Caballo De Mar ended Scandinavia’s impressive eight-race winning streak by replicating his victory in the Qatar Prix du Cadran at ParisLongchamp one year later. The thrilling contest came down to a photo finish as Oisin Murphy guided George Scott’s stayer past the fading pacesetter Queenstown and the favourite in the final furlong.
As the two rivals battled through the final stretch, Scandinavia briefly retook the lead, but Caballo De Mar fought back in the shadow of the post to prevail by a neck. A stewards’ inquiry followed after Ryan Moore, who rode the 1-6 favourite, lodged an objection claiming the 9-2 winner received a bump near the finish.
Scott’s horse, trained in Newmarket, has now secured three Group One wins in Paris. Prior to the race, Scott expressed confidence in his charge’s chances against the in-form rival, noting that Caballo De Mar thrives on the Paris surface while Scandinavia had endured a grueling campaign.
“What an amazing performance from the horse and the team at home,” Scott said. “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 added that the horse is “very lazy” and challenging to manage, but delivered when it mattered most.
Aidan O’Brien, who trains Scandinavia, praised his horse’s effort but acknowledged the ground was too slow for him. “Ryan said he was coming back at him. That will be him finished for the season,” O’Brien confirmed, ruling out a trip to Ascot for Champions Day.
Caballo De Mar may now target Ascot for Champions Day, pending his recovery from the hard-fought contest.
ParisLongchamp is clearly Caballo De Mar’s happy place. Three Group Ones there is no coincidence. Can he handle Ascot next?
Huge upset at 9-2! I had a bet on Scandinavia at 1-6 and I’m gutted. Ryan Moore’s objection should have been looked at more closely too.
Is Caballo De Mar actually trainable? Scott called him lazy yet he won. Sounds like a nightmare to manage day-to-day!
Eight wins down the drain. Tough break for Scandinavia, but Aidan O’Brien handled it with grace. The ground clearly didn’t suit him today.
What a race! The photo finish was absolutely nail-biting. Caballo De Mar deserved every bit of that victory.