Kyprios became the third horse to reclaim the Gold Cup title, achieving a hard-fought victory over the front-running Trawlerman.

This win marked a record-extending ninth Gold Cup for trainer Aidan O’Brien, with Kyprios following in the footsteps of Anticipation and Kayf Tara by reclaiming the crown.

In the race, William Buick set a moderate pace on Trawlerman for Godolphin, while Kyprios, ridden by Ryan Moore, settled just behind in second. Caius Chorister then moved up alongside Trawlerman on the downhill run into the back straight, as Moore stayed comfortably in third.

As the race approached the home straight, Kyprios made a decisive move on the outside, closely followed by Vauban. A fierce duel ensued between Kyprios and Trawlerman. Kyprios took the lead approaching the final furlong, and despite a valiant effort from Trawlerman, Moore’s mount held firm. Sweet William finished third, Vauban fourth, and Gregory ended up in seventh place.

Reflecting on the race, Moore told ITV: "It was smooth early on, but when Caius Chorister took off with Benoit [de la Sayette], I had to go around her. He was going too well too early. He was worth more than the winning margin. We didn’t get it exactly right, but he still won. Aidan knows how to prepare his horses for this race. I’m lucky to ride a horse like this, and it’s great he could come back and win again."

Kyprios’s victory was particularly gratifying for Ballydoyle, given the horse's long absence due to injury last season. O’Brien commented: "Many people contributed to his recovery. His owners were very patient. He had two good runs when he came back last year and did well over the winter. He’s a beautiful horse, and Ryan rode him masterfully, judging exactly when to make his move, which is not easy."

John Gosden found encouragement in the performance of his placed horses and felt the race had a fitting conclusion. Gosden, who trains with his son Thady, remarked: "William gave Trawlerman a lovely ride. It was a battle at the end of the Gold Cup, and that’s what you want to see. Sweet William ran well, even though he tends to think about life and finishes when he wants to."