Brazen Bolt Defies the Odds in Coral Golden Rewards Shaker Handicap

Coral Golden Rewards Shaker Handicap 2025 Sees 28/1 Shock at Goodwood

The Coral Golden Rewards Shaker Handicap 2025 delivered its first major upset of the Qatar Goodwood Festival as Brazen Bolt (28/1), trained by Ruth Carr and piloted by 5lb apprentice Warren Fentiman, dug deep to fend off a late surge from Royal Ascot heroine Adrestia.

Drawn wide and racing prominently throughout the five-furlong dash, Brazen Bolt showed grit and tactical pace to hold off the fast-finishing Adrestia (9/2), while Redorange (5/1) and outsider Nogo’s Dream (40/1) rounded out the top four in a thrilling finish dominated by high-numbered stalls.

For Fentiman, it marked a milestone first winner at the Goodwood Festival. “I looked at the big screen when I crossed the line and saw the cameras on me—I thought I might have nicked it,” said the young apprentice. “He travelled sweetly and I just tried to replicate what we did at York. He battled like a lion and found another gear when it counted.”

Brazen Bolt had won at York last time out using similar front-running tactics, and the apprentice’s timing and confidence proved crucial again. “These big sprints are full throttle. Just managing that one breather mid-race can make all the difference,” Fentiman added.

For trainer Ruth Carr, it was a second winner at the 2025 Qatar Goodwood Festival. “Brazen Bolt has been a special project for all of us,” said owner-breeder Peter Furr. “He had health issues after returning from Bahrain—ulcers, stress, the lot. My daughter and I nursed him back, and Ruth has done wonders this season.”

The connections were realistic coming into the race. “We didn’t expect to win at York and didn’t expect this either. We were worried about the ground being too firm, but it wasn’t. Sometimes it just all comes together—and it doesn’t usually happen to people like us.”

There were positives for the beaten connections as well. Simon Crisford, co-trainer of Adrestia, praised the filly’s effort: “She’s still improving. That was a career-best, and we made the right decision coming here instead of sticking to three-year-old company.”

Clive Cox, trainer of third-placed Redorange, also took heart. “We just missed the break when the horse next to us reared and got withdrawn. But he ran straight through the line, and to do that against older horses at this level shows his class.”

With 20 runners and top weights like Shagraan finishing out of contention, the Coral Golden Rewards Shaker Handicap 2025 showcased the unpredictability and depth of sprint handicaps at Goodwood.

Official Result – 3:45pm Coral Golden Rewards Shaker Handicap:
1. Brazen Bolt (Ruth Carr) – Warren Fentiman (5) – 28/1
2. Adrestia (Simon & Ed Crisford) – Oisin Murphy – 9/2
3. Redorange (Clive Cox) – Rossa Ryan – 5/1
4. Nogo’s Dream (Richard Hughes) – David Probert – 40/1
20 ran – 4/1F Shagraan (8th)

Photo courtesy: Goodwood Racecourse