'Time to make stayers' prize a Group 1 event'

Big Orange produced a landmark Goodwood Cup win and the course’s managing director hopes he will be back seeking a hat-trick next year – but this time in a newly minted Group 1.

Adam Waterworth argued the elevation of the Goodwood Cup from Group 2 status can provide a missing link in the race programme akin to the successful introduction of the Commonwealth Cup for three-year-old sprinters at Royal Ascot.

With the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot the only Group 1 staying race of the summer the Goodwood chief feels the track's historic staying contest is perfectly placed to bridge the gap to the autumn.