Caballo De Mar snapped Scandinavia’s impressive eight‑race winning streak by replicating his triumph in the Qatar Prix du Cadran exactly a 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 seized the initiative at the final furlong, overtaking both the fading early leader Queenstown and the heavily favored Scandinavia. As the two front‑runners clashed in the last stretch, Scandinavia briefly reclaimed the lead, only for Caballo De Mar to rally fiercely in the shadow of the finish line, edging ahead by a neck to claim the win. The result was not without controversy; a stewards’ inquiry followed an objection lodged by Ryan Moore, whose mount Scandinavia—starting at odds of 1‑6—appeared to have been bumped by the 9‑2 winner in the closing stages.
The inquiry was ultimately resolved in favor of Caballo De Mar, cementing his victory. Scandinavia’s recent record had been nothing short of spectacular, featuring five Group One victories that underscored his dominance.
Yet George Scott’s contender proved a formidable adversary, especially on French soil where he now boasts a perfect three‑out‑of‑three record in Group One events. After the race, Scott praised the performance, 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 back and win the Cadran again is fantastic.” He added further insight into the horse’s temperament, noting, “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 firm grip on him.” The Newmarket‑based trainer admitted that he had believed his runner stood a chance against the red‑hot 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.” Scott’s strategic approach was clear: he recognized an opportunity to challenge Scandinavia on a day when his own horse felt most comfortable. “I thought if there was an opportunity to beat him it was today because my horse loves this track.
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 out loud,” he said. Looking ahead, Scott hinted at future ambitions, suggesting Caballo De Mar could target Ascot’s Champions Day if he continues his form.
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,” O’Brien observed. He noted that the ground conditions were slightly slower than ideal for Scandinavia, and that Ryan Moore had indicated the horse was coming back at him in the final furlong. “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 concluded. The race itself was a masterclass in stamina and tactics.
The Prix du Cadran, a 4,000‑meter test of endurance, often produces dramatic finishes, and this edition lived up to that reputation. Caballo De Mar’s ability to replicate his previous year’s winning performance speaks volumes about his consistency and the skill of his connections. The horse’s late‑stage acceleration, combined with Murphy’s perfectly timed ride, allowed him to surge past Scandinavia at the most critical moment.
In addition to the on‑track drama, the post‑race scene highlighted the emotional bond between trainer and horse. Scott’s comments revealed a deep affection for Caballo De Mar, describing him as “lazy” yet “special,” a paradox that many owners and trainers recognize in elite stayers. Managing such a horse requires a delicate balance of discipline and freedom, ensuring the animal remains motivated without being over‑trained. The broader implications for the European racing calendar are also noteworthy.
With Caballo De Mar now three‑for‑three in Group One races in France, his connections may consider targeting other prestigious staying contests, such as the British Gold Cup at Ascot or the Irish St. Leger. Meanwhile, Scandinavia’s campaign appears to be winding down after a demanding season that included multiple top‑level victories and a grueling schedule across several countries. For racing fans, the outcome reinforces the unpredictable nature of the sport.
Even a dominant favourite at 1‑6 odds can be dethroned by a horse that, on paper, seemed the underdog. The stewards’ inquiry added an extra layer of intrigue, reminding spectators that race adjudication can be as dramatic as the competition itself. Looking forward, both camps will likely assess their horses’ health and readiness for upcoming fixtures. Scott hinted at the possibility of a run at Ascot’s Champions Day, a meeting that attracts the world’s best stayers and could provide another platform for Caballo De Mar to showcase his stamina.
O’Brien, on the other hand, may opt to give Scandinavia a well‑earned rest, acknowledging the toll of a long season and the less favorable ground expected later in the year. In summary, Caballo De Mar’s victory over Scandinavia in the Qatar Prix du Cadran was a compelling blend of tactical brilliance, horse‑to‑horse rivalry, and emotional storytelling.
The race will be remembered not only for its thrilling finish but also for the broader narrative of a horse returning to claim a prestigious title against a formidable opponent. The story continues to evolve as both trainers plan the next chapters of their horses’ distinguished careers.