Scandinavia Wins Second Consecutive Al Shaqab Goodwood Cup

The Qatar Goodwood Festival opened on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, with Scandinavia cementing his status as a dominant staying force by winning the Group 1 Al Shaqab Goodwood Cup for the second consecutive year. The Aidan O'Brien-trained four-year-old, ridden by Ryan Moore, extended his winning streak to seven races with a commanding eight-and-a-half-length victory in an eventful contest.

The race was a rematch of last month's Gold Cup at Royal Ascot, where Scandinavia narrowly defeated Trawlerman by a head. While a similarly close finish was anticipated, the Goodwood Cup unfolded differently. Shortly after the start, jockey Hector Crouch was unseated from Amiloc, which continued to run loose. The loose horse later impeded Trawlerman in the straight as Scandinavia moved alongside him. Scandinavia powered clear from that point to win decisively. Trawlerman, trained by John and Thady Gosden, finished second, with Rahiebb taking third.

O'Brien praised Scandinavia as a "real, real top stayer" with a big cruising speed. He noted the horse's soundness and love for racing, suggesting he could have a long campaign ahead. Jockey Ryan Moore said the performance was among the best he had seen...