Caballo De Mar snapped Scandinavia’s impressive eight‑race winning streak by replicating his triumph in the Qatar Prix du Cadran from a year earlier, delivering a pulse‑pounding finish at Longchamp in Paris. The seasoned stayer, trained by George Scott, was expertly guided by jockey Oisin Murphy, who made a decisive move at the final furlong, overtaking the previously leading Scandinavia and the waning pace‑setter Queenstown.
As the two front‑runners clashed in the closing stages, Scandinavia briefly reclaimed the lead, only for Caballo De Mar to rally in the final strides, edging his rival by a narrow neck as they crossed the finish line. The result sparked an immediate stewards’ inquiry after Ryan Moore lodged an objection, alleging that his mount, the 1‑6 favourite Scandinavia, had been bumped by the 9‑2 winner near the line. After a thorough review, the protest was dismissed, cementing Caballo De Mar’s victory.
Scandinavia entered the race on the back of an extraordinary run that included five Group One victories, making him the heavy favourite. Yet George Scott’s colt proved a formidable challenger, especially on Parisian turf where he now boasts a perfect record of three Group One wins from three attempts.
Scott praised his horse and the 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’s an amazing horse 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 trainer had confidence that his horse could upset the odds‑on favourite, explaining, “We wanted to track Scandinavia and everything went to plan.
We managed to get well up on him and then he fought back.” He added that the conditions suited Caballo De Mar perfectly: “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 want to say that out loud.” Looking ahead, Scott hinted at future targets, noting, “We’ll see how he comes out of it, but he could go to Ascot on Champions Day.” Aidan O’Brien, the trainer of Scandinavia, offered his perspective on the runner‑up’s effort: “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 Ascet because the ground would definitely be gone for him by then.” The race itself unfolded with classic drama. Caballo De Mar had previously won the Qatar Prix du Cadran, a test of stamina over 4,000 metres, and returned to the same venue a year later with the same determination.
The early pace was set by Queenstown, who led the field before gradually weakening. Scandinavia, the favourite, settled just behind, ready to pounce.
As they entered the final furlong, Murphy asked Caballo De Mar for his best, and the horse responded with a powerful surge, taking the lead at the furlong marker. The final stretch turned into a duel of wills. Scandinavia, under the experienced hands of Ryan Moore, fought back fiercely, re‑establishing a slender advantage.
Yet Caballo De Mar, known for his tenacity, dug deep and found an extra stride in the shadow of the post, edging ahead by a neck. The photo‑finish was so close that officials had to examine the finish line footage before confirming the result.
Beyond the immediate excitement, the victory has broader implications for the European staying division. Caballo De Mar’s win demonstrates that a horse can dominate over extended distances across multiple seasons, challenging the notion that younger, fresher horses always have the edge.
It also highlights the importance of race placement and ground conditions; Longchamp’s relatively firm turf suited Caballo De Mar’s stride pattern, whereas Scandinavia seemed to prefer a slightly softer surface, as O’Brien suggested. Fans and pundits alike will now turn their attention to upcoming events such as the Ascot Gold Cup on Champions Day, where Caballo De Mar could be a serious contender if connections decide to step him up. Meanwhile, Scandinavia may be retired after a season that, despite the loss, cemented his status as one of the era’s premier stayers. The race also underscored the strategic acumen of George Scott, who meticulously planned the campaign to peak at the right moment.
His comment about “tracking” Scandinavia reflects a tactical approach: positioning Caballo De Mar close enough to the leader to capitalize on any sign of fatigue. This method paid dividends, as the horse was able to launch a decisive challenge when Scandinavia showed even the slightest dip. In the broader context of horse racing journalism, this story exemplifies the blend of athleticism, strategy, and emotion that draws fans to the sport.
The narrative of a seasoned champion being dethroned by a determined challenger resonates with the timeless appeal of underdog victories, even when both horses are of high calibre. For those following the sport, the takeaway is clear: never underestimate a horse that has already proven its mettle on the world stage. Caballo De Mar’s repeat victory in the Qatar Prix du Cadran and now his triumph over Scandinavia at Longchamp serve as a reminder that consistency, proper training, and the right race conditions can produce extraordinary results. Stay tuned for further updates, in‑depth interviews, and expert analysis as the season unfolds and the racing calendar continues to deliver thrilling moments for enthusiasts worldwide.