Trawlerman in his pre-race ski-goggles

Goodwood Cup trip 'on sharp side' for Trawlerman

Horse Racing

Fri July 10, 2026 · 1d ago

John Gosden feels the trip in the Al Shaqab Goodwood Cup is likely to be "on the sharp side" for his star stayer Trawlerman.

While not ruling out a tilt at the two-mile Group One prize, the Newmarket handler, who trains the eight-year-old in partnership with his son Thady, has aired concerns about the distance.

The dual Group One winner showed he retains all his ability when putting up a stern defence of his Ascot Gold Cup crown after going down by a head to Scandinavia in an epic battle.

However, while the drop back in trip to two miles is not ideal, the Clarehaven handler has reported the son of Golden Horn to be in good order at home ahead of his potential trip to the Sussex track on July 28.

He said: "Trawlerman is fine. He has been out in his goggles early in the morning. He did very well in that race to run such a big race off a shortened preparation, and he did give a pound to the winner, which a pound, over a two and a half miles matters.

“I would have to say two miles at Goodwood is a little on the sharp side for him, but having said that he is in great order. He does have race fitness on side now, but he is like an old boxer that is up for it any time.”

Sweet William goes back-to-back in the Doncaster Cup

Sweet retirement

Gosden also provided a fitting tribute to Sweet William, who he described as one of the ‘all time great horses’ after news emerged of his retirement on Wednesday.

The dual Betfred Howard Wright Doncaster Cup winner had time called on his career after picking up an injury.

Gosden said: “He got a little issue in his ankle and his owner/breeder, Philippa Cooper, always wants what is right for the horse. We could have pushed on, but the correct decision was made and he was retired.

“He was one of the all time great horses. He was one of the most pleasurable fun horses that you could train. He was like Stradivarius as he was always up for it every day. He was always full of tricks right to the end.

“He would be quick to whip round and drop his rider then stand there and wait for them to get on again. What a wonderful horse he was and he has been tremendous fun.”

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