William Buick enjoyed an ideal opening to the 2026 Qatar Goodwood Festival by steering Al Aali to victory in the Coral Chesterfield Cup Handicap, producing a well-timed challenge to claim the 10-furlong contest after a patient ride.
Coral Chesterfield Cup results.
Settled towards the inside from stall three, the George Scott-trained four-year-old travelled comfortably as the large field of 17 runners spread across the track approaching the cutaway. Buick waited before asking Al Aali to improve, and the response was immediate as the gelding swept past long-time leader Noble Horizon inside the closing stages to score by three-quarters of a length.
The success continued Al Aali’s upward trajectory, making it two victories from as many starts since the addition of blinkers. It also provided William Buick with the perfect beginning to the five-day festival before his later engagements on the card.
Night Breeze produced another dependable performance to finish third after staying on well in the closing stages, while Tony Montana made notable late headway from the rear of the field to take fourth.
For George Scott, the success represented his second career winner at the Qatar Goodwood Festival, while Buick moved to 42 festival victories, further strengthening his impressive record at the Sussex meeting.
The result also underlined Al Aali’s growing consistency. Having taken a confidence-boosting victory on his previous outing, the four-year-old once again showed his ability to settle before producing a decisive finishing effort when the race opened up in the straight.
Coral Chesterfield Cup Handicap Result
Al Aali’s polished display ensured the opening race of the festival belonged to William Buick and George Scott, giving both connections an early success at one of Britain’s most prestigious summer racing meetings.
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