Horse Racing
Gosden leaning towards Goodwood with Trawlerman
A tilt at the Al Shaqab Goodwood Cup remains under consideration for Trawlerman – goggles and all.
The popular stayer grabbed the headlines even before his defence of the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot last month, as he sported the unusual headgear in the parade ring and on the way to the start in a bid to alleviate an eye problem, which makes him sensitive to the sun.
Making his belated seasonal debut, John and Thady Gosden’s Trawlerman went down by just a head to Aidan O’Brien’s Scandinavia in a race for the ages – and a rematch could be on the cards.
John Gosden said: “He’s fine and he’s been out in his goggles!
“He did very well to run such a good race after a shortened preparation and he did give a pound to the winner – and a pound over two and a half miles matters.
“Two miles at Goodwood might be on the sharp side for him, but having said that he’s in great order.
“He has race-fitness now, but he’s the type of horse that’s like an old boxer – he’s up for it any time.”
The third heatwave of the year has seen the Gosdens alter their training regime, with temperatures rising above 30C for day one of Newmarket’s July Festival on Thursday.
Gosden added: “You’re very careful how you train and you train very early in the morning when it’s beautifully cool. We’ve got fans and windows and everything open and the horses handle it well.
“Keep them hydrated, that’s the key thing, just like you and I. They’re no different and to that extent they’ll cope.
“Luckily for us it’s a dry heat and not a humid heat, so at least you can breathe the air easier.
“Jockeys are getting off earlier (after a race) and the horses are coming in and we’re keeping the cold water on them.
“Point Of Law (Bahrain Trophy winner) had three cold hose pipes before we went to the races. Someone said ‘that horse is sweating’ and I said ‘no, he’s just had a hose down!’.”
Gosden also had some strong words in response to the announcement that the Gambling Commission is to press ahead with the implementation of controversial affordability checks on punters.
The move comes despite opposition from those within British racing and bookmakers, and Gosden was happy to put his shoulder to the wheel to push against it.
“We have a great industry, the thoroughbred, racing and breeding industry, whether it is Flat or Jumps, but the government seems to pay no attention,” Gosden said.
“They let a quango in the Gambling Commission set the rules and ram it through without a parliamentary debate.”
