World Pool Ambassador The Sussex is the big race on Wednesday and I’m looking forward to getting back on HENRI MATISSE. He’s been in good form this year, winning his first start at Leopardstown and then beating Jonquil in the French 2000 Guineas. He was beaten by Field Of Gold in the St James’s Palace and we have a bit of work to do to turn that form around. He’s been getting better with every start, though, and hopefully he can improve a bit more. Field Of Gold has a very similar profile to his father, Kingman. He was very impressive at Royal Ascot the last day. We’re either going to have to raise our game or we’ll need him to underperform. Rosallion was a very good three-year-old. He stepped forward from the Lockinge in the Queen Anne at Ascot and he may improve again. Docklands won the race at Ascot, although he seems to reserve his best form for there. Carl Spackler had some good form in the US, and he ran well in the Queen Anne. He is an interesting runner in this.
Ryan Moore
S2-4: Group 1 Sussex Stakes
Bill Esdaile
City AM - Racing Editor
Stats 1: Watch Aidan O'Brien’s 3YO horses ridden by Ryan Moore
In the last ten editions of the Sussex Stakes, six of Aidan O’Brien’s 3YO horses ridden by Ryan Moore have combined for 2 wins, 1 second and 2 fourths.
| Record of Aidan O'Brien’s 3YO horses ridden by Ryan Moore in the last ten editions of the Sussex Stakes | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year | Horse | Finish | |||
| 2024 | HENRY LONGFELLOW | 4 | |||
| 2023 | PADDINGTON | 1 | |||
| 2019 | CIRCUS MAXIMUS | 2 | |||
| 2018 | GUSTAV KLIMT | 4 | |||
| 2017 | LANCASTER BOMBER | 6 | |||
| 2016 | THE GURKHA | 1 | |||
Horse on radar: No.6 HENRI MATISSE
Stats 2: Watch the top-three finishers of the St James's Palace Stakes
In the last six editions of the Sussex Stakes, seven top-three finishers from the G1 St James's Palace Stakes in the same season have competed in this race, achieving 2 wins, 2 seconds, 1 third and 1 fourth.
| Record of the top-3 finishers of the St James's Palace Stakes in the last six editions of the Sussex Stakes | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year | Horse | Finish in St James's Palace Stakes | Finish in this race | ||
| 2024 | HENRY LONGFELLOW | 2 | 4 | ||
| 2023 | PADDINGTON | 1 | 1 | ||
| 2023 | CHARYN | 3 | 3 | ||
| 2021 | POETIC FLARE | 1 | 2 | ||
| 2020 | WICHITA | 3 | 5 | ||
| 2019 | TOO DARN HOT | 3 | 1 | ||
| 2019 | CIRCUS MAXIMUS | 1 | 2 | ||
Horses on radar: No.5 FIELD OF GOLD & No.6 HENRI MATISSE
Disclaimer:
The above content and information are the personal views and/or opinions of each individual writer and do not represent the views of The Hong Kong Jockey Club and/or its subsidiaries (together, the "HKJC"). The content and information are provided by the writers solely for entertainment purpose only, and should not be construed as a suggestion for anyone to place any bet nor should they be taken and/or relied upon as advice of any kind. The above content and information have not been verified, confirmed and/or endorsed by HKJC and HKJC shall not be liable to any person for any loss or damage suffered by such person as a result of any use or reliance of the above content or information.
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Running Style:
Backmarker
Midfield
Prominent
LeaderLast 5 Performances:
Date | Course and Distance | Jockey | Draw
1. CARL SPACKLER
J: Shane Foley
T: Ciaron Maher
Wt.: 136 Dr.: 7
Last 5 performances
11/08/24 | SAR 1600m | Tyler Gaffalione | (3)
05/10/24 | KEE 1600m | Tyler Gaffalione | (9)
02/11/24 | DMR 1600m | Tyler Gaffalione | (10)
11/04/25 | KEE 1600m | Flavien Prat | (5)
17/06/25 | ASC 1600m | James McDonald | (8)
2. DOCKLANDS
J: Tom Marquand
T: Harry Eustace
Wt.: 136 Dr.: 6
Last 5 performances
09/11/24 | FLEM 2000m | Declan Bates | (6)
08/12/24 | ST 1600m | Mark Zahra | (2)
30/04/25 | ASC 1600m | Richard Kingscote | (5)
07/06/25 | EPS 1703m | Richard Kingscote | (2)
17/06/25 | ASC 1600m | Mark Zahra | (5)
3. QIRAT
J: Richard Kingscote
T: Ralph Beckett
Wt.: 136 Dr.: 2
Last 5 performances
25/08/24 | GOO 1400m | Hector Crouch | (4)
05/10/24 | ASC 1400m | Hector Crouch | (12)
30/10/24 | NOT 1668m | Hector Crouch | (3)
10/05/25 | ASC 1400m | Rossa Ryan | (9)
18/06/25 | ASC 1600m | Colin Keane | (21)
4. ROSALLION
J: Sean Levey
T: Richard Hannon
Wt.: 136 Dr.: 5
Last 5 performances
04/05/24 | NEW 1600m | Sean Levey | (4)
25/05/24 | CUR 1600m | Sean Levey | (6)
18/06/24 | ASC 1594m | Sean Levey | (1)
17/05/25 | NBY 1600m | Sean Levey | (7)
17/06/25 | ASC 1600m | Sean Levey | (10)
5. FIELD OF GOLD
J: William Buick
T: John & Thady Gosden
Wt.: 128 Dr.: 3
Last 5 performances
06/10/24 | LCH 1400m | Kieran Shoemark | (5)
16/04/25 | NEW 1600m | Kieran Shoemark | (6)
03/05/25 | NEW 1600m | Kieran Shoemark | (10)
24/05/25 | CUR 1600m | Colin Keane | (9)
17/06/25 | ASC 1594m | Colin Keane | (5)
6. HENRI MATISSE
J: Ryan Moore
T: A P O'Brien
Wt.: 128 Dr.: 1
Last 5 performances
06/10/24 | LCH 1400m | Ryan Moore | (3)
01/11/24 | DMR 1600m | Ryan Moore | (12)
30/03/25 | LEO 1427m | Ryan Moore | (1)
11/05/25 | LCH 1600m | Ryan Moore | (6)
17/06/25 | ASC 1594m | Ryan Moore | (1)
7. SERENGETI
J: Wayne Lordan
T: A P O'Brien
Wt.: 128 Dr.: 4
Last 5 performances
19/10/24 | LEO 1427m | Wayne Lordan | (4)
30/10/24 | DUN 1400m | Declan McDonogh | (11)
23/03/25 | NAA 1400m | Wayne Lordan | (8)
11/05/25 | LCH 1600m | Sean Levey | (1)
19/06/25 | ASC 1600m | Ryan Moore | (17)
SPEED MAP
Talking Horse & Sneaker
Disclaimer:
The above content and information are for reference only, and should not be construed as a suggestion for anyone to place any bet nor should they be taken and/or relied upon as advice of any kind. HKJC shall not be liable to any person for any loss or damage suffered by such person as a result of any use or reliance of the above content or information.
HKJC shall not be required to give and does not give any warranty, whether express or implied, arising out of or in connection with the content or information. The Club disclaims any responsibility and accepts no liability (whether in tort, contract or otherwise) for any direct or indirect loss of damage arising from any inaccuracies, omission or typographical errors that may be contained therein. The Club also does not warrant the accuracy, completeness, timeliness or fitness for purpose of any such information.
‘We are under no illusions regarding the opposition’ – Docklands to take chance in hot Sussex
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FIELD OF GOLD to face new challenges in Sussex Stakes says Gosden
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Buick ‘on the list’ for Field Of Gold ride in Sussex
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‘We are under no illusions regarding the opposition’ – Docklands to take chance in hot Sussex
Information provided by Racing & Sports
24/07/2025
Harry Eustace’s stable star Docklands will take his chance in the competitive Group 1 Sussex Stakes at Glorious Goodwood, with a new rider aboard.
The five-year-old, owned by Australian-based group OTI Racing, has been a loyal servant for the Newmarket-based Eustace yard over the years, achieving a breakthrough Royal Ascot handicap success in 2023. Despite struggling to break through at Group 1 level elsewhere, Docklands continued his love affair with Ascot when finishing a well-beaten second behind Charyn in the 2024 Group 1 Queen Anne Stakes at the Royal meeting – an effort, which at the time, appeared to be a likely career best.
Defeated on his first two runs of this season, the son of Massaat returned to the Berkshire track and surprised many with a nose success over Rosallion in a stellar Queen Anne Stakes.
His victory at the Royal meeting marks Docklands as one of the leading 1600m horses in Europe, and he will take his chance in a competitive renewal of the Group 1 Sussex Stakes at Royal Ascot.
“We are under no illusions regarding the opposition,” said Eustace.
“We take on the three-year-olds, particularly Field of Gold, which will be the toughest opponent he’s faced so far, but he’s in as good a place as we have ever had him.
“At Ascot, it was not an end-to-end gallop which you would have expected, but quite a tactically run race. That can typically be true at Goodwood as well, that encouraged us to give him the chance back at Goodwood.
“The track should suit him. He has run there before and to the eye was a little disappointing, but it was his first run off the back of his win in the Britannia, and, in hindsight, I don’t know whether I had him one hundred percent.
“He handled Epsom [in the Group 3 Diomed Stakes] well, so I have no problem with the cambers at Goodwood. The quality that might be another matter.”
Throughout his career, Docklands has been predominantly partnered by the recently retired Hayley Turner and required a new partnership for 2025. Ridden by Richard Kingscote on his first two runs of the season, Australian Mark Zahra was drafted in for Docklands’ Queen Anne success, but the pair are unavailable for renewing their respective relationships with the horse.
“Tom Marquand will ride in the Sussex. Mark rode him at Ascot and Richard is off to Hong Kong.
“Finding someone who can commit over two or three races this year is difficult for a yard our size, but I’m obviously keen to get the best available. I have a good relationship with Tom through my time with William Haggas and I think he’ll suit him well.”
Success in the Queen Anne Stakes represented a first Group 1 for young trainer Harry Eustace, who then enjoyed a Group 1 double with Time For Sandals in the Group 1 Commonwealth Cup.
“It can’t be understated how important he’s been for us for the last three years.
“We’ll cherish his two wins at Royal Ascot forever. We’re a relatively young business. He is by a long way our flagship horse and has been key to everything that’s happened since.”
Important Notice:
Information is provided by the third-party provider and it is intended to be used for reference only. The content and information have not been verified or confirmed by The Hong Kong Jockey Club and/or its affiliates (together, the “HKJC”), and will not be used for dividend payout purposes. HKJC also do not make any representation or warranty about the timeliness, reliability or accuracy of any such information. The data, articles and other information on these pages are provided on an “as is” basis for information purposes only. None of The Hong Kong Jockey Club, its affiliates or any other person involved in or related to the compilation of such information guarantees its accuracy or reliability and accepts no liability (whether in tort or contract or otherwise) for any loss or damage arising from any inaccuracies or omissions.
FIELD OF GOLD to face new challenges in Sussex Stakes says Gosden
Information provided by Racing & Sports
23/07/2025
John Gosden believes that Field Of Gold will have to overcome new challenges should he complete a memorable Group 1 hat-trick in the 1600m Sussex Stakes at Glorious Goodwood.
The striking grey son of Kingman has burst onto the scene this season, making amends for an unlucky defeat in the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket with a facile success in the Irish equivalent, before blowing away his rivals in the St James’s Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot last month.
Although stepping up in trip for the Juddmonte International was mooted as a possibility, connections have opted to stick to racing over 1600m, with Gosden reporting his classy three-year-old to be in fine form ahead of his latest assignment on the Sussex Downs.
“He’s been a grand horse to train; he's done nothing but thrive this year,” said Gosden, who trains in partnership with his son Thady. “We've been pleased with his progress all the way through.”
Whilst Field Of Gold has fairly made a mockery of his rivals in his last two Group 1 outings, Gosden senior believes his Juddmonte-owned colt, who is now the joint-highest rated horse in the world, will face different challenges when he heads to the Sussex Stakes.
He said: “The Sussex is a different test of a horse. If you've ever walked the track, it’s quite a surprise, it runs down into a dip, swings up and around.
“You don't want too big a field and get a high draw because you are literally down the hill looking at the horses getting the shortest run round up the hill, so the draw is a big factor there if you get a large field.
“The horse is athletic, he's got great balance, and hopefully he’ll handle the track well. It’s very different to the round mile of Ascot or the Curragh, that’s for sure.
“He's in great order, and we’re looking forward to running him. It’s very much the obvious race to go to for him. He does have that great turn of foot, and let’s hope we get a clear run, and he can produce it on the day.”
A win for Field Of Gold would be particularly meaningful, as the son of Kingman bids to emulate his sire’s famous treble. Kingman, like his son, was narrowly beaten in the 2,000 Guineas before winning the Irish Guineas, St James’s Palace Stakes, and Sussex Stakes, all for the same owner-trainer combination of Juddmonte and Clarehaven.
Reflecting on Kingman’s success in the race, Gosden, who also landed the prize in 2019 with the high-class Too Darn Hot, said: “His father did it in somewhat cheeky fashion, it was an extraordinary race. They literally crawled, then sprinted in the last two furlongs, and fortunately we got it just right on the line with James Doyle aboard.”
Important Notice:
Information is provided by the third-party provider and it is intended to be used for reference only. The content and information have not been verified or confirmed by The Hong Kong Jockey Club and/or its affiliates (together, the “HKJC”), and will not be used for dividend payout purposes. HKJC also do not make any representation or warranty about the timeliness, reliability or accuracy of any such information. The data, articles and other information on these pages are provided on an “as is” basis for information purposes only. None of The Hong Kong Jockey Club, its affiliates or any other person involved in or related to the compilation of such information guarantees its accuracy or reliability and accepts no liability (whether in tort or contract or otherwise) for any loss or damage arising from any inaccuracies or omissions.
Buick ‘on the list’ for Field Of Gold ride in Sussex
Information provided by Racing & Sports
15/07/2025
It has been a rollercoaster year for followers of the Juddmonte operation: with the famous green-and-pink silks suffering considerable highs and lows on the track.
Irish jockey Colin Keane was appointed retained rider for the global powerhouse’s European runners in early June and received a book of rides at Royal Ascot that any top rider would be proud of. A six-time champion jockey in Ireland, Keane immediately tasted success in his new job with a resounding success aboard Irish 2000 Guineas hero Field Of Gold in the Group 1 St James’s Palace Stakes.
With John and Thady Gosden’s impressive colt headed to Glorious Goodwood to take on his elders for the first time in the Group 1 Sussex Stakes, Keane was expected to reunite with the galloping grey. But, whilst successful aboard Juddmonte’s Windlord in the Listed Gala Stakes at Sandown, the thirty-year-old picked up a whip suspension which ruled him out of both the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes and Glorious Goodwood.
Keane said: "I'm so used to eight (strikes) as it is at home, I just have to abide by the rules here.
"That's the only way I can put it, I know six is the amount over here but when I was in a ding-dong battle, I suppose it just went out of my head unfortunately.
"It's unfortunate but it's my own fault."
It was not only Colin Keane who tasted dismay at Sandown, with fellow weighing room colleague William Buick narrowly defeated on the Gosdens’ Ombudsman in the Group 1 Coral-Eclipse Stakes.
Buick, retained rider for Godolphin, is a familiar face at the Gosdens’ Clarehaven base. A two-time British champion jockey, the thirty-six-year-old was retained rider for John Gosden from 2010 to 2014 and has partnered many of the stable’s runners – in both Godolphin blue and other silks – to success.
His positive link with the Gosden yard puts him firmly in the mix for the ride aboard Field Of Gold in the Sussex Stakes, where the colt is a short-priced favourite to give the Gosden team a third success in the race – and also emulate sire Kingman, who was successful in 2014.
“I’m sure he (Buick) is on the list, but we’ll have to wait and see whether Godolphin have a runner in the race and everything else nearer the time,” said John Gosden.
“All being well Field Of Gold will be heading to Goodwood – that is plan A. I saw the horse myself earlier this week, he looked in good shape and seems to be doing well.
“We’ll make a decision on who rides him closer to the time.”
Important Notice:
Information is provided by the third-party provider and it is intended to be used for reference only. The content and information have not been verified or confirmed by The Hong Kong Jockey Club and/or its affiliates (together, the “HKJC”), and will not be used for dividend payout purposes. HKJC also do not make any representation or warranty about the timeliness, reliability or accuracy of any such information. The data, articles and other information on these pages are provided on an “as is” basis for information purposes only. None of The Hong Kong Jockey Club, its affiliates or any other person involved in or related to the compilation of such information guarantees its accuracy or reliability and accepts no liability (whether in tort or contract or otherwise) for any loss or damage arising from any inaccuracies or omissions.