Al Aali produced a measured performance to take the Coral Chesterfield Cup Handicap and open the Qatar Goodwood Festival with a victory for trainer George Scott and jockey William Buick.
Race overview
The four-year-old, owned by the syndicate Victorious Forever, had previously won on British turf at Newmarket and has had spells in both Dubai and France. Sent off as an 11-2 joint-favourite, Al Aali held off challengers to win by three-quarters of a length, with 16 rivals finishing behind him in a 17-runner field.
Scott and Buick combined to make the most of an inside draw, executing a patient ride that paid dividends in the closing stages. It was the latest step in the horse’s progression since joining the stable, and a welcome result after recent setbacks in the camp.
“He’s a horse that came to us and it’s taken a little bit of time to get to know him, but when we got an inside draw it really seemed to suit him,”
The trainer added that the team had experienced “a couple of mishaps in the last few days”, making the Goodwood success particularly gratifying. He also noted the role of the owner in the horse’s acquisition, saying the animal had been personally selected by Sheikh Nasser at the Arc sale the previous year.
Key facts from the Coral Chesterfield Cup Handicap
- Winner: Al Aali (4 years)
- Jockey: William Buick
- Trainer: George Scott
- Owners: Victorious Forever
- Odds: 11-2 (joint-favourite)
- Winning margin: Three-quarters of a length
- Field size: 17 runners
This victory follows Al Aali’s return to form at Newmarket. Scott acknowledged that the purchase price — reported at €500,000 when the horse was bought at the Arc sale — had looked steep at the time but added that the animal had since "taken a big step forward".
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Horse | Al Aali |
| Age | 4 |
| Odds | 11-2 (joint-favourite) |
| Margin | 3/4 length |
| Field | 17 runners |
For connections, Goodwood offers a high-profile stage and the result will be seen as an endorsement of the colt’s development under Scott’s care. For punters and followers of the summer festivals, Al Aali’s success will be noted as he resumes a campaign that has included international appearances.
Further details on placings, times and the remainder of the card were issued by race organisers and will inform owners and trainers as they plan the remainder of the season for the equine contingent of Victorious Forever.
