In a result that sent shockwaves through the racing world, the 2024 Goodwood Festival delivered one of its most dramatic moments as the hotly tipped favourite failed to fire while a rank outsider claimed glory in the prestigious Sussex Stakes.
The Big Disappointment
All eyes were on John Gosden's star colt, arriving at Goodwood with sky-high expectations after an impressive season. Yet in a performance that left punters scratching their heads, the 4/6 favourite laboured home a disappointing fourth, never looking likely to challenge for honours.
The Surprise Package
While the favourite floundered, it was a 20/1 shot who stole the show with a barnstorming finish down the Goodwood straight. The winning trainer, visibly emotional after the race, told reporters: "We always believed in this horse, but to win like that against this quality of opposition - it's beyond our wildest dreams."
Race Analysis
Expert analysts highlighted several key moments that decided the race:
- The favourite's poor start from the gates
- A perfectly timed ride by the winning jockey
- The surprise package's explosive turn of foot in the final furlong
What This Means for the Season
This result throws open several major autumn targets, with bookmakers immediately slashing the winner's price for upcoming Group 1 contests. Meanwhile, connections of the favourite face some serious soul-searching after this unexpected setback at one of British racing's most glamorous meetings.
