After previously reporting he might be a doubt to run at Royal Ascot, John Gosden confirmed that Trawlerman will attempt to retain his Gold Cup crown, with new headgear tactics revealed.
Trawlerman Set For Gold Cup After Previous Doubts
John and Thady Gosden will be hoping to win the Ascot Gold Cup for a second year in a row with Trawlerman next week.
However, the Godolphin eight-year-old will be sporting some new headgear in the prelims.
Trawlerman has developed an eye problem where he becomes sensitive to sunlight and bright lights, so is likely to wear a pair of dark goggles.
He’ll only wear them in the preliminaries and will not wear them for the race itself.
The classy stayer was an impressive winner of this race last season, beating Illinois by seven lengths.
It was a staggering performance and he’s now around 6/1 to win it back-to-back.
WATCH: Trawlerman Wins 2025 Ascot Gold Cup
TRAWLERMAN WINS THE GOLD CUP 🏆🔵@godolphin | @WilliamBuickX pic.twitter.com/eE3I01jYPo
— ITV Racing (@itvracing) June 19, 2025
He does look up against it though this time around, after starting his prep for this season slightly later than usual.
Hot favourite Scandinavia is rated as one of the Royal Ascot bankers next week, but has to prove he can stay the extreme trip.
Gosden was speaking on Friday about his horse’s chances at Royal Ascot.
“We have a few chances in the Group 1s next week including Trawlerman who goes in the Gold Cup. It’s a big ask first time out for an eight-year-old but he seems in good shape.
“He now wears these googles at home to help with his eyes and we will be taking them to Ascot, although not to wear in the race. I’m just sorting it out with the BHA at the moment.“
Ascot Gold Cup Betting Odds
- Scandinavia 11/8 (Aidan O’Brien)
- Rahiebb 4/1 (Roger Varian)
- Trawlerman 6/1 (John & Thady Gosden)
- Caballo De Mar 8/1 (George Scott)
- Sweet William 10/1 (John & Thady Gosden)
- Al Riffa 20/1 (Joseph O’Brien)
- Carmers 25/1 (Paddy Twomey)
- Jan Brueghel 25/1 (Aidan O’Brien)
- Lambourn 25/1 (Aidan O’Brien)
- Dubai Future 33/1 (Saeed bin Surror)
- Lazy Griff 33/1 (Charlie Johnston)
- Le Destrier 33/1 (Willie Mullins)
- Al Nayyir 40/1 (Tom Clover)
- Colombus 50/1 (Willie Mullins)
- Further 66/1 (Andrew Balding)
- Illinois 66/1 (Aidan O’Brien)
- Miss Alpilles 66/1 (Ed Walker)
- Dallas Star 150/1 (Robson De Aguiar)
