Trawlerman refuses to yield in G2 Lonsdale Cup

Trawlerman again demonstrated his superiority in the staying ranks with a game victory over Sweet William in the G2 Lonsdale Cup at York, UK, on Friday, 22 August.

Shouldering a 3lb penalty for his G1 Gold Cup win, Trawlerman was smartly into his stride in the extended two-mile contest and led initially before settling in a close second on the outside of Shackleton passing the winning post for the first time.

The John & Thady-Gosden trained seven-year-old moved up to within a neck of Shackleton at the halfway point and took up the running at the top of the straight.

Trawlerman looked to have most of his rivals under pressure approaching the final quarter-mile, with Sweet William emerging from the chasing pack to lay down a strong challenge over a furlong out.

Trawlerman kept responding for William Buick and outstayed his stablemate to cross the line a length and a quarter in front.

John Gosden said: “Trawlerman is a wonderful horse. Shackleton was setting the pace and making use of the fact that he was carrying 14lb less, but William wouldn’t let him slow the pace.

“He came into the straight travelling well and came to the middle, so you can’t get pinned on the rail and it was a great race. It is lovely to see Trawlerman come from a Gold Cup to win a Lonsdale. We will freshen him up now and, all being well, we will give him one more run this year at Ascot on Champions Day.”

William Buick said: “We thought Shackleton might make use of his inside draw because he has gone forward before. Trawlerman is so adaptable, whether he is making his own running or following. As long as he is in an even rhythm, he is happy. John reminded me that he was down half a mile in trip, so let’s make them come to him. He goes through the gears from the four and is as strong through the line as he is at the two-furlong pole.

“You always feel like you are in control. You can see challengers in the corner of your eye or under your arm, but Trawlerman always gives you more. Even when I have ridden him in defeat, he always feels like he has more. He was clear second best behind Kyprios, which still takes some doing, but he is the kid on the block now. I am very privileged to ride him.”