Glorious Goodwood Drama: Kinross Kicked Out of Lennox Stakes, Leaving Rossa Ryan and Punters Stunned

The Qatar Goodwood Festival, affectionately known as Glorious Goodwood, is a pinnacle of British flat racing, where equine stars and high-stakes drama converge against the stunning backdrop of the Sussex Downs. On July 29, 2025, the opening day of this prestigious five-day event delivered a moment that left racegoers, punters, and jockeys reeling. Kinross, the 3-1 favorite to claim a third Lennox Stakes victory, was dramatically withdrawn from the race after being kicked by a rival horse, Audience, behind the stalls. The incident, described as a “freak thing” by jockey Rossa Ryan, sparked frustration and disbelief, casting a shadow over what was expected to be a thrilling Group 2 contest.

Kinross, an eight-year-old stalwart trained by Ralph Beckett, has been a fan favorite at Goodwood, with an illustrious record in the Lennox Stakes, boasting form figures of 1213. With nearly £2 million in career earnings and two Group 1 victories to his name, the horse was poised to make history as the first to win the 7f race three times. Punters had backed him heavily, with experts like Matt Chapman and Ruby Walsh tipping him as the one to beat, citing his proven track record and resilience despite his age. However, the anticipated showdown was over before it began, leaving the racing community in shock.

Rossa Ryan, Kinross’s jockey, recounted the chaotic moment with palpable frustration: “I was nowhere near Audience, and he kept backing up and just let fly at me. I just want to say a big sorry to everyone involved. It was a bit of a freak thing.” The kick, delivered by last year’s Lennox Stakes winner Audience, struck Kinross on his near-foreleg, causing a cut that bled visibly and forced the veterinary team to rule him out of the race. Ryan added, “It happened that fast, it took me by surprise. He seems fine, but it’s just a pity.” The sudden withdrawal triggered a 25p Rule 4 deduction, further compounding the disappointment for those who had placed bets on the favorite.

The incident unfolded in the tense moments before the horses were loaded into the stalls for the Lennox Stakes, a race known for its competitive field and high drama. Audience, trained by John and Thady Gosden, was wearing first-time cheekpieces, which some speculated may have contributed to his erratic behavior. The six-year-old, who had bested Kinross in the same race 12 months prior, made a beeline for his rival, delivering a kick that not only ended Kinross’s chance but also shifted the dynamics of the race. “It was one of those things,” Ryan later told RacingTV, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of the sport.

With Kinross sidelined, the Lennox Stakes took an unexpected turn. The race, already poised for surprises with young improvers like Jonquil and Noble Champion in the mix, saw 25-1 outsider Witness Stand seize the opportunity. Ridden by Hollie Doyle and trained by Dr. Richard Newland and Jamie Insole, Witness Stand surged to a commanding two-and-three-quarter-length victory, breaking the track record in the process. Doyle praised the training team, saying, “A great training performance by Jamie Insole and Dr. Richard Newland, plus everyone back at home, to get this horse back on track, not winning in handicap company but in Group company.” The victory marked a significant milestone for the Grand National-winning trainers, with Insole noting, “I’m pretty emotional. I’ve been trying for a while to get involved in a winner like this – it’s very special.”

However, the race was not without further drama. Noble Champion, a three-year-old trained by Ed Walker, suffered a setback when jockey Kieran Shoemark pulled him up after just a furlong, reporting that the horse “felt something amiss.” A post-race examination confirmed lameness in his right-hind, adding to the day’s string of misfortunes. The chaotic nature of the race, coupled with Kinross’s withdrawal, left punters and analysts scrambling to make sense of the outcome. Witness Stand’s triumph, while impressive, was overshadowed by the “what-ifs” surrounding Kinross’s absence.

The incident sparked a wave of reactions across social media, with posts on X capturing the sentiment of disbelief and frustration. One user described the moment as “a gut punch for punters,” while another lamented, “Kinross was robbed of his shot at history.” The unpredictability of racing, often celebrated as part of its charm, felt like a cruel twist for those who had placed their faith—and their bets—on the seasoned campaigner. The Racing Post reported a flurry of activity in the betting ring, with bookmakers adjusting odds and punters recalibrating their strategies after the withdrawal.

Glorious Goodwood is no stranger to high drama, but this incident stood out for its sheer unexpectedness. The festival, which attracts equine talent from across the globe, is as much a social spectacle as it is a sporting one. From the elegant attire of racegoers to the electric atmosphere of the Lennox Lawn, the event embodies the thrill of racing. Yet, moments like these remind fans of the sport’s inherent volatility, where a single misstep—or in this case, a kick—can alter the course of history. As Simon Nott noted in his betting blog for Star Sports, “The rule 4 for the withdrawal of Kinross was 25p in the pound, though luckily it didn’t need explaining to many.”

For trainer Ralph Beckett and Kinross’s connections, the focus now shifts to the horse’s recovery. Early reports suggest the injury is not severe, with Ryan noting, “There was blood coming out, but he’ll be fine, he seems fine anyway.” The team will likely aim to regroup for future races, with Kinross’s proven durability offering hope for another shot at glory. Meanwhile, Audience’s connections face questions about the horse’s behavior and the potential impact of the new headgear, which may have contributed to the incident.

The broader context of Glorious Goodwood’s opening day added to the narrative’s weight. The festival, described by TalkSPORT host Alan Brazil as “the creme de la creme” of flat racing, delivered other memorable moments, from Scandinavia’s upset in the Goodwood Cup to Zavateri’s Classic-talk-inducing win in the Vintage Stakes. Yet, the Kinross incident stole headlines, serving as a stark reminder of the fine margins that define the sport. As Aidan O’Brien, trainer of Goodwood Cup contenders, remarked in a different context, “I’m so sorry for everyone involved,” a sentiment that echoed the mood surrounding Kinross’s misfortune.

For punters, the sting of the withdrawal was tempered by Witness Stand’s remarkable performance, which offered a glimmer of redemption for those who backed the longshot. The racing community, ever resilient, quickly turned its attention to the next races, with the promise of more thrills over the festival’s remaining days. However, the image of Kinross, bloodied but unbowed, lingered as a poignant symbol of the sport’s highs and lows. As Goodwood continues to captivate with its blend of tradition and unpredictability, this moment will be remembered as one that left fans wondering what might have been.