Stradivarius wins record-breaking fourth Goodwood Cup

History was made at Glorious Goodwood on Tuesday, as superstar stayer Stradivarius became the outright most successful horse in the Goodwood Cup with a jaw-dropping performance.

Stradivarius has been the King of the staying division in recent years and further cemented his legacy on Tuesday. On the Sussex Downs, he soared to a record-breaking fourth success in the Goodwood Cup under the superb Frankie Dettori.

2017

He turned up to the 2017 renewal as the young-pretender, a three-year-old looking to stake his claim as the best young stayer in the country. Sent off a well-backed 6/1 shot, he weaved his way through the field in the home straight and pulled clear of Big Orange in the final furlong. He took full advantage of his weight for age allowance, something Santiago was unable to do this afternoon.

2018

He was made to work much harder twelve months later. Stradivarius came swinging to the front at the top of the straight and perhaps got there too soon, as Andrea Atzeni had to get really serious with his mount. He showed his battling qualities to get on top in the final furlong, where he slowly pulled clear in the final 100 yards.

2019

It was much easier than the neck winning margin suggests, that’s for sure. The fact that Frankie Dettori was celebrating in the final strides tells you all you need to know. Stradivarius once again showcased his devastating turn of foot as he flew down the outside of his rivals, picking up a very cozy success over a smart field.

2020

Sent off the 4/7 favourite, Stradivarius had to overcome extreme adversity to create history. He sauntered through the race under Dettori, following his young adversary Santiago. Space was at a premium on the inside and he found himself trapped behind a wall of three horses. Dettori didn’t have long to find a gap, but he burst between Eagles By Day and Santiago with moments to spare.

He charged down Nayef Road to land the prize in the dying strides and although it didn’t look easy, it was still somehow comfortable.