Scandinavia dominates Goodwood Cup as loose horse drama denies Trawlerman

Scandinavia produced another superb staying performance to land the Goodwood Cup for the second year running, cementing his position as the leading staying star in racing.

The Aidan O’Brien-trained five-year-old followed up his narrow Gold Cup success at Royal Ascot with an emphatic eight-and-a-half-length victory over Trawlerman at Glorious Goodwood, becoming only the third horse to win the race twice for the Ballydoyle handler.

Only six weeks after edging out Trawlerman in a thrilling Gold Cup finish, Scandinavia turned the tables in much more decisive fashion, powering clear under Ryan Moore to underline his class and stamina over two miles.

The race was not without incident, however, with drama unfolding both before and during the contest.

Trawlerman, ridden by William Buick, was quickly into his stride after anticipating the start and taking an early lead, while Amiloc unseated Hector Crouch leaving the stalls in a wayward exit.

The biggest moment came with two furlongs remaining when the loose Amiloc moved across Trawlerman’s path, forcing Buick’s mount to lose momentum at a crucial stage of the race.

While Scandinavia was already travelling strongly behind his rival, the incident appeared to end any chance of a final battle between the two leading stayers.

Moore felt the loose horse had little impact on the final result and praised Scandinavia’s relentless performance.

“He was a bit disappointed he didn’t get past the loose horse, but I didn’t really ask him to,” Moore said. “He was hands and heels the whole way. He was dominant and couldn’t have been more impressive.”

The jockey added: “I don’t think it was significant because I knew it was coming, I knew William was there, and I didn’t have him stuck to the fence. He did come across him, but it didn’t make any difference to the result at all.”

Reflecting on their Gold Cup battle at Ascot, Moore admitted he was keen not to get into a prolonged duel too early this time around.

“At Ascot I didn’t want to eyeball Trawlerman too early, which I ended up doing, but I hadn’t asked my horse for everything and I thought we’d have his measure today.”

Scandinavia’s latest success saw him join an elite list of O’Brien-trained horses to win the Goodwood Cup twice, following in the footsteps of staying greats Kyprios and Yeats.

Moore believes the talented stayer still has plenty more to offer and drew comparisons with some of the best horses he has ridden.

“He’s an unbelievable stayer,” he said. “Kyprios had nearly a perfect race record when he went over staying trips and this horse has the same now. This lad has won a Leger – I couldn’t say he was better than Kyprios, but I’m lucky enough to have ridden them both. I can’t think of too many who’d have beaten them.”

“He keeps winning and I don’t know where the bottom is. Hopefully I won’t find it. His stride doesn’t shorten – he stayed going all the way through the line.”

Buick, meanwhile, felt the interference had a bigger impact on Trawlerman’s chances, although he was quick to acknowledge the winner’s quality.

“It was significant,” Buick said. “It’s hard to say how significant, but he’s a Gold Cup winner, so he stays and he was just going through the gears down the hill.”

“It definitely had an effect and it’s unfortunate. I know the winner won well on the day but on a horse like him in a staying race, when you get hampered at that stage of the race, it’s never ideal. He’s run a super race considering.”

O’Brien was delighted with Scandinavia’s performance and suggested the Irish St Leger could be the next target as the horse continues his rise among the staying elite.

The trainer was also asked whether Scandinavia could eventually emulate Yeats’ record of four Gold Cup victories.

“I think he could,” O’Brien said. “He’s a very high cruiser, very natural and he’s easy to train. He has a great rhythm and loves what he does. He looks exceptional.”

With two Goodwood Cups already secured and a flawless record over staying distances, Scandinavia appears to have the ability to dominate the long-distance division for years to come.