A Crown for Kingsclere: Balding Tops the Trainer Standings
Victory in the week’s final contest, the Coral Rewards Shaker Handicap, courtesy of Gladius, sealed a triumphant return for Balding, who previously topped the Goodwood trainer standings in 2021. Tied on four winners with rival Ralph Beckett, it was Balding’s broader consistency through placed runners that earned him the nod.
The Kingsclere-based handler sent out Stellar Sunrise in the British Stallion Studs EBF Maiden, Sir Albert in the Phase Eight Nursery, and the exceptionally dominant Fox Legacy in Friday’s Regent Seven Seas Cruises Bentinck Conditions Stakes, the latter perhaps the most visually striking winner of the entire meet.
“I can’t complain,” Balding reflected. “Four winners at Glorious Goodwood makes for a good week. The weather may have hurt See The Fire in the Nassau, but overall, we’re very happy with the team’s performance.”
Oisin Murphy’s Masterclass in the Saddle
With six winners across the five-day Qatar Goodwood Festival, Oisin Murphy asserted his class to retain the top jockey accolade for a second year running. His fruitful partnership with Balding, responsible for half his wins, was complemented by standout rides for other stables, showcasing his versatility and tactical nous.
Murphy’s week included notable wins aboard Dubai Treasure in the World Pool Bet With The Tote EBF Fillies’ Handicap and a double strike on Friday, with Kyle Of Lochalsh taking the Coral Goodwood Handicap and Seagulls Eleven capturing the G3 Bonhams Thoroughbred Stakes.
“It’s been a great week,” Murphy said. “To ride winners for a mix of trainers is always a pleasure, and I’m grateful for the support. It’s ultra-competitive here, so to come out on top again means a lot.”
Coolmore’s Dominance Extends to the Owner’s Crown
The power-packed Coolmore team, Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith, Sue Magnier and Westerberg, once again stamped their authority on the Festival, clinching the leading owner title thanks to three scintillating wins under the guidance of master trainer Aidan O’Brien.
Their highlights began with a remarkable 1–2 finish in the G1 Al Shaqab Goodwood Cup, where three-year-old Scandinavia prevailed over Illinois. Then came a commanding five-length victory by Whirl in Wednesday’s G1 Qatar Nassau Stakes, defying grueling conditions. Saturday’s British Stallion Studs EBF Maiden brought curtain-down success via the promising juvenile Isaac.
Beckett’s Bold Shots and the Value of Near Misses
Though edged out in the trainer title by Balding, Ralph Beckett enjoyed an unforgettable Festival. His 150/1 outsider Qirat caused a seismic shock in the G1 Visit Qatar Sussex Stakes, arguably the race of the week. Beckett also pulled off a rare dead-heat double in the G3 HKJC World Pool Oak Tree Stakes with Saqqara Sands and Tabiti. Push The Limit added further gloss in the Coral Pipped At The Post Winners Handicap.
The breadth of Beckett’s performance was a reminder of how critical depth and preparation are across the week, and how fine margins can separate titles at this level.
The Qatar Goodwood Festival once again lived up to its billing as one of the crown jewels of British Flat racing, a blend of heritage, spectacle, and world-class competition. With new storylines written and old rivalries renewed, the 2025 edition delivered a feast for racing fans and horsemen alike.
For more RaceBuzz Festival coverage, check out our international section of news coverage.
