Coral Glorious Stakes 2025 will be remembered as the day Al Aasy etched his name into Goodwood folklore. With a commanding performance over 12 furlongs, the veteran gelding made it back-to-back victories in the Group 3 contest, matching a feat not seen since 1982.
Al Aasy Claims Consecutive Coral Glorious Stakes 2025 Titles
Racing in the colours of Shadwell, Al Aasy lined up as the 13/8 favourite and didn’t disappoint. Under the calm hands of Jim Crowley, the eight-year-old was held at the rear of the five-runner field before making a sweeping move around the outside in the final two furlongs.
As Arabian Crown dropped away, Al Aasy launched his challenge on the outside, quickly putting daylight between himself and Candleford and Meydaan. He powered to the line, scoring by a decisive three lengths and registering his eighth Group 3 win.
This was no ordinary result. Al Aasy became the first horse since Capstan (1981 & 1982) to win the Coral Glorious Stakes twice, highlighting his remarkable longevity and class at this level.
William Haggas Full of Praise for His Stable Star
Trainer William Haggas was visibly moved after the race. “Isn’t he marvellous?” he said. “He’s been so reliable. They didn’t go quick, and that’s not ideal for him, but he still picked up and ran on strongly.”
“At eight, this is probably his level—Listed, Group 3, maybe Group 2. But he still works like a champion at home. He’s a beautiful horse and has been an absolute joy to train.”
Crowley: “I’ve Finally Learned How to Ride Him”
Jim Crowley also shared insights into his long-standing partnership with Al Aasy. “He got a bit of stick earlier in his career, but I think that was unfair. He’s a boss in this grade now, and the team has done an amazing job keeping him happy and fit.”
“He didn’t travel as smoothly as I expected down the hill, but once I got him into the clear, he did the rest. He’s still got that desire.”
Runners-Up Run with Credit
Simon Crisford was happy with Meydaan’s second-place effort. “That was a much better run than Newbury. The mile and a half suits him perfectly.”
Tom Marquand, who partnered Candleford, noted: “He ran well. The ground was a bit tacky, and that probably didn’t suit him.”
James Owen had encouraging words for Ambiente Friendly, who finished fourth. “He was recently gelded, and this was a step in the right direction. Sean [Bowen] rode him well. It was a muddling pace, but we’re progressing.”
Another Big Moment for Glorious Goodwood
The Coral Glorious Stakes 2025 not only underscored Al Aasy’s consistency but also added another memorable chapter to a week of top-class racing. For more highlights from this festival, check out our recap of the Regent Seven Seas Cruises Bentinck Stakes.
Details on upcoming fixtures, tickets, and more are available via the official Goodwood Racecourse website.
