Trawlerman Triumphs in Long Distance Cup at Ascot

Trawlerman reaffirmed his status as a top contender in the staying division by clinching victory in the Qipco British Champions Long Distance Cup at Ascot on October 14, 2023. The bay horse, trained by John and Thady Gosden, was the 5-6 favourite and showcased a commanding performance over the two-mile distance. Under the guidance of jockey William Buick, Trawlerman led the race before fending off his stablemate, Sweet William, who made a strong challenge but fell short, finishing one and a half lengths behind.

The race unfolded with Trawlerman taking a measured approach, allowing the field to settle before making his move as they rounded the final bend. Sweet William, ridden by Robert Havlin, attempted to close the gap but was unable to surpass Trawlerman, who crossed the finish line comfortably with Al Qareem trailing in third, 12 lengths behind.

Gosden praised both horses, stating, “They are two lovely horses – one seven, one six (years old) – great staying horses and they are part of the family at home.” He reflected on Trawlerman’s recent performances, noting, “As soon as they came into the straight, he probably idled a bit but the other horse was running him down so it was a great performance from both.”

Sweet William’s owner, Philippa Cooper, expressed satisfaction with her horse’s performance, stating, “It’s probably a career best if you judge it on how close he got to Trawlerman.” She also remarked on the strategic plan for the race, which involved keeping Sweet William back initially. “Rab (Havlin) thought he was going to win but then Trawlerman just had that little bit extra,” she added, acknowledging the competitive nature of the race.

The outcome of the Long Distance Cup holds significance for both trainers as they look to the future. Gosden mentioned that both horses will be rested until next year, with plans for a run prior to the prestigious Gold Cup. He noted, “Trawlerman is such a relentless galloper, I couldn’t be more thrilled with him.”

Karl Burke, trainer of third-place finisher Al Qareem, recognized the effort of his horse, commenting, “He wears his heart on his sleeve and he always tries his best.” Al Qareem’s performance against the top two stayers in Britain earned him around £60,000 for his efforts. Burke indicated that the horse will also be given a break after a challenging season, stating, “He’s had a hard campaign and we can put him away now.”

The Long Distance Cup serves as a highlight of Champions Day, and the atmosphere at Ascot was electric, with the crowd reacting enthusiastically as the horses approached the finish line. The event not only showcased the talents of these remarkable horses but also underscored the importance of proper ground conditions for racing, as Gosden noted the satisfaction of competing on “good ground.”

As the racing community reflects on this year’s events, the anticipation for future competitions remains high. The performances of Trawlerman and Sweet William set the stage for an exciting season to come, ensuring that these horses will continue to be key players in the staying division.