Caballo De Mar put an end to Scandinavia’s impressive eight‑race winning streak by replicating his triumph in the Qatar Prix du Cadran from a year earlier, delivering a dramatic finish at Longchamp in Paris. The seasoned stayer, trained by George Scott, was expertly guided by jockey Oisin Murphy, who made his move at the final furlong, overtaking both Scandinavia and the tiring early leader, Queenstown. As the two front‑runners squared off in the last stretch, Scandinavia briefly reclaimed the lead, only for Caballo De Mar to rally fiercely in the final meters, clinching victory by a neck. The win was not without controversy; a stewards’ inquiry followed an objection lodged by Ryan Moore, whose mount Scandinavia—sent off at odds of 1‑6 as the overwhelming favourite—appeared to have been bumped by the 9‑2 winner near the finish line.
Scandinavia’s recent résumé included five Group One victories, underscoring the magnitude of Caballo De Mar’s achievement. The latter, now unbeaten in three Group One outings in Paris, proved a formidable adversary when at his peak.
After the race, Scott praised his horse and the support team, saying, “What an amazing performance from the horse and the team at home. I was very emotional afterwards – he’s just such a special horse to us, and to win the Cadran again is fantastic.” He added that Caballo De Mar is a “real character” who requires careful handling, noting the horse’s lazy disposition at home can make training a challenge.
The Newmarket‑based trainer had confidence that his horse could challenge the red‑hot favourite, explaining, “We wanted to track Scandinavia and everything went according to plan. We managed to get well up on him and then he fought back.” He reflected on the race dynamics, stating, “I thought if there was an opportunity to beat him it was today because my horse loves this track. He was showing all the right signs and Scandinavia had a very hard race in Ireland last time.
We felt we could beat him today, but you never say that publicly.” Looking ahead, Scott hinted at future ambitions, mentioning a possible run at Ascot on Champions Day. Aidan O'Brien, the trainer of Scandinavia, offered his perspective, acknowledging the horse’s strong effort: “He ran a great race and it’s been a long season for him.
The ground was a little on the slower side for him. Ryan said he was coming back at him.” O'Brien also suggested that this might be Scandinavia’s final race of the season, noting that the ground conditions expected at Ascot later in the year would likely be unsuitable for the horse.
The race itself was a masterclass in long‑distance tactics. Caballo De Mar, having previously secured the Qatar Prix du Cadran, demonstrated his stamina and turn of foot, qualities essential for the grueling 4,000‑meter contest. His jockey, Oisin Murphy, timed his challenge perfectly, moving forward at the furlong marker—a decisive moment that shifted the momentum. The duel between the two leading horses was a classic illustration of endurance racing, with both horses displaying bursts of speed and resilience in the final stages.
Beyond the immediate drama, the victory adds a significant chapter to Caballo De Mar’s growing legacy. Winning the same Group One race in consecutive years is a rare feat, especially at a venue as prestigious as Longchamp.
This achievement not only cements his status among the elite stayers of his generation but also highlights George Scott’s skill in preparing a horse for peak performance on big days. The broader implications for the racing calendar are also noteworthy.
With Caballo De Mar now a proven Group One winner on French soil, his connections may target other major staying events, such as the Ascot Gold Cup or the Irish St. Leger, depending on how the horse adapts to different ground conditions. Meanwhile, Scandinavia’s connections will need to reassess their plans, perhaps focusing on shorter distances or selecting venues with firmer ground to suit the horse’s preferences.
Fans and analysts alike will be watching the upcoming season closely, eager to see whether Caballo De Mar can maintain his momentum and whether Scandinavia can bounce back from this setback. The race also sparked discussion among pundits about the relative merits of French versus British staying races, with many pointing out that Longchamp’s softer turf can favor horses with a strong turn of foot, whereas Ascot’s typically firmer ground rewards raw stamina. In summary, Caballo De Mar’s victory over Scandinavia in the Qatar Prix du Cadran was a thrilling spectacle that combined tactical brilliance, raw stamina, and a touch of controversy. The win not only halted a remarkable eight‑race winning streak but also reinforced the horse’s reputation as a top‑class stayer capable of repeating at the highest level.
As the season progresses, both horses will have new challenges ahead, and racing enthusiasts can look forward to more compelling narratives in the world of long‑distance flat racing.