The 2025 Philip Feanny Gold Cup is just four days away.
Ten of the brightest lights in local horse racing have been nominated to compete in this seven-furlong Grade One contest on Saturday, October 4. As part of the build-up,
Quickgallopja.com
revisits last year’s edition to assess the progress—or lack thereof—of the nine participants. This report is presented in finishing order.
FIRST – FUNCAANDUN
Funcaandun used last year’s Gold Cup as a stepping stone toward the Mouttet Mile, where he delivered a career-best performance under regular rider Robert Halledeen to edge Legacy Isle in a thrilling finish. In 2025, he has won two of four starts and remains uncertain for a Mouttet Mile title defence. He is among the ten nominated for this year’s Gold Cup which is a ‘Win and You Are In’ race for the Mouttet Mile.
SECOND – IS THAT A FACT
Since his runner-up finish in the 2024 Gold Cup, Is That A Fact has struggled to assert himself at the top level. Though he continues to earn, his performances have lacked consistency and impact. A horse of promise that has yet to deliver.
THIRD – FURTHER AND BEYOND
Now in the twilight of his career and having changed stables more than once, Further And Beyond is far removed from the form that defined his three- and four-year-old seasons. Retirement may be the most dignified next step.
FOURTH – ATLANTIC CONVOY
Little has been seen of Atlantic Convoy since his fourth-place finish last year. Still active, but rarely appears on race day programmes.
FIFTH – MAJOR DANGER
Major Danger continues to show up in morning workouts but has become an infrequent participant in races. His competitive edge seems to have dulled.
SIXTH – BANADURA
Banadura entered the Gold Cup following her triumph in the Jamaica Oaks. She lingered briefly in competition before retiring to the breeding shed.
SEVENTH – NORBLAR
Outclassed in the Gold Cup, Norblar has since been confined to the claiming ranks, with no notable achievements to report.
EIGHTH – INTRESTNTIMESAHEAD
After winning the Jamaica St Leger, Intrestntimesahead entered the Gold Cup with high hopes. Since then, he has managed only a single win in Overnight Allowance, failing to build on his Classic success.
NINTH – WALL STREET TRADER
Wall Street Trader has shown commendable improvement since last year’s Gold Cup. With wins at the top level, he now ranks among the top ten competitors in the country.
THE QUICK GALLOPER’S VERDICT
Of the nine starters from the 2024 Gold Cup, only Funcaandun and Wall Street Trader have made meaningful strides in 2025. The rest have either plateaued, regressed, or exited the competitive scene. This year’s Gold Cup promises fresh energy, but the echoes of last year remind us how quickly fortunes can change in racing.
