Caballo De Mar halted Scandinavia’s impressive eight‑race winning streak by replicating his triumph in the Qatar Prix du Cadran from a year earlier, delivering a nail‑biting finish at Longchamp in Paris. The seasoned stayer, trained by George Scott, was expertly guided by jockey Oisin Murphy, who surged forward at the final furlong marker to seize the lead from the favored Scandinavia and the once‑prominent front‑runner Queenstown, which was beginning to tire. As the two rivals clashed head‑to‑head in the last furlong, Scandinavia briefly reclaimed the advantage, only for Caballo De Mar to rally fiercely in the shadow of the finish line, ultimately edging out his opponent by a narrow neck. The victory was not without controversy; a stewards’ inquiry followed an objection lodged by Ryan Moore, whose mount Scandinavia—installed as the 1‑6 favourite—appeared to have been bumped by the eventual 9‑2 winner as they approached the line.
The inquiry added a layer of drama to an already electrifying contest. Scandinavia’s recent résumé had been nothing short of stellar, featuring five Group One victories that underscored his dominance. Yet Scott’s contender proved a formidable adversary when at his best, particularly on Parisian turf where Caballo De Mar has now secured three Group One wins from three attempts, a record that highlights his affinity for the track and his class on the international stage.
After the race, George Scott expressed his elation, 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 come and win the Cadran again is great. He’s an amazing horse and just a real character. He takes a lot of managing at home, he’s very lazy and it’s hard to get a grip on him." Scott’s comments reveal the dual nature of Caballo De Mar: a high‑caliber athlete who also demands careful handling and a relaxed attitude off the track.
The Newmarket‑based trainer also noted his confidence heading into the race, explaining, "We wanted to track Scandinavia and it all went to plan. We managed to get well up on him and then he fought back." He added that the conditions seemed ideal for a potential upset, stating, "I thought if there was an opportunity to beat him it was today because my horse loves it here, 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’re not going to say something like that." Looking ahead, Scott hinted at future ambitions, suggesting that Caballo De Mar could be aimed at Ascot’s Champions Day if he remains fit and continues his current form. Aidan O'Brien, the trainer of Scandinavia, offered his perspective on the runner‑up’s effort. He praised the horse’s performance, saying, "He ran a great race and it’s been a long season for him.
The ground was a little bit on the slower side for him. Ryan said he was coming back at him. That will be him finished for the season.
I was never going to go to Ascot as the ground would definitely be gone for him by then." O'Brien’s remarks underscore the challenges posed by the softer ground and the demanding schedule that has taken its toll on Scandinavia. The race itself was a masterclass in staying power and tactical riding.
Caballo De Mar, known for his stamina over extended distances, demonstrated a perfect blend of patience and acceleration. Murphy’s timing was spot‑on; by waiting until the final furlong to make his move, he ensured that Caballo De Mar had enough reserves to out‑finish his rival when it mattered most. This strategic patience contrasted with Scandinavia’s more front‑running style, which saw him lead for much of the race before being overtaken.
Beyond the immediate result, the victory carries broader implications for the European staying division. Caballo De Mar’s three‑for‑three record in Group One races at Longchamp cements his status as a premier long‑distance contender, while Scandinavia’s defeat, despite his impressive record, highlights the fine margins that separate the elite from the very best.
Trainers and punters alike will be scrutinising the form lines, especially as the season progresses toward the autumn festivals at Ascot, York, and beyond. Fans of horse racing can stay up‑to‑date with the latest news, interviews, and in‑depth features by following Sky Sports Racing on their mobile platforms. The network continues to provide comprehensive coverage of the sport, from breaking race results to behind‑the‑scenes insights into training regimes, breeding strategies, and the personalities that shape the industry. Looking forward, the connections of Caballo De Mar will likely target further high‑profile staying contests, with Ascot’s Champions Day emerging as a logical next step if the horse remains sound.
Meanwhile, Scandinavia’s camp may opt to give the horse a brief respite before deciding on a final campaign, possibly focusing on softer ground that suits his running style. In summary, the Qatar Prix du Cadran at Longchamp delivered an unforgettable clash between two of the continent’s top stayers. Caballo De Mar’s narrow neck victory over the heavily favored Scandinavia not only ended an eight‑race winning streak but also reinforced his reputation as a dominant force over extended distances.
The race will be remembered for its strategic brilliance, the dramatic finish, and the lingering questions about how the season will unfold for both horses as they aim for future glory in the world of elite flat racing.