Caballo De Mar shines again at Longchamp and captures another Group 1 victory
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In a tremendous finish after 3100 demanding meters, he defeated Santorini Star by half a neck, with Al Riffa and Asmarani right there as well
PARIS, France (Special to Turf Diario).- On an emotional afternoon at ParisLongchamp, highlighted by tributes to the unforgettable Aga Khan IV, another name ultimately stole a large share of the spotlight: Caballo De Mar, who returned to the scene of his first major international breakthrough in the Prix du Cadran (G1) and this time reached the summit by capturing the Prix Vicomtesse Vigier (G1).
The son of Phoenix Of Spain, trained by George Scott, once again displayed all his toughness and determination to prevail in a spectacularly tight finish, while also completing a valuable British one-two in the traditional Parisian staying feature.
Ridden with tremendous composure by Oisin Murphy, the representative of the Victorious Forever silks traveled comfortably throughout behind pacesetter Santorini Star (Golden Horn), another British challenger who dictated terms for much of the race.
With 300 meters still remaining and the strain of the demanding 3100-meter journey beginning to take hold, Caballo De Mar launched his decisive move, swept to the lead, and found the courage necessary to hold on all the way to the wire.
The margin was only half a neck over Santorini Star, while multiple Group winner Al Riffa (Wootton Bassett) arrived dangerously late to finish just another head away in third.
Favorite Asmarani (Sottsass), stablemate of Daryz (Sea The Stars) in the barn of Francis-Henri Graffard, was fourth and beaten only narrowly as well, completing one of the most thrilling finishes of the European season.
“It was actually pretty straightforward,” Murphy commented calmly afterward. “The race completely changed rhythm on the false straight, but he responded very well and showed a lot of courage to get the job done.”
For George Scott, the victory carried especially deep meaning.
“He’s an extraordinary horse,” the trainer said emotionally. “He always gives absolutely everything. He has a unique personality and people seem to underestimate him constantly. Oisin gave him a brilliant ride and we’re thrilled to have had him aboard today.”
Caballo De Mar’s progression since last season has been remarkable.
After winning the Prix du Cadran during Arc weekend, he also captured the Deutsches St Leger (G3) and has steadily built a stronger and stronger profile among Europe’s elite stayers.
This season he had already returned with several highly creditable efforts, including a tremendous performance in the Dubai Gold Cup (G2) and a heartbreaking defeat to veteran Sweet William (Sea The Stars) in the Sagaro Stakes (G3) at Ascot, a race that ultimately proved the perfect preparation for this latest triumph.
“We knew he was coming into the race in great shape,” Scott continued.
“The Gold Cup at Royal Ascot had been in our minds for quite a while, but the horse was so full of energy that we decided to come here first. And what a decision that turned out to be.”
The trainer also reflected on the horse’s humble beginnings, perhaps the most emotional part of the entire story.
“Billy Jackson-Stops and I found him on a terrible afternoon at Tattersalls Ireland. We bought him for only €30,000 for Blue Star Racing, and now we’re winning a Group 1 at Longchamp. It’s unbelievable.”
And he concluded:
“To win a Group 1 means entering very special territory. I’m delighted for everyone who believed in him from the beginning.”
After another display of courage and stamina, Caballo De Mar made it clear that he is no longer merely a long-distance specialist.
He now officially belongs among Europe’s elite.
