Scandinavia, trained by Aidan O'Brien, provided the legendary Irish trainer with his 100th winner at Royal Ascot by winning the Gold Cup on June 18, 2026. The victory came in a thrilling finish, with Scandinavia edging out Trawlerman in the final strides of the 2m4f race.
O'Brien, who has been training since the 1990s, reached the milestone in style. 'It's a special moment,' O'Brien said after the race. 'Scandinavia has been a fantastic horse for us, and to do it here at Royal Ascot is incredible.'
The Gold Cup, a Group 1 race over 2 miles and 4 furlongs, is one of the most prestigious events at the Royal meeting. Trawlerman, trained by John Gosden, had looked likely to win a second Gold Cup but was caught on the line.
O'Brien's 100 winners at Royal Ascot span over two decades, with his first winner coming in 1997. The achievement places him among the most successful trainers in the history of the meeting.
