The shock of shocks: how Qirat pulled off an almighty Goodwood surprise and where it went wrong for Field Of Gold

Qirat became the first 150-1 winner of a Group 1 in Britain after an enterprising ride from the front in the Qatar Sussex Stakes at Glorious Goodwood on Wednesday.

He was in the race as a pacemaker for 1-3 favourite Field Of Gold but, as that rival disappointed, he stormed clear under Richard Kingscote.

Here's a detailed look at how a surprise Sussex Stakes unfolded.

Qirat made a quick start under Kingscote and immediately took up his pacemaking position. The other front-runner Serengeti, put in the race to benefit Henri Matisse, made a rather slow start by comparison.

Qirat established an early lead while Wayne Lordan, who won the Goodwood Cup on Tuesday on Scandinavia, had to urge Serengeti along and go wide.

Serengeti moved forward under Lordan to join Qirat, resulting in a pace increase. Serengeti kicked a length and a half in front of Qirat, who was three or four lengths clear of fancied contenders Henri Matisse, Rosallion and Field Of Gold. 

The front two stretched their lead to about four or five lengths approaching the halfway point, but the fancied runners still looked in their comfort zones with their riders displaying no signs of panic.

Turning for home, 300-1 chance Serengeti still travelled fairly well. Qirat was just behind him and the rest remained patiently ridden.

Serengeti and Qirat slowed in the sixth furlong when the fancied contenders finally attempted to close the gap. William Buick nestled Field Of Gold behind Rosallion, but signs began to emerge that he was not travelling as strongly as hoped.

The alarm bells tolled louder. Field Of Gold, Henri Matisse and Rosallion were driven, with the latter last off the bridle. 

However, the gap did not close quickly and Qirat was travelling well enough for Kingscote as Serengeti started to tire.

In the final furlong, Kingscote asked Qirat for his finishing effort and a swift response allowed him to push clear of the fading Serengeti. On the rail Henri Matisse made some ground, but Rosallion looked the most threatening. Field Of Gold's chance was gone.

Rosallion finished fast, covering the penultimate furlong in 10.65 seconds as he threw down a final attack. Kingscote had to get vigorous on Qirat, who responded bravely, completing the final furlong in 11.52 seconds. 

Rosallion had to settle for second, with Henri Matisse third and Field Of Gold a very disappointing fourth.

Read these next:

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