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 ParisLongchamp. The seasoned stayer, trained by George Scott, was expertly guided by jockey Oisin Murphy as they approached the final furlong. Murphy timed his move perfectly, sliding past the tiring front‑runner Queenstown and seizing the lead from the heavily favored Scandinavia.
The closing stages turned into a fierce duel. As the two contenders clashed head‑to‑head over the last furlong, Scandinavia managed to retake the advantage, only for Caballo De Mar to rally once more in the final strides, edging out his rival by a neck. The finish was so close that Ryan Moore, aboard the 1‑6 favourite Scandinavia, lodged an objection, prompting a stewards' inquiry. The inquiry focused on a potential bump that Caballo De Mar, the 9‑2 winner, may have given Scandinavia near the line.
After careful deliberation, the stewards upheld the result, confirming Caballo De Mar as the victor. Scandinavia entered the race on the back of a remarkable campaign that included five Group One victories, making him the clear market favorite. Yet George Scott's charge proved a formidable adversary, especially on Parisian ground where he has now secured three Group One wins from three attempts. Scott praised his horse and the entire 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 come and win the Cadran again is great. He's an amazing horse and a real character. He takes a lot of managing 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 challenge the red‑hot favourite, noting, "We wanted to track Scandinavia and it all 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're not going to say something like that. 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 after the race. He acknowledged the quality of the effort, stating, "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." The victory adds a significant chapter to Caballo De Mar's résumé. Having already won the Qatar Prix du Cadran in 2022, his repeat performance underscores his stamina and adaptability over the demanding two‑mile distance. It also highlights the skill of jockey Oisin Murphy, whose timing and composure under pressure were instrumental in navigating the tight finish. Murphy's ride demonstrated a keen understanding of pace, allowing Caballo De Mar to conserve energy before launching a decisive surge in the final furlong.
Beyond the immediate race, the result reshapes the narrative for the upcoming autumn campaign. With the Prix du Cadran now under his belt for a second consecutive year, Caballo De Mar emerges as a leading contender for future long‑distance Group One events, including the prestigious Ascot Gold Cup on Champions Day.
His proven ability to handle the softer French ground suggests he could adapt well to the varying conditions expected later in the season. Scandinavia, despite the setback, remains a top‑class performer.
His string of Group One victories earlier in the year, ranging from middle‑distance contests to staying races, attests to his versatility. The narrow defeat does not diminish his stature, but it does highlight the fine margins that separate elite stayers at the highest level. Observers will be keen to see how his connections manage his campaign moving forward, especially given the trainer's comments about the ground suitability and potential retirement after this season.
The race also provided a reminder of the tactical nuances inherent in long‑distance racing. Positioning, pace management, and the ability to respond to challenges in the final stages are crucial.
Caballo De Mar's ability to regain the lead after being overtaken exemplifies the resilience required of top stayers. Meanwhile, Scandinavia's early dominance and subsequent fade illustrate how even the best horses can be vulnerable if the tempo does not suit them or if they encounter traffic issues. Fans and pundits alike will be analyzing the footage for insights into how the bump alleged by Ryan Moore may have influenced the outcome. While the stewards' decision stood, the incident adds another layer of intrigue to an already compelling rivalry.
The narrative of a seasoned veteran versus a rising star will continue to evolve as both horses target future Group One challenges. In summary, Caballo De Mar's repeat victory in the Qatar Prix du Cadran not only halted Scandinavia's winning streak but also cemented his status as a premier stayer on the European circuit.
The race showcased strategic riding, tenacious competition, and the unpredictable drama that makes long‑distance flat racing so enthralling. As the season progresses, both horses will remain in the spotlight, with fans eagerly anticipating their next appearances on the world stage.