Brilliant Scandinavia Clinches 2025 Al Shaqab Goodwood Cup in O’Brien One-Two

The Qatar Goodwood Festival witnessed a dramatic finish as Scandinavia announced himself as a rising force in the staying division with a hard-fought victory in the Group 1 Al Shaqab Goodwood Cup 2025, outlasting stablemate Illinois in a thrilling climax to Tuesday’s feature.

The 4/1 three-year-old, trained by Aidan O’Brien and ridden by Wayne Lordan, produced a tenacious final furlong surge to deny the 7/4 favourite Illinois by a neck, giving Ballydoyle a commanding one-two in the two-mile championship test. Owned by Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith & Sue Magnier, Scandinavia became the first three-year-old since Stradivarius in 2017 to land the prestigious Goodwood Cup.

The race began with Illinois setting an honest gallop, taking up his usual front-running role under Ryan Moore. Lordan, content to sit behind the leader, gave Scandinavia a patient ride as the field settled into formation. The tempo remained steady until the turn for home, when the battle truly commenced. Illinois dug deep, but Scandinavia, who had stalked him all the way, shifted gears with 300 yards to go and began to close relentlessly.

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A decisive thrust inside the final 50 yards sealed victory for the Bahrain Trophy winner, stopping the clock in a performance that blended stamina with emerging class.

Scandinavia’s star continues to rise

Scandinavia, by Justify out of a Galileo mare, has developed rapidly through the summer. After a solid run at Royal Ascot, he made a statement at Newmarket in the Group 3 Bahrain Trophy, winning by open lengths. His Goodwood triumph now places him at the forefront of St Leger discussions.

Trainer Aidan O’Brien, notching his 29th winner at the Qatar Goodwood Festival, was effusive in his praise:

“Wayne gave him a brilliant ride. He’s just so genuine. At Ascot he was stuck six wide but never gave up. Ryan then said at Newmarket he’s a very good horse—stays forever and has class. He’s a typical Justify: gutsy and progressive.”

O’Brien added that Scandinavia’s future likely includes Doncaster:

“I’d say he looks tailor-made for the St Leger. He stayed really well today and handled the softish ground. He’s straightforward and improving all the time. The lads will decide, but that looks his race.”

Illinois earns respect in defeat

Runner-up Illinois, who had contested the Ascot Gold Cup earlier this summer, reaffirmed his ability with another gritty showing. He led from the start and nearly held on despite the late pressure.

“Ryan did everything right,” said O’Brien. “Illinois had the race won until the final strides. We still haven’t seen the best of him—he went to the Gold Cup too early and that might’ve set him back slightly. He’ll come forward again.”

Sweet William stays on for third

Finishing third was Sweet William (4/1), trained by John and Thady Gosden and ridden by Robert Havlin, who kept on gamely but never truly traveled with fluency around Goodwood’s tight turns.

Co-trainer John Gosden commented:

“He ran bravely, but Goodwood just doesn’t suit him. He prefers a galloping track like York or Doncaster, so we’ll aim him there next.”

Havlin echoed the sentiment:

“He’s always a bit awkward around here, even when he’s won. He was on and off the bridle and just got done for toe.”

Race overshadowed by loss of Trueshan

The outcome was marred by the tragic loss of Trueshan, the 2021 Goodwood Cup hero, who suffered a fatal injury during the race and was pulled up by Hollie Doyle. The racing community mourned the loss of one of the sport’s most beloved stayers.

Looking ahead

With this result, Scandinavia joins the elite tier of stayers with autumn targets firmly in his sights. The St Leger appears next on the agenda, and depending on his recovery, an ambitious tilt at the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe or even international staying honours could follow. O’Brien also hinted that stablemate Lambourn could head to the Voltigeur Stakes, shaping up a deep late-season arsenal for Ballydoyle.

🏇 Official Result – 3:05pm G1 Al Shaqab Goodwood Cup 2025

• 1st – Scandinavia (Wayne Lordan) – Aidan O’Brien – 4/1
• 2nd – Illinois (Ryan Moore) – Aidan O’Brien – 7/4F
• 3rd – Sweet William (Robert Havlin) – John & Thady Gosden – 4/1
• 8 ran

Aidan O’Brien – 29th Qatar Goodwood Festival winner
Wayne Lordan – 3rd Qatar Goodwood Festival winner