In a result that sent shockwaves through the racing world, the unheralded Qirat produced a stunning 150-1 upset to win the prestigious Sussex Stakes at Glorious Goodwood, becoming the longest-priced winner in Group One history.
The four-year-old filly, trained by relative newcomer Sarah Johnson and ridden by apprentice jockey Tom Whitaker, produced a perfectly timed run to overhaul the hot favourite Desert Crown in the final furlong, sending the Goodwood crowd into raptures.
A Fairytale Result
Bookmakers were left reeling as the rank outsider, largely ignored in the betting market, stormed home to claim the £500,000 first prize. "That's horse racing at its most unpredictable," said Coral's David Stevens. "We've never seen anything like this at Group One level."
Against All Odds
Qirat's victory smashed the previous record for the longest-priced Group One winner, surpassing the 100-1 shot Norton's Coin in the 1990 Cheltenham Gold Cup. The filly had shown little in her previous outings, finishing no better than sixth in her last five starts.
"We always believed she had talent," said an emotional Johnson, "but to see her deliver like this on the biggest stage is beyond our wildest dreams." Whitaker, riding in his first Group One race, added: "She just found another gear when we needed it most."
Historic Moment for Goodwood
The Sussex Stakes, first run in 1841, has never witnessed such a dramatic upset. Racecourse officials confirmed it was the biggest-priced winner in the event's illustrious history.
Racing pundits were left scrambling to find comparable shocks, with many comparing it to Leicester City's 5000-1 Premier League triumph in 2016. "This is our Leicester moment," declared ITV Racing's Francesca Cumani.
As Qirat returned to a hero's reception, the racing world was left to ponder: has there ever been a more improbable winner at the highest level of the sport?
