“That’s the nature of horse racing,” Richard Hannon confidently told the world after seeing his colt Rosallion finish second to Qirat on the “PICK” score in the Sussex Stakes on Wednesday.
In a stunning upset at Glorious Goodwood, the Sussex Stakes delivered one of the most remarkable results in recent horse racing history. Qirat, a 150-1 longshot trained by Ralph Beckett and ridden by Richard Kingscote, defied all expectations to claim victory in the prestigious Group One race. The four-year-old gelding, initially entered as a pacemaker for the heavily favored Field of Gold, outran his odds and held off a late charge from Richard Hannon’s star colt Rosallion to win by a neck. This unexpected outcome, which saw Qirat become the biggest-priced winner of a British Group One race since the grading system’s inception in the early 1970s, left the racing world in awe and underscored the unpredictable thrill that defines the sport.
The race unfolded with a script that seemed predictable at first. Serengeti, the pacemaker for Aidan O’Brien’s Henri Matisse, took an early lead alongside Qirat after a sluggish start. The two pacemakers set a steady gallop, pulling ahead of the field as expected. Meanwhile, Field of Gold, the 1-3 favorite owned by Juddmonte, was anticipated to surge forward and dominate. However, as the race progressed, it became clear that Field of Gold was struggling to find his rhythm on Goodwood’s challenging course. Trainer John Gosden later noted that the colt “didn’t seem too well-balanced on the track,” a factor that contributed to his disappointing fourth-place finish.
Rosallion, ridden by Sean Levey, emerged as the primary challenger. Known for his explosive performances in the Irish 2,000 Guineas and St James’s Palace Stakes, the colt showcased his class by closing the gap in the final furlong. Despite his valiant effort, Qirat, under Kingscote’s expert guidance, maintained just enough in reserve to secure the victory. The result was a testament to Qirat’s affinity for Goodwood, where he remains unbeaten in two starts, and Kingscote’s tactical brilliance in capitalizing on the early pace.
Richard Hannon, while undoubtedly disappointed, took the defeat in stride. “That’s horse racing,” he remarked, encapsulating the sport’s inherent unpredictability. Hannon’s confidence in Rosallion remains unshaken, and he believes the colt is still among the best milers in Europe. The narrow defeat, by just a neck, only reinforced his faith in Rosallion’s potential. Hannon is already looking ahead to the Aga Khan Studs Prix Jacques le Marois, where Rosallion will have another chance to prove his mettle. The trainer’s optimism is grounded in Rosallion’s consistent performances this season, including a near-miss in the Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot and a strong showing in the Lockinge Stakes.
For Qirat, the victory was a career-defining moment. Supplemented into the Sussex Stakes at a cost of £70,000, the Juddmonte-owned gelding was a last-minute addition to the field. His previous outing, a lackluster 27th-place finish in the Royal Hunt Cup, gave little indication of the brilliance he would display. Trainer Ralph Beckett attributed Qirat’s success to his love for Goodwood and the decision to remove the blinkers that had hindered him in prior races. “He’s a real Goodwood specialist,” Beckett said, also praising Kingscote’s ability to judge pace. Qirat’s win earned him an automatic berth in the Breeders’ Cup Mile at Del Mar, a fitting reward for a horse whose pedigree, as a half-brother to 2024 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe winner Bluestocking, hints at untapped potential.
The Sussex Stakes result sparked varied reactions across the racing community. While some lamented Field of Gold’s flat performance, others celebrated Qirat’s improbable triumph as a reminder of why horse racing captivates fans worldwide. Jockey Richard Kingscote, who described the win as “a bit surreal,” expressed gratitude for the opportunity, especially as he prepares to relocate to Hong Kong. For Juddmonte, the victory was bittersweet, as their favored Field of Gold faltered, but Qirat’s success highlighted the depth of their racing operation.
As the dust settles on this unforgettable race, the Sussex Stakes has once again proven that in horse racing, no outcome is guaranteed. Hannon’s philosophical acceptance of the result reflects a seasoned trainer’s understanding of the sport’s highs and lows. For Rosallion, the journey continues, with future races offering chances to reclaim the spotlight. For Qirat, the underdog turned champion, this moment will forever stand as a testament to the magic of the turf, where even the longest shots can shine.
