glittering portfolio.
Meanwhile, Godolphin's longest-serving trainer Saeed bin Suroor added his own historic touch to the week when he saddled Arabian Story to win the Britannia Stakes handing veteran handler his 40th Royal Ascot winner — a milestone that underlines his longevity and craft.
Though Godolphin fell short of clinching a third consecutive Leading Owner title, a feat they proudly achieved in 2021 and 2022, their 2024 campaign sent a clear message: their dominance on the world stage remains undiminished, their spirit as fierce as ever.
As the dust settles on another epic Royal Ascot meeting, there is no denying that the blue silks of Godolphin added another memorable chapter to their illustrious history.
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