Goodwood 2025….a day never to forget…

Owner experience

EMMA LUMSDEN

Merchant striding around the parade ring

Merchant storms to victory in a nail biting fight to the line in the Gordon Stakes (Gr 3)

Emma and Katie Lumsden waiting in nervous anticipation alongside fellow owner Isidore Carivalis in the parade ring

Goodwood 2025….a day never to forget…Merchant battling through thunderous conditions to make it a third back-to-back win this season.

Having parked up in the O & T car park at Goodwood last Thursday 31 July, the heavens opened for the first time that day, so we stayed firmly put until the heavy rain had abated. Kitted out in our rain macs which was hardly the normal Goodwood attire, we ventured forth for a happy and exciting day’s racing to support Merchant, who was racing in his first Group race, namely the Gordon Stakes G3.

The horses started walking round the pre parade ring quite early, so we made our way across to admire Merchant who was beyond relaxed and seemed to be taking the preliminaries very well. Danish was leading him around and despite the threatening skies ahead, the pair never seemed bothered.

Then…..the rains, thunder and lightning came, and it was hilarious to be honest as we all headed for the only tree in the preparade ring, which is not what one should do when there is lightening around but to be honest, it came with such force and persistence that we took the risk. There were giggles and disbelief amongst all of us that this was continuing with such force, but it was certainly a moment we will never forget.

As soon as the rain calmed a little, we ventured into the parade ring, joined by Merchant’s jockey Tom Marquand. To have Tom aboard again was a privilege and the fact that he now knows Merchant so well gave us confidence that he would steer a safe race through these ever-changing conditions. I think the unknown quantity was how Merchant would cope with the soft ground. I was concerned about the corner on the run into the straight, but William (Haggas) assured me that that was not a problem, not knowing that they would be heading for the stand side to seek the drier ground.

Then came the news that it was going to be a flag start which was a first for me so that was fascinating to watch. Not exactly an even line when they started which makes Merchant’s win even more deserving.

As we all squashed into the media area outside the weighing room watching whatever monitors we could, we watched Merchant battle up the straight hunting down Wimbledon Hawkeye who let’s not forget has been placed in several Group races already. We were beyond proud of how Merchant fought in the last half furlong and then the 7L distance between these two warriors at the line and the rest of the field was truly impressive in such conditions. Merchant showed such bravery and fought to the end through gritted teeth -what a gutsy performance. If our nerves were not shot enough, then the photo finish came, but what a relief that his nose was the one in front.

Merchant and Tom Marquand welcomed with elated cheers into the winners enclosure at Goodwood

Soggy but smiling winning owners

Looking back at the ITV interviews with Harry Herbert and William Haggas after the race, it was fascinating and a surreal moment realizing they were discussing our horse’s future and what he might be considered for and capable of. My sister and I have picked a dream horse and having named him as well makes it even more special, so if ever in doubt, have patience.

My twin sister and I have been slow burners with Highclere having been involved with them for many years now, but we seem to have lucked out with our current group of horses Defiance, Chic Colombine and Merchant, all of whom have done very well these past few years, which is amazing and incredibly exciting but we never take any of this for granted.

HTR are a superb team, all of whom work exceptionally hard during this busy season and we so appreciate all they do to make it happen. We have also met some great co-owners who we have had a lot of fun with whether it be a foggy winter’s night’s racing at Wolverhampton or a biblical downpour at Goodwood – we are in it together for one reason only, our horses.

Merchant working on the Al Bahathri gallops in Newmarket ahead of his run at Goodwood 17.07.25

Alex, Isidore and Paul getting the debrief from Tom Marquand after riding work in Newmarket ahead of Merchants run at Goodwood 17.07.25