The 2026 Sussex Stakes at Glorious Goodwood is primed for a thrilling clash between elite three-year-olds like Bow Echo and Gstaad, and strong older contenders. While most anticipate the favorites will dominate due to weight-for-age advantages, Goodwood's unpredictability offers value to punters. Our top tip is Never So Brave at 40/1, given his strong past performances and a change in jockey. If he breaks well, he could outperform expectations. The race promises excitement, upsets, and a genuine test of champion milers.
Odds and betting predictions for the 2026 Sussex Stakes
This Group One headlines day two of Glorious Goodwood on Wednesday 29th July
We're backing Never So Brave at 40/1
Bow Echo beating Gstaad in the 2026 St James's Palace Stakes. (Getty)
The Sussex Stakes headlines day two at Glorious Goodwood. This famous race was first staged in 1841 and this year's renewal represents a true clash of the generations, as the winners of the 2000 Guineas, St James's Palace Stakes and the Queen Anne will face off for the first time.
Bow Echo and Gstaad look set to meet again on the famous Sussex Downs. George Boughey's star has beaten Aidan O'Brien's raider in both the 2000 Guineas and the St James's Palace Stakes, with Gstaad scoring in the Irish 2000 Guineas inbetween those runner-up finishes.
Charlie Appleby will be represented by Queen Anne Stakes third Opera Ballo, who runs here rather than Lockinge winner Notable Speech. Ten Bob Tony shocked Opera Ballo and the other leading milers when scoring at Royal Ascot, and Ed Walker's Group One winner can be backed at a double-figure price.
Last season's Vintage Stakes winner, Zavateri will make just his second start of the season. Puerto Rico will bid to bounce back after a last-place finish in the St James's Palace Stakes. Aidan O'Brien has handed a supplementary entry to Dorest, who will make the running for his strong-staying stablemates.
Lake Forest could return to a mile, but is entered in Tuesday's Lennox Stakes. Last year's 150/1 winner, Qirat is another who is entered in both the Lennox and Sussex Stakes. Group One winners Docklands and Never So Brave will attempt to bounce back after disappointing recent results. Seagulls Eleven will represent Hugo Palmer.
2026 Sussex Stakes Tips
It's really hard to look beyond the likes of Bow Echo and Gstaad, given the three-year-old weight-for-age allowance. If this year's Classic crop really is top notch, then the market leaders might have this between them.
However, as last year's Sussex Stakes proved, it's dangerous to rule out the older brigade, and Goodwood is a track where upsets can often happen. Taking that into account, I've talked myself into a punt on NEVER SO BRAVE (40/1), who seems wildly overpriced on last season's form.
Oisin Murphy riding Never So Brave (blue/yellow) win The Sky Bet City Of York Stakes at York. (Getty)
Andrew Balding's star enjoyed a fantastic summer in 2025. Never So Brave won the Buckingham Palace Stakes and the Summer Mile at Ascot, before recording a maiden Group One success in the City of York Stakes. Never So Brave was then sent off at 6/1 for the QEII on Champions Day, but was very slowly away and was beaten five lengths behind Cicero's Gift.
That slow starting has continued to plague Never So Brave during 2026. Balding's five-year-old was slowly away and raced very keenly on his return in the bet365 Mile, and couldn't recover from another poor start when fifth in the Tattenham Corner Stakes. Never So Brave then seemed to have recovered well in the Criterion Stakes, and passed Qirat at the two pole, only for last year's Sussex Stakes winner to battle back and win by a length and a half.
The way Never So Brave finished off that race suggested that something was amiss. However, the only change that seems to have been made is in the saddle, where PJ McDonald replaces Oisin Murphy, who rides Seagulls Eleven for Hugo Palmer instead.
McDonald's mount should have a fast pace to aim at on Wednesday, and I fancy the nature of the track at Goodwood will suit a speedy miler like Never So Brave. Balding's charge can't afford another shocking start, but if Never So Brave can break on terms with the rest of the field, I wouldn't be surprised if this talented five-year-old bounced back to something like his best.
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Horse Racing Editor • 15+ Years of Experience, Horse Racing Analyst & Tipster
Jon has been a sports writer and tipster for over ten years. Over the last six years, he has become completely immersed in all things horse racing. Every race is a puzzle that he is eager to solve.
Favourite races over jumps would include the Brown Advisory Chase (RSA) at the Cheltenham Festival and the Ladbrokes Trophy at Newbury. On the flat, the Coral-Eclipse Stakes at Sandown is the race that excites most each season.
Favourite horses of all time include Vautour, Laurens, Road To Respect, Topofthegame, Saint Calvados and Elegant Escape.
