SCANDINAVIA WINS GOLD CUP AT ROYAL ASCOT, O'BRIEN REACHES 100TH FESTIVAL VICTORY

Scandinavia won the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot, defeating defending champion Trawlerman in a close contest to secure trainer Aidan O'Brien his 100th winner at the festival. The race saw Scandinavia chase down Trawlerman throughout, eventually prevailing in a neck-and-neck battle with Sweet William finishing third. Jockey Ryan Moore piloted Scandinavia to victory after a competitive finish that required sustained effort.

O'Brien, who recorded his first Ascot winner in 1997, described Scandinavia as "relentless" and praised the horse's bravery across every race it had contested. He told reporters that winning at the festival remained challenging given the competitive field and the difficulty of securing victories at the course. Moore noted that Trawlerman proved a brave competitor, stating he expected an easier finish but had to work harder than anticipated after being jostled by Caballo De Mar, which finished last.

The victory marked a significant milestone for O'Brien's career at Royal Ascot. Earlier on the same day, Nola Soul won the Chesham Stakes whilst Enceladus took the King George V Stakes.