Thursday’s centrepiece at Royal Ascot 2026, the Gold Cup, delivered fireworks as Scandinavia knuckled down to defeat Trawlerman. The contest provided a thrilling finish after an end-to-end 2m4f.
With so many other significant results, our round-up of the racing news today covers all of Royal Ascot day 3.
Gold Cup: Scandinavia overcomes Trawlerman in epic
The Royal Ascot crowds were treated to an epic conclusion to the Group 1 Gold Cup. Arguably the biggest race of the entire meeting, the market for the race saw Scandinavia very well-backed before the off. However, defending champion Trawlerman, returning from a long lay-off, would not go down lightly. Around a furlong out, it appeared Trawlerman would hold on, but Scandinavia found extra reserves to continue his fine unbeaten run. (BBC)
Scandinavia’s victory was also an historic one for his trainer. By winning the Thursday feature, he brought up a century of Royal Ascot winners for Aidan O’Brien. The Ballydoyle trainer is the first ever to reach that milestone, doing it in the most sought after race of the lot. In the Gold Cup alone, it was a remarkable tenth victor for O’Brien. He narrowly failed to moved on from the milestone later on during the card.(Sky Sports)
Royal Ascot: Earth Shot & Generic mop up Group contests
The biggest win for Wathnan Racing so far this week arrived in the Group 2 Ribblesdale Stakes. The race appeared to be set up for Epsom Oaks runner-up Legacy Link to gain compensation. However, John & Thady Gosden’s filly received little luck in running. Ultimately, she faded out of contention as Earth Shot stayed on best to win for William Haggas and James Doyle. His rider said afterwards that “she’s got a big engine” ahead of remaining 2026 targets. (Racing Post)
Doyle later brought up a double on the card as he guided the Andrew Balding-trained Generic to win the Group 3 Hampton Court Stakes. Endorsement finished runner-up for O’Brien in his quest to move immediately past the 100 mark. However, he was defeated by one of the market’s big drifters as Generic ran on powerfully. The winner was second to French Derby hero Constitution River at Chester and stepped forward markedly. (Thoroughbred Daily News)
The King George V Stakes, meanwhile, delivered yet another victory for Joseph O’Brien. The yard are having a terrific week and secured the three-year-old handicap courtesy of Enceladus. O’Brien’s charge, a son of Sea The Stars, improved for a step up to 1m4f. It was a bonus victory for Ryan Moore, with Aidan O’Brien not having a horse in the race. Last year’s winner Merchant ended up winning at Group level before the season was out. (Racing TV)