The Goodwood Cup (G1) held on July 29th was marred by tragedy when 9-year-old Trueshan, the 2021 winner, sustained a fatal injury. Trueshan suffered a broken left posterior pastern and was euthanized. Jockey Hollie Doyle expressed deep sorrow, calling Trueshan a special horse and saying she was devastated by the loss.
Trainer Alan King also shared his heartbreak, explaining that they had been cautious with Trueshan due to previous tendon concerns and were glad to run him on that day. Unfortunately, Trueshan suffered a rare and severe pastern injury, leaving the team deeply mournful. The horse, who had 16 wins in 35 starts including three Group 1 races and earnings exceeding £2 million, will be cremated and remembered alongside other celebrated horses at Burberry Castle.
In the race itself, Scandinavia (4/1), a three-year-old son of Justify, clinched a solid win under jockey Wayne Lordan. After a strong performance in the G3 Bahrain Trophy, Scandinavia held off rivals, including the favorite Illinois (7/4F), in a close battle over two miles. This victory marked the first time a three-year-old has won the Al Shaqab Goodwood Cup since Stradivarius in 2017.
Trainer Aidan O’Brien praised Scandinavia’s performance and Lordan’s expert ride, highlighting the horse’s toughness and class. Lordan also acknowledged the challenge of racing against older horses but expressed confidence in Scandinavia’s potential to continue progressing. He noted the horse’s preference for fast ground and anticipates a promising future in top-level races.
This story, originally reported by Paulick Report on July 29, 2025, captures both the heartbreak of Trueshan’s loss and the emergence of a new star in Scandinavia.
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Fan Take: This news is a poignant reminder of the risks inherent in horse racing, underscoring the sport’s emotional highs and lows. Trueshan’s legacy and Scandinavia’s triumph together highlight the resilience and passion that keep fans deeply invested in the future of racing.
