Anmaat Ready for Tattersalls Gold Cup Return

Anmaat, a standout performer in last year’s flat season, is on course to begin his 2025 campaign in Sunday’s Tattersalls Gold Cup at the Curragh Racecourse. Now seven years old, he returns to competition after a memorable win in the QIPCO Champion Stakes at Ascot last October. Trainer Owen Burrows has confirmed that preparations have gone well despite a few early-season challenges.

In his appearance on the Nick Luck Daily Podcast, Burrows provided a clear update on Anmaat’s condition ahead of the weekend. He acknowledged the usual challenges that come with bringing back an older horse, but also expressed a sense of readiness based on recent work.

“I’ve been very pleased with him,” said Burrows. “It’s been a little bit tough getting him fit, not being able to get on the track much. He’s seven now, and he’s a bit more laid-back than he used to be. But we took him to Kempton last week for a racecourse gallop, Jim Crowley rode him and was happy with how he moved.”

Anmaat also went through a paddock school at Newbury last Saturday. According to Burrows, he handled the experience well and responded as expected. It was the final step in their build-up before confirming his participation in the Group 1 contest.

Burrows also spoke about the long road Anmaat has travelled, referencing a serious foot injury he suffered before the Eclipse Stakes two seasons ago. The nature of the injury raised questions among veterinary professionals about whether he would race again, but the horse gradually returned to condition.

“It was a complex injury. Some vets felt he might not make it back, others thought he had a chance. He was sore for a long time, and getting through that says a lot about his attitude. Mentally, he’s been very strong. That’s one of the reasons he’s still here competing at this level,” Burrows explained.

Anmaat has built a reputation for delivering when few expect it. His 40/1 success in the Champion Stakes was a reminder of what he’s capable of when conditions come together, and it marked his second win at Group 1 level.

The Tattersalls Gold Cup will be far from an easy starting point. Several of his likely rivals, including White Birch and Los Angeles, have already had racecourse runs this season. Ghostwriter, trained by Clive Cox, ran in Dubai, giving him an advantage in terms of fitness. Burrows acknowledged that Anmaat may have to work harder this time out.

“We’ve got to be realistic. He’s coming in fresh, while the others have already been out. It’s going to be a tough race, but this is where we start the season. The timing fits, especially with Ascot coming up and the Eclipse early next month,” said Burrows.

The goal for Sunday isn’t necessarily to win outright, but rather to put in a solid performance that sets up the rest of the season. If Anmaat runs to a high standard, Burrows and his team will take that as a strong sign for what lies ahead.

A good run at the Curragh Racecourse could lead to a summer campaign that includes Royal Ascot and the Eclipse Stakes. These events are more familiar territory for Anmaat, who has delivered against top-class fields in the past. Sunday’s run will serve as a test of how much sharpness he retains after a lengthy break.

Burrows concluded, “As long as he runs well, I’ll be happy. It’s about getting started, building a base for the season, and then seeing where we go from there.”

Anmaat’s return will be closely followed by horse racing fans who remember his Ascot performance. While expectations are measured for his first outing of the year, his proven track record and steady preparation suggest that he could still be a strong presence in the top middle-distance races this season.