Caballo De Mar shattered 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 nail‑biting 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 once‑leading Queenstown as they began to tire. In the closing stages, the two front‑runners engaged in a fierce duel. Scandinavia briefly reclaimed the lead, only for Caballo De Mar to rally in the final strides, edging his rival by a slender neck as they crossed the finish line.
The win was not without controversy; Ryan Moore, aboard the heavily‑favoured 1‑6 Scandinavia, lodged an objection, prompting stewards to conduct an inquiry. The inquiry centered on a potential bump from the 9‑2 winner near the line, but the result ultimately stood.
Scandinavia entered the race on the back of an extraordinary run that included five Group One victories, making him the clear favorite. Yet Caballo De Mar, who has now secured three Group One wins in Paris alone, proved a formidable opponent when at his best.
Scott praised his horse after the race, 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 and a real character. He can be quite lazy at home and difficult to manage, but when he’s on the track he shows his true quality." The Newmarket trainer had confidence before the race that his colt could challenge the red‑hot favourite.
"We wanted to track Scandinavia and everything went according to plan. We managed to settle him well and then he fought back," Scott explained.
He added that the timing felt right: "If there was any chance to beat him, it was today because my horse loves this course. He was showing all the right signs, and Scandinavia had a very tough run in Ireland last time. We felt we could get the better of him today, but you never want to say that out loud." Looking ahead, Scott hinted at future ambitions, noting, "We’ll see how he recovers, but a run at Ascot on Champions Day could be on the cards." This prospect reflects Caballo De Mar's rising profile in the staying division, where his consistency in high‑grade contests is attracting attention from owners and trainers alike. Aidan O'Brien, who trains Scandinavia, offered his own reflections on the race.
"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 mentioned he was coming back at him. That will likely be his final race of the season.
I wasn’t planning to send him to Ascot because the ground will probably be too firm for him by then." The outcome of the Cadran has broader implications for the European staying calendar. Caballo De Mar's victory re‑establishes him as a top‑class marathoner, capable of taking on the best in the world over extended distances. His ability to repeat a Group One win at the same venue a year apart underscores his affinity for the Longchamp turf and his stamina reserves. Scandinavia, despite the disappointment, remains a highly respected competitor.
His record of five Group One wins this season demonstrates a level of class that few horses achieve. The narrow defeat may serve as motivation for his connections as they plan his final outings, potentially targeting the prestigious Gold Cup at Ascot if conditions suit. The race also highlighted the tactical acumen of Oisin Murphy, whose timing of the move at the furlong marker proved decisive.
Murphy’s experience in staying races allowed him to judge the pace perfectly, positioning Caballo De Mar to strike at the optimal moment. His partnership with Scott has grown stronger over recent seasons, and this victory adds another chapter to their successful collaboration. Fans of horse racing can stay updated with the latest news, interviews, and feature stories through Sky Sports Racing, which continues to provide comprehensive coverage of the sport.
The dramatic Cadran finish, the stewards’ inquiry, and the post‑race comments from trainers and jockeys all contribute to the rich tapestry of narratives that keep enthusiasts engaged throughout the season. In summary, Caballo De Mar’s win over Scandinavia in the Qatar Prix du Cadran not only halted a remarkable winning streak but also reinforced his status as a premier stayer in Europe.
The race will be remembered for its tight finish, the strategic brilliance of both jockeys, and the emotional moments shared by connections on both sides. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on the upcoming major staying events to see whether Caballo De Mar can continue his ascent or if Scandinavia will rebound and add more Group One laurels to his impressive résumé.