Caballo De Mar halted Scandinavia’s impressive eight‑race winning streak by replicating his triumph in the Qatar Prix du Cadran exactly one year after his previous victory, delivering a dramatic finish at Longchamp in Paris. Ridden by Oisin Murphy, the George Scott‑trained stayer made his move at the final furlong, overtaking the fading early leader Queenstown and seizing the lead from the heavily‑favoured Scandinavia. The two horses battled fiercely down the stretch, with Scandinavia briefly regaining the advantage before Caballo De Mar rallied in the final strides, edging his rival out by a narrow neck. The result was not without controversy.
Ryan Moore, aboard the 1‑6 favourite Scandinavia, lodged an objection, claiming that his mount had been bumped by the eventual winner, the 9‑2 shot, in the closing stages. Stewards convened a lengthy inquiry, but ultimately upheld the original placings, allowing Caballo De Mar to stand as the victor.
Scandinavia’s recent record had been nothing short of stellar, featuring five Group One wins in rapid succession. Yet Caballo De Mar proved a formidable adversary, especially on Parisian ground where he has now secured three Group One victories from three attempts, underscoring his affinity for the track.
After the race, Scott praised his charge, 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 incredible animal, a real character. He can be a handful at home – he’s lazy and hard to manage, but when he’s on the racecourse he shows his true class.” Scott also explained his tactical approach, noting that he had always intended to sit close to Scandinavia and execute a well‑timed run.
“We wanted to track Scandinavia and everything went to plan. We managed to get up on him and then he fought back,” he said. “I felt there was an opportunity today because my horse loves this course.
He was showing all the right signs, and Scandinavia had a very tough race in Ireland last time. We believed we could beat him, but you never say that out loud.” Looking ahead, Scott hinted at future ambitions, suggesting that Caballo De Mar could be aimed at the Ascot meeting on Champions Day if he stays healthy. “We’ll see how he comes out of it, but he could go to Ascot on Champions Day,” he added. Aidan O'Brien, 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,” O'Brien said. “The ground was a little on the slower side for him, and Ryan felt he was coming back at him.
That will likely be the end of his season. I wasn’t planning to send him to Ascot because the ground would definitely be unsuitable for him by then.” The race highlighted the fine margins that separate elite stayers in top‑level competition. Caballo De Mar’s ability to repeat a Group One victory on foreign soil speaks to his versatility and the skill of his connections. Meanwhile, Scandinavia’s campaign, though halted, remains impressive, having amassed multiple Group One titles across different jurisdictions.
For racing enthusiasts, the outcome reinforces the unpredictable nature of long‑distance contests, where tactical acumen, stamina, and a touch of luck converge. The stewards’ decision to uphold the result after the objection also underscores the importance of clear, decisive riding in the final stages of a race. Fans can stay updated with the latest developments, interviews, and expert analysis by following Sky Sports Racing’s coverage, which continues to deliver comprehensive horse‑racing news and features across all platforms. The story of Caballo De Mar’s resurgence and Scandinavia’s valiant effort will undoubtedly be a talking point as the season progresses toward its summer climax.