The chestnut has returned from injury better than ever this year.
Kyprios's fight back to prominence in racing has been nothing short of extraordinary. Having culminated his stunning campaign in 2022, in which he won the Gold Cup, Goodwood Cup, Irish Leger, and Prix du Cadran, a life-threatening injury the following spring threatened to put a premature end to his career. This is a challenge that trainer Aidan O'Brien reflects upon, saying, "I thought there was no chance in the world that he could come back. It's incredible what the people around him did." This determination has allowed Kyprios to return to the track and has seen him rapidly re-establish himself as a force in this division.
Kyprios has won back his Gold Cup and Goodwood Cup this term, demonstrating he is both obstinate and good. "He's a frustrating horse to read because he's a lazy sod and doesn't do much if he can avoid it, but he did look well at Goodwood," said O'Brien, whom one pictures nodding wisely over his special personality gem. And though O'Brien was keen to stress, when speaking to me last week, that Kyprios's first goal was the Irish St Leger, he did not quite count out the possibility of a third Gold Cup success at Royal Ascot next summer.
Kyprios does it again! 🥇🥇
Winning his second Al Shaqab Goodwood Cup Stakes in commanding fashion and smashing the course record!@Q_REC | @Ballydoyle pic.twitter.com/G2mwQjw05a
— Goodwood Racecourse (@Goodwood_Races) July 30, 2024
Good as Kyprios is, stronger competition awaits—the fiercest being that of Marco Botti's Giavellotto, having had a great season. Back-to-back Group Two winner in the Yorkshire Cup and Princess of Wales's Stakes, Botti is aware of the challenge Kyprios is by any standard but does not fret for his runner. This has been the plan for a while, and he seems in good order, he said, underscoring how much it was important to have jockey Oisin Murphy aboard this crucial race. He's had a good run back at Newmarket, so he's freshened up," Botti explained. "So we'll hope to see him at his best for this race." Kyprios is "a very good horse, and it's a strong race, but we knew that," Botti added. As the race draws near, the anticipation builds for what promises to be a thrilling showdown.
He's had a good run back at Newmarket, so he's freshened up," Botti explained. "So we'll hope to see him at his best for this race." Kyprios is "a very good horse, and it's a strong race, but we knew that," Botti added. As the race draws near, the anticipation builds for what promises to be a thrilling showdown. There are other contenders worthy of attention, with the Willie Mullins-trained Vauban also providing a puzzle in an Irish St Leger
After second to Giavellotto in the Galway Cup, he has brought good form forward into autumn with fourth in the Gold Cup at Ascot and victory over nine rivals in the Lonsdale Cup at York last month. Hopes of connections, no doubt, lie in a good performance this weekend that could put him ahead for another shot at the Melbourne Cup in November. This dual ambition of the goal makes the race even more exciting, alongside the adventure. Kyprios is not the only runner of O'Brien stable; he is complemented by The Euphrates, presenting Ballydoyle with another chance to lay its hand on the title. Competition is also amplified by the form of Karl Burke's Al Qareem and Adrian Murray's Crypto Force, as well as the German raiders Waldadler and Nastaria, who will all be trying to top the pecking order in the staying division. It's a mixed bag, and although it only serves to demonstrate the strength in depth that exists in the race, it promises an exciting contest.
🏆 Weatherbys Hamilton Lonsdale Cup Stakes 🏆 🥇 Vauban🥈 Al Nayyir🥉 Gregory@WilliamBuickX | @WillieMullinsNH @SkyBet Ebor Festival pic.twitter.com/DelKwZTHdc
— York Racecourse (@yorkracecourse) August 23, 2024
So not long after, the emotions start running hot for trainers, owners, and fans alike as race day draws near. The Irish St. Leger presents a quality title as well as the end result of all the hard work, resilience, and dedication put in by participants alike. In Kyprios, this gives him the chance to cement his legacy while showing his resilience against adversity. According to O'Brien, "It's very hard to get a Gold Cup horse, and once you get past two-and-a-quarter miles, very few get that far." Never have the stakes been higher, and all eyes will be on the grave this Sunday.
As the curtain is about to open for Kyprios, his story also speaks of the racing spirit itself—a journey wherein each stumble becomes an opportunity for a great comeback. This weekend will not only be a platform to test whose talent prevails but also a testament to whom the strong racers salute in the realm of thoroughbred racing.
