Kyprios prevailed over Stradivarius and Trueshan in a pulsating Al Shaqab Goodwood Cup (G1) July 26, with all three staying stars throwing down their efforts to take victory in the closing stages before the Gold Cup (G1) winner emerged triumphant.
Always racing handily under Ryan Moore, Kyprios was in front three furlongs from the finish, a point that was more notable for a big move made by Trueshan's rider, Hollie Doyle, who rushed past Stradivarius and trapped him for room as he was being angled out to attack by Andrea Atzeni.
Losing ground and having to switch to the inside as the rail dropped away, Stradivarius delivered his effort to win a fifth Goodwood Cup while Kyprios and Trueshan went head-to-head down the center of the course.
After fending off Trueshan, Kyprios began to idle as Stradivarius dug deep on the inside, but his effort was not quite enough to run down the new staying star from Ballydoyle.
Moore said of Kyprios: "He's done nothing wrong this year, and he's only doing what he has to do. It was a steadily run race, and he was in front a long way out, and he was just waiting. I've never felt like I've got to the bottom of him.
"There's no doubt he's a proper group 1 horse. He's always been held in high regard, and he's a pleasure to ride. I think there's more to come, and we don't know where he'll end up."
The Irish St Leger (G1) was put forward as the next target for Kyprios by trainer Aidan O'Brien, while Paddy Power made the 4-year-old 3-1 favorite for next year's Gold Cup at Royal Ascot.
"He's a great horse, and Ryan gave him a beautiful ride," O'Brien said. "He's only ever in the gear you want him, and he's lazy. Ryan had him in a beautiful position, and he loves a battle.
"He saves everything, and he's very professional—I think there's a lot more to come from him. There's any amount in there with him.
"We'll go from here to the Irish St Leger, and he's a really lovely horse. He has a lot of quality."
The Goodwood Cup had been earmarked as a possible final outing for Stradivarius, but owner-breeder Bjorn Nielsen indicated to ITV Racing that the 8-year-old would continue to race on, with the Lonsdale Cup (G2) at York's Ebor festival the next target.
Joint-trainer John Gosden said: "As long as he's happy and enjoying his racing and training, there's no reason (to finish). He's an 8-year-old entire and enjoying his life. We'll let Mr. Nielsen know how he has come out of it in the coming days."
Atzeni, who replaced Frankie Dettori on Stradivarius, was full of praise for his mount. "He ran his heart out again," Atzeni said. "The race went quite smoothly, they went at a nice pace, and then Trueshan appears at the four-furlong marker, but it was a long way out from home, and I didn't want to get racing early.
"We made our challenge away from the winner, but he ran all the way to the line like a champion."
What a race, Kyprios the Irish raider wins his first Al Shaqab Goodwood Cup Stakes just denying the legend that is Stradivarius for Aidan O'Brien under a great ride from Ryan Moore. @Q_REC @Ballydoyle pic.twitter.com/HkDJvc5Moo
— Goodwood Racecourse (@Goodwood_Races) July 26, 2022
