King Kyprios reigns supreme in Al Shaqab Goodwood Cup

Aidan O’ Brien was celebrating a fourth Al Shaqab Goodwood Cup on Tuesday as popular stayer Kyprios routed his rivals by four lengths under regular partner Ryan Moore.

Having jumped prominently from the stalls, Kyprios raced in mid-division, just behind the leading pair of Al Qareem and Gregory. For a brief moment, Coolmore’s star stayer looked to be in a spot of bother but turning into the home straight, Kyprios picked up the bridle and was able to breeze into contention, passing the pair of long-time leaders without breaking sweat.

With the pace collapsing and the enigmatic Sweet William looking the main danger, despite finding himself under pressure for most of the two mile journey, Moore had no choice but to set sail for home on the prolific six-year-old and commit further out than he would have done ideally.

As the wider racing public have become accustomed to seeing so regularly, Kyprios responded to Ryan Moore as if in perfect harmony, lengthening away from his toiling rivals inside the final furlong to regain the Al Shaqab Goodwood Cup crown.

John and Thady Gosden’s enigmatic Sweet William and consistent Gregory chased the imperious winner in vein, finishing in second and third place.

A winner of the race in 2022 before meeting a potentially career threatening setback, Aidan O’ Brien’s star pupil was back to his high-class best.

After the race, in conversation with ITV Racing, Ryan Moore was full of praise for Kyprios, stating that “He’s very high class. There’s always good stayers around who get their period but this horse is very, very good. It’s fun to ride him because he’s so much better than the rest.”

Given the dominant nature of this performance, it would be no surprise to see Kyprios return to QIPCO British Champions Day in a bid to avenge last year’s narrow defeat at the hands of Trawlerman.