Gosden's Guineas Curse Could Finally End with Majestic Grey

By Lewis Barnett 2 May, 2025 6 mins read 50 Views

God, I've been waiting YEARS for this. Seriously. John Gosden without a 2000 Guineas win? It's like Lewis Hamilton never winning Monaco. Just doesn't make sense.

Let's get this party started – GO GO GO GOSSA! Time to make the Guineas a "Shoe-in" at bloody last.

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The One That Got Away

I still get a bit pissed off thinking about 2014. Kingman should've won that day. Absolute daylight robbery when Night of Thunder drifted across the entire width of teh track. Poor Kingman probably thought he was racing alone until it was too late. I remember throwing my Racing Post across the pub when that happened. £50 down the drain and a bruised ego to match.

But here we are, nearly a decade later, and Kingman's son FIELD OF GOLD looks ready to rewrite that wrong in today's Betfred-sponsored feature.

Shoemark's Shot at Glory

It's not just Gosden hunting history. Kieran Shoemark deserves this moment too.

The poor bloke took over from Dettori last season and got handed a bunch of fillies who were, let's be honest, past their prime. Inspiral, Free Wind, Emily Upjohn... all brilliant horses but their best days were behind them.

Everyone was quick to criticize Shoemark. Unfairly. Like vultures waiting for him to fail.

Then came Friendly Soul in the Prix de l'Opera on Arc weekend. Finally grabbed that Group 1. I texted my mate at Racing TV that night: "About bloody time!" His response: "Champagne's on ice for Kieran tonight."

Why Isn't Everyone Going Crazy for This Horse?

After watching the Craven, I was absolutely convinced Field Of Gold would be odds-on for the Guineas. Checked my phone and he was still 6-1! Had to double-check I hadn't misread something.

The giant grey absolutely powered home that day. Looked like he was just getting started when crossing the line.

Maybe punters just don't fancy the Craven anymore as a trial. Haafhd was the last to do the double back in 2004. And speaking of greys... you have to go all the way back to 1991 and Mystiko for the last grey to win a Guineas. I remember that day clearly - I was 14 and my dad let me put £2 on him. Felt like a millionaire when he won.

The Potential Fly in the Ointment

If there's one thing that worries me about Field of Gold, it's that he'll likely be held up. And I'm struggling to identify a confirmed front-runner in this field.

Tornado Alert might go forward, but he's Godolphin's third string behind Ruling Court (Buick's pick) and Shadow Of Light (now with a tongue strap).

Shadow of Light was brilliant in the Middle Park and Dewhurst last year, but stamina is the big question mark. Seven furlongs to a mile isn't always a given, especially in a Classic.

Sunday's Filly Showdown

Once we've recovered from Saturday's excitement (and possibly hangovers), Sunday brings us the fillies' turn with the 1,000 Guineas.

DESERT FLOWER versus Lake Victoria. Between them, they're unbeaten in nine races. Something's gotta give.

I adore Lake Victoria. She was absolutely ridiculous in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies' Turf at Del Mar. But... there's something about Desert Flower that reminds me of Oh So Sharp. And that's not a comparison I make lightly.

The way she pulled clear in the Fillies' Mile last autumn... wow. Just wow. Each race she's improved, and with this week's sunshine, she might be ready to bloom. (Sorry for the terrible pun – my editor dared me to squeeze it in somewhere).

Time for Gosden's Golden Moment

So here we are. After decades of trying, John Gosden might finally get his hands on that elusive 2000 Guineas trophy.

I've put my money where my mouth is. £100 at 5/2 yesterday. My wife thinks I'm crazy, but she always does when it comes to racing.

Let's forget the sun in his jealous sky as we hope to lie in a Field Of Gold.

Come on Kieran. Come on Gosden. Let's make history.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should racehorses be trained?

It is important to tailor the frequency of training a racehorse according to its needs, level and schedule. Typically, they would have a daily routine consisting of exercise such as walking, trotting, and cantering, with more exertive work such as galloping or breezing several times a week to build stamina and speed. Rest days allow the horse time to recover from training and to avoid overtraining.

What is a horse's first step of training?

In the initial training phase, the racehorse must undergo a crucial stage called "breaking," during which the horse is accustomed to the saddle, the bridle and the weight carried by the rider. During these early sessions, patience and gentle handling are paramount to ensure the horse learns to be comfortable with human interaction and the equipment it will wear throughout its racing career.

What is a trainer's role in training a racing horse?

Jockeys play an essential role in training racehorses. The jockeys ride the horses, giving feedback on their performance. They also help to educate the horse in racing tactics, like pacing the horse, positioning it, and responding when given commands. A good jockey will become familiar with the horse's strengths as well as its weaknesses. This is vital for race preparation.

What health precautions must be taken when training racehorses?

Meticulous attention to a racehorse's health is vital in preventing injury and illness. Regular veterinary visits, vaccinations, dental care, and good hoof care are all essential. It's also crucial to watch for signs such as fatigue, strain or discomfort. The risk of musculoskeletal damage can be minimized by implementing a progressive training regimen.

Can you ride a racehorse in any place?

Although initial training can be done on any track, race-specific training is often required in facilities that mimic the conditions the horse may face during competition. The horse must be trained on a track that is the same size and has the same surface as the racetrack. Using the correct track helps condition the horse appropriately and gives them experience with that particular racing environment.

How do I train a racing horse?

A racehorse's conditioning is a process that involves a combination of slow, long distance work for stamina as well as shorter, faster workouts for speed. A carefully designed regimen of exercise must gradually strengthen the horse's cardiovascular, muscular, and skeletal system. This is done to mimic the stress of racing, without injuring or overstressing it.

Statistics

Around 80% of thoroughbred racehorses begin their racing careers by the age of two, according to industry estimates.
Gastrointestinal issues affect up to 90% of racehorses during their training, emphasizing the need for careful dietary management.
The average cost to train a thoroughbred racehorse for one year can exceed $50,000, accounting for expenses related to training, boarding, and veterinary care.
Approximately 70% of a racehorse's diet consists of forage, with the remainder made up of grains and supplements to meet their high-calorie needs.
Research has found that a racehorse's stride length can increase by up to 7% following specific strength and conditioning programs.
Statistically, less than 1% of thoroughbred foals born each year will go on to win a stakes race.

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How To

How to Improve a Racehorse’s Stamina & Speed

Interval training is a great way to increase the speed and stamina of a racing horse. It alternates between fast-paced gallops and recovery phases. Gradually expand the distance of the workouts when the horse improves in fitness. Monitor the horse's heart rate during recovery to make sure they're not overexerting themselves. Also, allow them to rest well between sessions to promote muscle recovery.