Scandanavia proved best of the Aidan O’Brien trio in the St Leger, demonstrating the strength and depth of his stamina in the gruelling final Classic of the season.
Winner of his maiden on three-year-old reappearance at Navan, Scandanavia found the re-opposing Carmers too strong in the Group 2 Queen's Vase at Ascot. With cheekpieces applied for the first time, the son of Justify was an easy eight-and-a-half length winner at Newmarket's July Course before defeating his elders in the Group 1 Goodwood Cup.
One of three runners from the Aidan O'Brien yard, including dual Derby hero Lambourn, Scandinavia had proven stamina over his six rivals. Ridden by Tom Marquand, he was always prominent behind leader Lambourn and began to excel in the stamina test during the closing two furlongs. Both Rahiebb and Stay True came with a strong late run, but Scandinavia always remained in control for a neck win over Rahiebb, with stablemate Stay True in third.
In an interview with ITV Racing, Marquand said: "He's got the most beautiful temperament. Chatting to Aidan [O'Brien], Ryan [Moore] and Wayne [Lordan], it was reiterated that he was just so straightforward. He was tough there, the ground's hard work. He fended all his rivals off and I'm so lucky to be aboard today. To be aboard for Ballydoyle and Coolmore is special.
"I thought he'd be a lovely staying type when I rode him at two, I managed to get beat on him that day! He's an extremely special horse and it's a privilege to ride him today.
"Doncaster is fantastic, it's nice to win a St Leger with a few people here, it was a bit quiet last time!"
O'Brien, speaking from Irish Champions Weekend, said: "We're delighted. He's hardy, Tom gave him a great ride.
"He stays very well, we were a little worried when the ground came on the slower side. He's a lovely horse and is going to stay well. He's a typical Justify; he's very genuine, a big stride, the better the ground, the better you'll see him.
"He'd have no problem coming back to a mile and a half.
"He's in the Melbourne Cup, so it's a possibility. He needs to get scanned to see if he's eligible then we'll see."
