Trawlerman and Buick move into top gear to land Ascot Gold Cup

Godolphin’s Trawlerman produced a stunning performance to lead from pillar to post and win Royal Ascot’s most historic race the Ascot Gold Cup on Thursday for the in-form father and son training partnership John and Thady Gosden.

- 

Jockey William Buick rode the favorite to victory in the top race of the week and earned a first prize of $500,000 for Trawlerman’s owner, the Dubai-based Godolphin operation.

King Charles III and Queen Camilla handed out the Gold Cup and medals after the race to Buick, trainer John Gosden and members of Godolphin.

It was quite some way for Buick to win his first Gold Cup aged 36, the winner also breaking the track record.

Norway-born Buick, who had ridden Wednesday's feature race winner Ombudsman also for the Gosdens, stood up in the saddle and saluted the crowd punching the air.

"He is a great horse, only beaten by the great Kyprios last year,” said Buick.

“I did not have to put the brakes on once.

“He was on autopilot. I was just a passenger.

“My first Gold Cup, long time coming, not an easy race to win.

“I am delighted.": For the Gosdens it was their second win in the race since they teamed up but for John it was his fifth, having trained the legendary Stradivarius to three successive victories (2018-20).