20-06-2025
Trawlerman nets Gold at Ascot
ASCOT Trawlerman produced a stunning performance to lead from pillar to post and win Royal Ascot's most historic race, the Group 1 Ascot Gold Cup (4,000m) on Thursday, June 19, for the almighty Godolphin and in-form father-and-son training partnership John and Thady Gosden.
It was quite some way for jockey William Buick to win his first Gold Cup aged 36, the winner also breaking the track record.
Norway-born Buick, who won Wednesday's feature, the Group 1 Prince of Wales Stakes (2,000m) on Ombudsman, also for Team Gosden-Godolphin, stood up in the irons to salute the crowd punching the air on the Golden Horn seven-year-old.
"He's a great horse, only beaten by the great Kyprios last year," said Buick, in reference to the dual winner and defending champion who was recently retired.
"I did not have to put the brakes on once. He was on autopilot - I was just a passenger. My first Gold Cup, long time coming, not an easy race to win. I am delighted."
For the Gosdens, it was their second win in the race since they teamed up but, for John it was his fifth, having trained the legendary Stradivarius to three successive victories (2018-20).
"He (Trawlerman) just goes off, William said 'he can judge pace better than me'," said Gosden senior of the veteran of nine wins.
"We know he stays. They never got to him, simply outstayed them. He's part of the furniture, he's a favourite.
"He ran Kyprios close, it is great to come back to show he's a proper Cup horse, and he is a lovely staying horse for the future."
Gosden, 74, is usually as well informed as anyone but the Cambridge economics graduate was caught off guard when being told it was Buick's first Gold Cup.
"Really? A fabulous jockey," purred Gosden.
The Gosdens' five winners this year are welcomed after a disappointing Royal Ascot last year.
"Last year was tricky, we've aimed at this for 4-5-6 months, great when it comes to fulfilment," he said. "One has to be realistic, there are always plenty of banana skins around the corner."
While Aidan O'Brien's fancied runner Illinois never landed a blow on Trawlerman, the Irish master combined with his stable jockey Ryan Moore for a treble to move to 96 Royal Ascot victories for O'Brien and 90 for Moore.
Odds-on favourite Charles Darwin prevailed in the opening Group 2 Norfolk Stakes (1,000m), before Garden Of Eden took the honours in the Group 2 Ribblesdale Stakes (2,400m).
Trinity University wrapped up the prolific haul in the Group 3 Hampton Court Stakes (2,000m). AFP
