Caballo De Mar delivered a decisive blow to Scandinavia’s impressive eight‑race winning streak, replicating his triumph in the Qatar Prix du Cadran from a year earlier with 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.
At that crucial moment, Murphy urged Caballo De Mar forward, allowing him to overtake the fading leader, Queenstown, and seize the advantage from the heavily‑favoured Scandinavia. The closing stages turned into a fierce duel. As the two front‑runners battled head‑to‑head through the last furlong, Scandinavia managed to regain the lead, only for Caballo De Mar to rally once more in the final strides, edging his rival out by a narrow neck.
The finish was so tight that it prompted a stewards’ inquiry after an objection lodged by Ryan Moore, whose mount Scandinavia – the 1‑6 favourite – appeared to have been bumped by the 9‑2 winner just before the line. Scandinavia’s recent record had been nothing short of stellar, featuring five Group One victories that underscored his dominance.
Yet Caballo De Mar proved a formidable challenger, especially on Parisian turf where he has now secured three Group One wins from three attempts, cementing his reputation as a top‑class stayer. After the race, George Scott expressed his elation, stating, “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, very lazy, and it takes a lot of patience to keep him focused.” Scott also highlighted his tactical plan, noting that he had anticipated a chance to upset the red‑hot favourite. “We wanted to track Scandinavia and everything went according to plan.
We managed to settle close to him, then he fought back when we asked,” he explained. “I thought today was the perfect opportunity 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 beat him today, though you never want to be overly confident.” Looking ahead, Scott hinted at future ambitions, saying, “We’ll see how he recovers, but a target could be Ascot on Champions Day.” Aidan O'Brien, the trainer of Scandinavia, offered his perspective on the runner‑up’s performance. “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. Ryan mentioned he was coming back at him in the final stages.
That will likely be the end of his season. I wasn’t planning to go to Ascot because the ground would probably be too firm for him by then.” The race not only showcased the rivalry between two elite stayers but also highlighted the strategic nuances of long‑distance racing. Caballo De Mar’s ability to replicate a victory in the same Group One event a year after his initial win demonstrates both his consistency and his adaptability to varying race conditions.
Meanwhile, Scandinavia’s string of Group One successes, despite the setback, confirms his status as one of the leading stayers of the generation. In the broader context of the European racing calendar, this result adds a compelling chapter to the narrative of stamina specialists.
The Prix du Cadran, traditionally run over 4,000 metres, tests not only speed but also endurance, tactical acumen, and the ability to handle the often‑soft French ground in autumn. Caballo De Mar’s triumph underscores the importance of a patient ride, as Oisin Murphy’s timing in urging the horse forward at the crucial moment proved decisive.
For racing enthusiasts, the outcome provides ample material for discussion. Some analysts will point to the stewards’ inquiry as a pivotal moment that could have altered the final order, while others will focus on the tactical execution by Scott’s team. The fact that the race concluded with a neck‑length margin after a hard‑fought battle illustrates how finely balanced top‑class staying contests can be. Looking forward, both connections have clear objectives.
Scott’s comments about a potential Ascot appearance suggest that Caballo De Mar could be aimed at the prestigious Gold Cup, a race that would further test his staying credentials against the best in Britain. Conversely, O'Brien may choose to give Scandinavia a well‑deserved rest after a demanding campaign, possibly targeting a final run later in the season if conditions suit. The story of Caballo De Mar’s repeat victory also resonates beyond the immediate racing community.
It exemplifies the dedication required from owners, trainers, jockeys, and stable staff to maintain a horse at peak performance across seasons. The horse’s temperament – described as “lazy” and “hard to manage” – adds a human element to the narrative, reminding fans that even elite athletes have unique personalities that must be understood and respected. In summary, the ParisLongchamp showdown delivered a classic duel between two elite stayers, with Caballo De Mar emerging victorious by a slender neck after a gripping final furlong.
The win not only ended Scandinavia’s impressive eight‑race streak but also reinforced Caballo De Mar’s standing as a top‑class stayer capable of repeating success at the highest level. The race will be remembered for its close finish, the stewards’ inquiry, and the strategic brilliance displayed by both trainers and jockeys. Fans can now look ahead to potential future clashes, especially at Ascot’s Champions Day, where the rivalry may continue to unfold on the world stage.