Trawlerman ‘very happy in himself’ after brave Gold Cup run

Trawlerman returned for a lie down in a darkened room after his epic battle for the Gold Cup on day three of Royal Ascot – but emerged “bouncing” on Friday morning, according to joint-trainer Thady Gosden.

Having worn ski goggles in the paddock and on the way to the start, the eight-year-old went out on his shield in the week’s feature, going down by a head to Ballydoyle four-year-old Scandinavia after the pair exchanged ferocious blows all the way up the Ascot straight.

And while the younger Gosden admitted they will give Trawlerman a few days to get over his first run of the season after a hurried preparation, connections are already looking forward to hopefully having his second outing at Goodwood.

“It was a tough race. Two and a half miles on top of the ground and in the heat of yesterday is a tough test. But he has come out of it well, bounced out of it this morning and is moving well,” said Gosden.

“He seems very happy in himself so we will give him an easy few days then work out where we go next, but obviously you would be looking towards Goodwood with him.”

A possible rematch with Scandinavia in the Group One Al Shaqab Goodwood Cup on July 28 would be a race worth circling on the calendar, but Trawlerman’s career looked in the balance earlier this spring when an eye condition surfaced.

The Godolphin-owned gelding wore the goggles to combat a condition that makes direct sunlight uncomfortable. That is also the reason for a darkened box at home at the Gosdens’ Clarehaven base.

“It is just one with a bit less light in it under some trees. It is not sort of dark, it is just not bright. He is just sensitive to sustained sunlight,” Gosden explained.

Sensitive to sunlight perhaps but still in love with the spotlight on all known evidence.

“I’m sure he will tell us when he would like to do something else, but for the moment he is loving his training, still running and enjoying it and certainly retains his ability,” said Gosden.

“Running a race like he did on his first start of the season was phenomenal. He is such an enthusiastic horse every day and in his races too.”

Aidan O’Brien was likewise happy with the condition of Scandinavia on Friday, reporting that “all options will be open” for the son of Justify, who not only provided him with a 10th victory in the week’s staying showpiece, but also his 100th at the meeting.

“He’s come out of it very well, we’re really pleased with him,” said O’Brien. “He’s looking as well as you could hope and he’s just had a little walk out this morning.

“He’s starting to look like the complete racehorse. All options will be open to him now, we’ll have to talk to the lads and see but we’re very pleased with him.”