A glorious win for Trawlerman as William Buick delivers a Gold Cup masterclass for Team Gosden.
It was a day of high emotion and even higher stakes at Royal Ascot as John and Thady Gosden’s stayer, Trawlerman, delivered a captivating victory in the Gold Cup. Under a flawless ride from William Buick, the five-year-old gelding battled bravely to secure the biggest win of the meeting, adding another chapter to the illustrious Gosden legacy.
With the sun blazing down and the royal procession, led by King Charles III and Queen Camilla, adding its usual pageantry, the scene was set for a race that promised thrills and delivered plenty. Against a top-class field, Trawlerman asserted himself when it mattered most, rallying in the final furlong to win by a length and justify the faith placed in him by connections.
It was the highlight of a memorable Day Three at Ascot, which featured a series of captivating finishes across the card. Earlier, the Norfolk Stakes witnessed a dominant victory for Charles the First, living up to his name and delighting the royal crowd. In the King George V Stakes, it was Merchant making the most of his opportunity, charging down the straight to win by a head.
The Ribblesdale Stakes saw a sensational run from Garden, who bloomed when it counted, while the Britannia Stakes belonged to Arabian, rewarding connections with a thrilling win. The Hampton Court Stakes had its lesson in precision from College, while the concluding race of the day, the Buckingham Palace Stakes, ended in a pulsating victory for Brave, charging home for the win.
But it was Trawlerman and William Buick who stole the spotlight. “It’s a very special win for the team,” said Buick, still beaming as he spoke to reporters afterwards. “He’s a horse with so much heart, and you can feel how much it means to everyone here. To win a race like the Gold Cup is why you get up every morning and do this.”
For John and Thady Gosden, the victory reaffirmed their status as one of the sport’s premier training duos. “He’s such a tough horse,” said John Gosden. “We’ve asked a lot of him, and he’s delivered every time. William gave him a fantastic ride — measured, patient, knowing when to ask the questions. Everything came together.”
As the sun set over the racecourse, the atmosphere was electric. The day had witnessed moments of grit and glory, heartbreak and heroics, making it another chapter in Royal Ascot’s long and storied tradition. From Trawlerman’s Gold Cup heroics to the King and Queen’s arrival, the spectacle lived up to its royal billing.
With another day of racing to come, and whispers of special guests and unexpected stories to emerge, Ascot remains the beating heart of summer racing — a place where heritage, sport, and sheer adrenaline collide.
“That’s it for today,” signed off Tony Paley from the press room. “I’m off to sort my outfit for tomorrow — and to raise a well-deserved glass of champagne. See you all Saturday for more thrills from the race that never sleeps.
