Racing fans get ready — Glorious Goodwood is set to light up the summer, and Day 1 of the festival brings an early treat with the Goodwood Cup.
The Group 1 prestigious staying race is run over two miles and is open to horses aged three and older. It serves as the premier long-distance contest during the renowned summer meeting.
Forming a key leg of the British Stayers' Triple Crown, alongside the Ascot Gold Cup in June and the Doncaster Cup in August, an illustrious roll of honour for the race includes names that defined their eras: Double Trigger (3 wins), Trueshan, Big Orange, Yeats, and Persian Punch among others.
Most notably, Stradivarius claimed the race four years in a row from 2017 to 2020 — an unprecedented feat. And more recently, Kyprios added his name to the list with victories in 2022 and 2024, cementing the Cup’s reputation as the pinnacle of summer staying tests.
Who will take home the glory in 2025? Let's take a look at the latest betting and expert tips.
Goodwood Cup 2025 expert racing tips, betting and latest odds
The likely market leader is Illinois, a four-year-old from the Aidan O’Brien yard. Though narrowly beaten into second in the Ascot Gold Cup last time out, he boasts a remarkable record of 11 career starts — all finishing in the top three. His consistency, versatility, and stamina make him the one to beat.
Challengers include Dubai Future, who ran third in the Gold Cup, and Sweet William, runner-up in last year’s Goodwood Cup. Both have demonstrated proven staying ability over two miles and beyond, with course and distance form to back them up.
New faces to the G1 scene include Military Academy, who ran second over course and distance last time out, and French Master, who emerged as a promising stayer during the Royal Ascot meeting. Each has the profile of a potential breakthrough contender.
Key Runners:
- Illinois: The stable star of the O'Brien stayers. Second in the Ascot Gold Cup and remarkably consistent — never out of the top three in 11 career starts. Tactically versatile and handles any ground. A rock-solid favourite.
- Sweet William: Second in last year's Goodwood Cup. Lacks an electric turn of foot but stays resolutely and handles Goodwood's undulations well. A return to the frame looks within reach if the pace is solid.
- Military Academy: Runner-up over this course and distance in his most recent outing. Still lightly raced and unproven in Group company, but shaping as a stayer on the rise. This is a key test of his class credentials.
- French Master: Trained by John and Thady Gosden. Impressed in staying company at Royal Ascot this year and looks capable of progressing. Lacks top-level experience but has upside with further maturity.
- Dubai Future: Now nine years old, but still a consistent performer for Godolphin. Finished third in the Gold Cup and has solid stats over extended trips — 1st and 3rd in two starts over two miles or more. Can sit handy and grind out a finish, especially if the race turns into a test of attrition.
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Goodwood Cup 2025 selections
◎ Illinois
○ Sweet William
▲ Military Academy
△ French Master
☆ Dubai Future
Illinois is the clear standout on form and profile and looks poised to finally land his G1 prize.
Sweet William has proven course credentials and should be suited by the setup once again.
Military Academy adds intrigue with his upward trajectory and recent Goodwood run.
French Master brings progressive form into the mix, while Dubai Future, despite his age, remains a viable outsider in a stamina-driven contest.
When is the 2025 Goodwood Cup?
The 2025 Goodwood Cup is scheduled for Tuesday, July 29, as the feature event on the opening day of Glorious Goodwood. Post time is expected around 3:05 p.m. BST.
Goodwood Cup: Key race details
- Distance: 2 miles
- Eligibility: 3-year-olds and up
- Surface: Turf, right-handed track