Caballo De Mar snapped Scandinavia's impressive eight‑race winning streak by repeating his triumph in the Qatar Prix du Cadran, a feat he first achieved a year earlier, in a dramatic finish at Longchamp in Paris. The seasoned stayer, trained by George Scott, was expertly guided by jockey Oisin Murphy, who made his decisive move at the final furlong. Murphy angled Caballo De Mar into the lead, overtaking both the fading pacesetter Queenstown and the heavily favored Scandinavia.
The duel intensified as the two front‑runners clashed head‑to‑head in the last stretch. Scandinavia briefly reclaimed the advantage, only for Caballo De Mar to rally once more in the shadow of the finish line, ultimately securing victory by a narrow neck.
The close finish prompted a stewards' inquiry after Ryan Moore lodged an objection on behalf of his mount, Scandinavia, the 1‑6 favorite, claiming that the 9‑2 winner had brushed him near the line. After careful review, the result stood, confirming Caballo De Mar's win.
Scandinavia entered the race on the back of an extraordinary campaign that included five Group One victories, underscoring the magnitude of the upset. Yet George Scott's horse proved a formidable adversary when at his best, especially on Parisian turf where he has now won three Group One contests in as many attempts. Speaking after the race, Scott praised his horse and the team that prepared him: "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's an incredible animal and a real character.
He needs a lot of management at home, he's very lazy and it's hard to get a grip on him." The Newmarket‑based trainer had confidence that his runner could challenge the red‑hot favorite. "We wanted to track Scandinavia and everything went to plan.
We managed to get well up on him and then he fought back," Scott explained. He added that the timing felt right: "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 never say that with certainty." Looking ahead, Scott hinted at future ambitions, noting that Caballo De Mar could be aimed at the Champions Day meeting at Ascot: "We'll see how he comes out of it, but he could go to Ascot on Champions Day." This potential target reflects the horse's growing reputation as a top‑class stayer capable of competing at the highest level. Aidan O'Brien, whose own charges included Scandinavia, offered his perspective on the outcome: "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 comments highlight the challenges of maintaining peak form over a protracted campaign, especially when ground conditions shift.
The race itself was a masterclass in long‑distance tactics. Caballo De Mar, known for his powerful finishing kick, was positioned just off the pace early on, conserving energy while the early leaders set a moderate tempo. As the field entered the final two furlongs, Murphy urged the horse forward, and the stayer responded with a burst of acceleration that saw him draw alongside Scandinavia.
The two horses exchanged blows, each refusing to yield, before Caballo De Mar found a sliver of room on the inside and surged ahead in the final strides. Queenstown, the early pacesetter, faded rapidly after setting a brisk early tempo, illustrating the delicate balance required in marathon races between speed and stamina. The race also underscored the importance of jockey skill; Murphy's timing and ability to navigate the tight finish were instrumental in securing the win. Beyond the immediate result, the victory carries broader implications for the European staying division.
Caballo De Mar's back‑to‑back Cadran wins place him among an elite group of horses that have conquered the prestigious French marathon more than once, a rarity that enhances his breeding value and cements his status as a leading stayer. For Scandinavia, the defeat marks the end of a remarkable run that saw him dominate the Group One scene throughout the season. Despite the loss, his record remains impressive, and his connections will likely target other high‑profile staying events later in the year, perhaps focusing on races that suit his preferred ground conditions.
The race also generated significant buzz among racing fans and pundits, who praised the dramatic finish and the high‑quality field. Sky Sports Racing highlighted the event as a showcase of endurance, strategy, and sheer willpower, noting that such contests are becoming increasingly rare in a sport that often emphasizes speed over stamina. In summary, Caballo De Mar's triumph over Scandinavia in the Qatar Prix du Cadran was a thrilling reversal of fortunes, showcasing the horse's resilience, the trainer's strategic acumen, and the jockey's decisive ride.
The win not only ends Scandinavia's winning streak but also adds a second Cadran title to Caballo De Mar's résumé, positioning him as a leading contender for future staying challenges, including a potential appearance at Ascot's Champions Day. The race will be remembered as a classic example of long‑distance racing drama, where perseverance and tactical brilliance combine to produce an unforgettable finish.