G1 win for Phoenix of Spain

A first Group One for @GScottracing! 🏆

Caballo De Mar digs deep to win the Group One Qatar Prix du Cadran at ParisLongchamp! 🇫🇷 pic.twitter.com/b6VjeC6kyx

— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) October 4, 2025

Caballo De Mar

Caballo de Mar Triumphs in Style at Longchamp: A dive into His Prix du Cadran Victory

 

On a picturesque, autumnal afternoon at ParisLongchamp, Caballo de Mar (IRE) etched his name into the history books by capturing the Group 1 Qatar Prix du Cadran in commanding fashion. It was a landmark performance—one that marked firsts for him, his trainer, and his sire, and underlined his burgeoning credentials among the elite.

 

The Race:

 

His form earlier in the season had shown strong progression: a second in the Chester Cup, a win at Haydock, a near-miss at Royal Ascot, and then a courageous win in the Group 3 Deutsches St Leger in Germany.

 

Eight runners lined up. Caballo de Mar carried the colours of Victorious Forever, was bred by Barouche Stud (Ireland) Ltd, and was ridden by Tom Marquand, substituting for the injured Callum Shepherd.  His main rival on the day proved to be Coltrane (IRE), the Andrew Balding‑trained veteran, who set up as the leader and tried to control the tempo.

 

From early stages, Marquand allowed Caballo de Mar to travel prominently—tracking Coltrane’s movements, just off his shoulder. Approaching the final two furlongs, Caballo de Mar made his move to wrest the initiative from Coltrane. Coltrane attempted a fightback, but Caballo de Mar dug deep in the final furlong and went on to win by 1¾ lengths. Post-race, Marquand noted how well Caballo de Mar relaxed (“he switched off really well”) and how he had to show courage in the closing stages.

 

Significance & Legacy

 

Caballo de Mar’s win also marked the first Group 1 for his sire, Phoenix of Spain. The leading 3^rd crop sire in Europe by Group winners, six individual stakes horses from three crops of racing age. His biggest crop are foals of this year, 2025, the best is yet to come.

 

Another notable result on the same day was Lady of Spain finishing 4^th in the Sun Chariot Stakes G1 at Newmarket. A previous Listed and Group 3 winner, the daughter of Phoenix of Spain has continued to progress and improve with every start.

 

Caballo De Mar was bred by Barouche Stud, the son of Phoenix of Spain realised €33,000 at the Tattersalls Ireland September Yearling Sale when selling to JS Bloodstock/G Scott from Acorn Stud (Wicklow).

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