Kentucky-bred Scandinavia won the two-mile Goodwood Cup (G1) for the second consecutive year on Tuesday, July 28. The impressive victory marked his fourth Group 1 win and second this year.
Owned by Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith, and Mrs. John Magnier, Scandinavia was bred in Kentucky by Orpendale/Chelston/Wynatt and is trained by Aidan O’Brien. The race was not without drama. Amiloc (GB), who had unseated his rider early in the race, made a right-hand turn into the path of Trawlerman (IRE) in the lane. Trawlerman lost momentum and finished second to Scandinavia, although it appeared the former was poised to go by the early leader despite the interference.
Scandinavia’s jockey Ryan Moore told Racing Post, “I don’t think it was significant because I knew it was coming. I knew William (Buick) was there, and I didn’t have him stuck to the fence. He did come across him, but it didn’t make any different to the result at all.”
O’Brien said of Scandinavia, “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.”
Irish St. Leger Possible for Scandinavia
The next target for Scandinavia could be the Irish St. Leger (G1).
“He’s a very high cruiser, very natural, and he’s easy to train,” O’Brien said to Racing Post. “He has a great rhythm and loves what he does. He looks exceptional.”
Scandinavia is a 4-year-old son of Justify out of the Galileo (IRE) Fabulous. With this repeat win in the Goodwood Cup, Scandinavia has now banked more than $2 million and owns a record of 12-8-1-1.