Westridge powers clear in Chesterfield Cup

Three compelling stories emerged from Goodwood, with Westridge stealing the spotlight in a dominant handicap performance, Brazen Bolt delivering a shock, and Stellar Sunrise earning a deserved first win.

Westridge Cruises to Chesterfield Cup Victory

Westridge continued his progression with a wide-margin win in the Coral Chesterfield Cup Handicap at Goodwood. Trained by John and Thady Gosden and ridden by Billy Loughnane, the four-year-old started at 6-1 in a field of 18 and made all the right moves from stall eight.

After taking a prominent position throughout, he took command in the final furlong and surged clear to win by three and a quarter lengths. “He enjoyed the space around him today and Billy gave him a lovely ride,” said John Gosden. “To win the Chesterfield Cup is a dream come true because Glen is very much Goodwood orientated.”

Gosden added that the horse was nearly sold before connections wisely withdrew him. A tilt at York is now likely, although the target race remains undecided.

Big Priced Winners and Promising Youngsters Shine

Ruth Carr’s Brazen Bolt delivered a huge surprise at 28-1 in the Coral Golden Rewards Shaker Handicap, winning by a nose under Warren Fentiman. “He has been an unbelievable horse,” said Doncaster-based owner Peter Furr. “It doesn’t happen to people like us.”

Stellar Sunrise, trained by Andrew Balding, broke his maiden in the British Stallion Studs EBF Maiden Stakes with Oisin Murphy aboard. After two previous placings, the Space Blues colt used that experience to his advantage, winning by a length and a quarter.

Roger Varian’s Protest also impressed in the Ridgeview Fillies’ Handicap, converting strong Listed form into success on handicap debut. Ridden by Silvestre de Sousa, she struck at 11-2 for Cheveley Park Stud.