Kyprios Returns to Glory at Royal Ascot’s Gold Cup

Kyprios staged an incredible comeback by defeating Trawlerman in a thrilling duel at Royal Ascot’s Gold Cup, becoming only the third horse to reclaim the title. The 2022 champion, who missed last year’s race due to a severe leg injury, triumphed by a length under jockey Ryan Moore for trainer Aidan O’Brien. Sent off as the 11-10 favorite, Kyprios emerged victorious after a gripping battle down the home straight with Sweet William finishing third.  O’Brien celebrated his ninth win in the week’s premier race, earning praise from Michael Tabor, one of the winning owners, who hailed him as a “genius.”

The trainer disclosed that Kyprios had recovered from a serious fetlock joint injury that had become severely infected. O’Brien remarked, “It’s a million to one, almost impossible to come back from what he came back from.” He likened Kyprios’s journey to that of a human suffering a catastrophic injury, needing to relearn movement and walking before returning to the highest level of competition. Approaching the final furlong, Kyprios surged ahead and held off Trawlerman, ridden by William Buick for trainers John and Thady Gosden. Trawlerman had previously defeated Kyprios on softer ground at Ascot during British Champions Day in October.

John Gosden, also trainer of Sweet William, commented on the thrilling finish, noting, “That’s what you like to see—a close contest right to the line.” In another notable achievement, jockey Ryan Moore surpassed Frankie Dettori as the active jockey with the most wins at Royal Ascot by partnering with trainer Aidan O’Brien to victory in the Ribblesdale Stakes with the 12-1 shot Port Fairy.