Royal Ascot: Gold Cup win for Scandinavia O’Brien

Scandinavia chases Trawlerman to win the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot and land trainer Aidan O’Brien is his 100th winner at the festival.

Locked in a neck-and-neck battle with long-term leader Trawlerman – who won the race last year – the Scandinavian eventually prevailed, with Sweet William third.

O’Brien, who had his first Ascot winner in 1997, called the 11/8 favorite “relentless”.

“We felt he was very brave. He always showed that in every race,” O’Brien said.

“He’s relentless. It’s an honor and a privilege to be involved with the team, the small part I’m in with everyone.

“Even this week, it’s literally one race at a time and you don’t even think about what it might be or if it might happen because it’s so competitive, it’s so hard to win races here.”

Winning jockey Ryan Moore said he was forced to work harder after being beaten by Caballo de Mar in the last finish.

“He should have won easily,” Moore said. “I had to work to get to Trawlerman and I thought I had him, and then I had to go again. Trawlerman is a brave horse and kept coming.”

The trawlerman wore ski goggles before the race to avoid eye problems that made him sensitive to the sun.

the day before Nola Soul won the Chesham Stakes, Enceladus the King George V Stakes.