Qirat, the Juddmonte-owned outsider, defied staggering odds of 150/1 to clinch a historic victory in the Group 1 Visit Qatar Sussex Stakes 2025 at Goodwood Racecourse on Thursday afternoon, turning what was expected to be a straightforward triumph for favourite Field Of Gold into one of the biggest shocks in the race’s illustrious history.
Trained by Ralph Beckett and given a tactically astute ride by Richard Kingscote, the four-year-old son of Showcasing seized control from the front and never looked back, outlasting the late-charging Rosallion by a neck and holding off Henri Matisse for third.
Goodwood Glory for Qirat
What was designed to be a pace-setting assignment for Qirat quickly turned into a winning move as the rest of the field allowed the Beckett-trained gelding to dictate steady fractions. Despite setting even early tempos, Kingscote had plenty left in the tank and kicked clear approaching the final furlong.
Rosallion, sent off at 11/2 and trained by Richard Hannon, gave chase valiantly but ran out of ground in the closing strides. Henri Matisse, representing Aidan O’Brien’s powerful yard, was a solid third, more than two lengths adrift.
Europe’s top-rated three-year-old, the heavily favoured Field Of Gold (1/3F), failed to produce his usual finishing burst and could only manage fourth.
A Specialist at Goodwood
This victory marked Qirat’s third consecutive win at Goodwood, having landed two competitive races at the Sussex venue in 2024. The win also earned the gelding a coveted “Win and You’re In” ticket to the $2 million FanDuel Breeders’ Cup Mile (G1) at Del Mar in November, courtesy of the Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series.
Trainer Ralph Beckett was full of praise for both his horse and jockey. “He looked a million dollars beforehand. We asked for 12-second furlongs, and that’s what he delivered. They let him get away, and that was the race done,” Beckett said. “He’s a real Goodwood specialist, and Richard judged it to perfection.”
Kingscote, who is soon heading to Hong Kong for a new chapter in his career, was delighted with the surprise win. “I didn’t expect this when I woke up today. He was going well at the cut-away and just kept finding,” said the multiple Group 1-winning rider. “It’s a brilliant send-off before my move.”
Juddmonte’s Gamble Pays Off
Barry Mahon of Juddmonte revealed that trainer Beckett had long believed Qirat deserved a spot in the race, despite the colt being originally entered to serve as a pacemaker for stablemate Field Of Gold. “Ralph said to me before the race that this horse was going to run big. He was right,” Mahon said. “We ended up supplementing him, and it paid off.”
Qirat’s dam, Emulous, has now produced two major Group 1 winners, including 2024 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe champion Bluestocking. Mahon praised her consistency: “She’s been like a cash machine for us.”
Breeders’ Cup and Pegasus Bound
Qirat’s win ensures automatic entry into both the Breeders’ Cup Mile and an invitation to the Pegasus World Cup Turf (G1) at Gulfstream Park in January 2026. The Pegasus invitation includes a $25,000 travel allowance and VIP hospitality for the connections, making this victory even more valuable.
To be eligible for the Breeders’ Cup perks, Qirat must be nominated by October 20, 2025, under the Challenge Series regulations.
Mixed Emotions for Rivals
Trainer Richard Hannon expressed pride in Rosallion’s effort despite the near-miss. “He’s a great horse. He’s beaten some of the best around and will have his day again,” he said. O’Brien echoed a similar sentiment about Henri Matisse: “He’s still learning and we’re not done with him yet. There’s plenty more to come.”
John Gosden, trainer of Field Of Gold, offered no excuses. “The pacemaker got loose, and we let it happen. Field Of Gold didn’t handle the undulations well and didn’t fire today.”
Race Results – 3:05 PM Visit Qatar Sussex Stakes (G1), Goodwood
1st – Qirat (Juddmonte) | Trainer: Ralph Beckett | Jockey: Richard Kingscote | Odds: 150/1
2nd – Rosallion (Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum) | Trainer: Richard Hannon | Jockey: Sean Levey | Odds: 11/2
3rd – Henri Matisse (Coolmore Partners & Merriebelle) | Trainer: Aidan O’Brien | Jockey: Ryan Moore | Odds: 11/2
4th – Field Of Gold (1/3F) | Trainer: John Gosden | Jockey: William Buick
Seven ran.
For more information on racing at the venue, visit the official Goodwood Racecourse website.
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