The favorite, Trollerman, ridden by William Buick, claimed victory in the prestigious Gold Cup at Royal Ascot, making up for the disappointment of Hot Women’s Day on Thursday. The 7-year-old horse, trained by John and Sadi Gosden and betting odds of 85-40, comfortably outpaced Aidan O’Brien’s Illinois, who finished second, while Dubai’s Future came in third at 28-1.
The race featured eight competitors, notably missing last year’s winner Kyprios, who retired in May due to injury. First held in 1807, the Gold Cup is a grueling 2.5-mile contest regarded as one of the ultimate tests of endurance in flat racing, showcasing Europe’s top staying horses. Thursday, part of the five-day Royal Ascot festival starting Tuesday, is traditionally known as Ladies’ Day, mixing high fashion with world-class racing, making it a highlight of the social calendar.
Fan Take: This victory by Trollerman reinforces the thrilling stamina and skill required for elite horse racing, energizing fans and punters alike. It highlights the continued prestige of Royal Ascot’s Gold Cup as a pinnacle event that shapes the future of the sport by celebrating top-class staying horses.