At the darkest moments of Kyprios' life-threatening injury, it seemed almost inconceivable that he would ever return to the racecourse, let alone come back stronger than before.
Initially hailed as the staying champion-elect at the start of the 2022 season, the chestnut colt lived up to his promise, completing an unbeaten year that featured four consecutive Group One victories. He claimed the Gold Cup, the Goodwood Cup, the Irish St Leger, and the Prix du Cadran, but those triumphs were overshadowed by a severe joint infection that threatened his very existence.
Trainer Aidan O’Brien and his team poured immense patience and expertise into Kyprios’ recovery, focusing first on saving his life before contemplating a return to racing. Their dedication paid off when Kyprios made a miraculous comeback last season, finishing second in both the Irish St Leger and the Long Distance Cup on Champions Day—performances that defied the doubts surrounding his future.
This year, Kyprios has defied the conventional wisdom that horses never fully recover, rediscovering his former brilliance. He reclaimed the Gold Cup at Ascot in June and was the 8-13 favourite under Ryan Moore for the Al Shaqab Goodwood Cup at Sussex.
The six-year-old delivered a flawless performance, demonstrating his enduring class. He dominated the race, leading comfortably and finishing with a four-length victory, setting a new course record in the process. This success stands as a testament to the remarkable horsemanship that has guided him back to the top.
O’Brien praised Kyprios' resilience, noting that despite doubts about his return, the horse’s spirit and dedication have been remarkable. He mentioned that Kyprios was sweating heavily due to the warm conditions but was relieved to see him perform well. O’Brien described Kyprios’ story as extraordinary and emphasised the importance of managing his daily needs meticulously. He highlighted the exceptional character and willpower of the horse and the fortunate position of having the necessary facilities and team to support him.