The Middleham Park Racing syndicate is preparing to challenge for glory in the Goodwood Cup, aiming to disrupt the expected duel between Scandinavia and Trawlerman in the prestigious Group One event at Goodwood Racecourse tomorrow. The syndicate’s contender, Lazy Griff, a four-year-old trained by Charlie Johnston, enters the race at odds of 16-1.

Lazy Griff, who finished second in last year’s Derby, is returning to Group One competition for the first time since placing third in the Irish Derby. After an 11-month layoff, the horse made a promising comeback with a third-place finish at Sandown in May, followed by a victory over two miles in the Coral Marathon at the same venue.

Mike Prince, director of operations at Middleham Park Racing, expressed cautious optimism ahead of the race. “The Goodwood Cup is being billed as a two-horse race but I’m hoping it might be a three-horse race,” he said. Prince noted that Lazy Griff was perhaps not fully ready during his last start at Sandown but demonstrated his stamina in the subsequent win. “He is at his peak racing weight now,” Prince added, emphasizing that trainer Charlie Johnston has managed his preparation carefully.

Middleham Park Racing, which oversees 122 horses in training, has established itself as a prominent force in British horseracing. The syndicate was recognized as the Large Syndicate of the Year by the Racehorse Owners’ Association in 2025. Their most recent high-profile Group One success came with The Platinum Queen, winner of the 2022 Prix de l’Abbaye.

As the Goodwood Cup unfolds, the syndicate hopes Lazy Griff can prove competitive against strong contenders, leveraging his recent form and experience at the highest level.