Coral hit out at 'disappointing' turnout in Stewards' Cup reserve race

New Stewards' Cup sponsors Coral have expressed disappointment that just 12 runners will run in the consolation race.

There were 64 horses declared for Saturday's £250,000 Stewards' Cup and those who failed to make the final field were eligible for the £50,000 Coral Stewards' Sprint Handicap but most did not take up the option.

It echoes the story at Doncaster in March when 22 horses took part in the Lincoln but only eight ran in the Spring Mile reserve race.

Coral spokesman David Stevens said: "It's obviously very disappointing that only 12 runners have been declared, particularly given the initial numerical strength of the Stewards' Cup entries.

"Field sizes are a subject of great discussion right now, and we are constantly told that increased prize-money is the answer, but when a race worth £50,000 at a major summer festival attracts just a dozen runners, it would suggest that there are more factors at play than just prize-money.

"We are in the first year of an initial three-year deal with Goodwood, and it would be great to understand more from owners why this race wasn’t deemed an attractive enough proposition for many of them."

Inver Park remains favourite with sponsors Coral for the Stewards' CupCredit: Mark Cranham

Last year's fourth Total Commitment just missed the cut for the Stewards' Cup but will not run in the reserve race.

Trainer Simon Hodgson said: "He missed by one, which was a bit disappointing as he ran so well last year, but the owner was keen that we didn't go in the consolation race, he wanted to run in the Stewards' Cup or if he didn't get in that he'd go for the final of the sprint series at Windsor on Monday.

"It's worth £75,000 whereas the consolation race is £50,000."

Among others eliminated from the Stewards' Cup on Thursday, the ground was cited as a reason for Hyperfocus and Cold Stare not taking up the option of the reserve race while Richard Fahey, who had several eligible, said: "There are plenty of races closer to home run for the same money in the next few weeks."

Inver Park remained 8-1 favourite with the sponsors for the Stewards' Cup despite being left with virtually no choice of stall position.

His was the penultimate name selected in the public draw and connections opted for box 15 rather than 13 in a field of 28.

Main market rivals Mr Wagyu (stall 20) and Whenthedealisdone (25) will start on the stands' side, as will last year's winner Commanche Falls (19).

Each of the first three home last year are back to try again and Commanche Falls will bid to become the first repeat winner since Sky Diver in 1967 and 1968.

Gulliver was beaten just a neck in second place last year and is 2lb better off with the winner this time but Great Ambassador, who was another neck away in third that day, is now 11lb higher in the handicap.

Lancashire Oaks runner-up Sea La Rosa will face seven rivals when she has another crack at securing a Group 2 victory in the Qatar Lillie Langtry Stakes.

The William Haggas-trained filly takes on Aidan O'Brien's Emily Dickinson, who finished fourth in the Irish Oaks at the Curragh last time out.

Coral Stewards' Cup (Saturday, Goodwood 3.20)

Coral: 8 Inver Park, 10 Mr Wagyu, Whenthedealinsdone, 11 Great Ambassador, 12 Summerghand, Popmaster, First Folio, 16 bar

Coral Stewards' Cup runners and riders

Chil ChilHarry Davies (5)
Justanotherbottle Kevin Stott
Great Ambassador Saffie Osborne (3)
Coachello Donagh O'Connor
Mr Wagyu Jason Hart
Lampang David Allan
Saint LawrenceJack Mitchell
Commanche Falls Connor Beasley
Makanah Paul Mulrennan
MethodRob Hornby
BatwanHayley Turner
Popmaster Tom Marquand
Regional Ryan Moore
TabdeedHollie Doyle
Gulliver Martin Harley
SummerghandJason Watson
Inver ParkBen Curtis
First Folio Daniel Muscutt
Whenthedealisdone Neil Callan
Good EyeRay Dawson
Rathbone Oisin McSweeney (5)
Typhoon Ten Pat Dobbs
Annaf Jim Crowley
Tinto David Probert
Raatea Sean Levey
Above Marco Ghiani
Able Kane Trevor Whelan
Zargun John Egan

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