Five years ago, Trawlerman kicked off his racing career on a cold, quiet November evening at Chelmsford.
Back then, there wasn’t a single fan in the stands because of the pandemic.
Fast forward to today, and over 65,000 spectators packed Royal Ascot to watch that very same horse deliver a jaw-dropping performance in one of the world’s most prestigious flat races.
It wasn’t just a win—it was a domination.
Trawlerman didn’t just gallop to victory in the Gold Cup; he owned the race.
A Veteran with Miles in His Hooves
At seven years old, Trawlerman has become a seasoned warrior on the turf.
He’s raced 21 times for six different jockeys, covering over 38 miles in competitive races across Saudi Arabia, Dubai, and the UK.
And he’s not just putting in the miles—he’s bringing in over £1 million in prize money.
Owned by Godolphin and trained in Newmarket by the father-son duo John and Thady Gosden, Trawlerman has steadily built a reputation as one of racing’s most reliable stayers.
Gold Cup Glory Sealed with a Record-Breaking Gallop
On Thursday, history called—and Trawlerman answered loud and clear.
With jockey William Buick in the saddle, the pair exploded out of the gates and never looked back.
Buick pushed the pace early, hitting speeds of up to 36mph, and they held the lead from start to finish.
Sent off as the 85/40 favourite, Trawlerman crossed the finish line a whopping seven lengths ahead of runner-up Illinois, smashing the course record with a final time of 4:15.07.
Inside the Ride: Buick and Gosden React
Trainer John Gosden was quick to heap praise on both his horse and jockey:
“Trawlerman just goes off,” he said with a grin.
“William said, ‘I threw the reins at him!’ That horse judges pace better than any rider. He’s an out-and-out galloper.”
Buick, still buzzing from the win, called the race one of his most memorable.
“This is the greatest week of racing,” he said. “Trawlerman just glided.
I didn’t need to check him once.
In that last half-mile, it was like he found a new gear. He was just flying.”
Frankie Dettori Cheers On Like a Proud Dad
While he wasn’t riding this time, Frankie Dettori, who had partnered Trawlerman in eight previous races, was all smiles as he watched from the parade ring.
He couldn’t stop telling people how proud he was of the horse’s performance.
“That was like watching your best mate knock out a world champion,” he said, comparing Trawlerman’s dominance to heavyweight legend Frank Bruno.
What About Kyprios? A Win That Stands Tall Anyway
Some critics might ask whether Trawlerman’s win would have been possible if Kyprios, last year’s dominant champion, hadn’t been forced into early retirement.
But that doesn’t dull the shine of this victory.
Even Aidan O’Brien, whose horse Illinois was a distant second, offered gracious praise:
“It just shows how good Kyprios was—but Trawlerman’s win today was something special.”
A Horse That Raced for Glory, Not Applause
As the cameras clicked and fans waited for their glimpse of the hero, Trawlerman was doing what mattered most—replenishing with a big bucket of water.
No fancy parade, no spotlight show—just the satisfaction of a job well done.
One Ascot official said it best:
“The priority is the horse.” And honestly, that couldn’t be more fitting.
One for the Ages
In the end, Trawlerman’s Gold Cup win wasn’t just about speed or strength.
It was about resilience, heart, and years of relentless effort.
From a no-audience debut to a standing ovation at Ascot, this horse’s journey is a reminder of why racing fans fall in love with the sport in the first place.
Here’s to Trawlerman—a true star of the turf.