In a remarkable upset, Qirat defied all expectations to claim victory in the Sussex Stakes at Glorious Goodwood, winning at odds of 150-1 and producing the biggest-priced Group One winner in modern British racing history.
A Surprising Strategy Pays Off
Qirat, a four-year-old trained by Ralph Beckett, was entered into the race only last week with a supplementary fee of £70,000, originally intended to serve as a pacemaker for the overwhelming 1-3 favourite, Field Of Gold. Jockey Richard Kingscote set a strong early pace, positioning Qirat at the front as expected. However, after being overtaken by Aidan O’Brien’s Serengeti, Qirat rallied to regain the lead and held off a late challenge from Rosallion, winning by a neck in a thrilling finish.
This victory stands out as the highest odds winner in a British Group One race of the 21st century, surpassing Sole Power’s 100-1 triumph in the 2010 Nunthorpe Stakes. Kingscote described the day as “turning into a cracking year” and admitted feeling like “a villain” as he pushed Qirat forward, only deciding to keep going when the horse in pursuit was not a grey-nosed rival.
Trainer and Jockey Praise Goodwood Specialist
Beckett highlighted Qirat’s affinity for Goodwood, noting that the horse is a “real Goodwood specialist.” He also praised Kingscote’s skill in executing the race strategy perfectly, emphasizing that despite Qirat’s role as a helper, the horse was capable of a best effort performance. The success came as a surprise to many, especially given Field Of Gold’s underwhelming fourth-place finish.
Henri Matisse completed the podium in third place, rounding out an exciting and unpredictable Sussex Stakes. The race’s £1 million prize underscored the significance of Qirat’s upset and added another thrilling chapter to the Glorious Goodwood festival.
