Caballo de Mar is set to kick off 2026 with a race at Meydan on Dubai World Cup night, with trainer George Scott likely to use this event as a stepping stone towards Royal Ascot for his top horses. The promising four-year-old gave trainer Yves Lodge a memorable first Group 1 win in the Prix Cadran at Paris Longchamp, and now aims for the Gold Cup, using the Middle East race on March 28 as an ideal prep race ahead of the Royal Meeting in June.
Scott explained, “He’ll compete in the Gold Cup on Dubai World Cup night because I believe it’ll benefit him and help prepare him for the domestic season. He has to prove himself once again, but he’s very tough and doing very well. He will head straight to Dubai as the Saudi track is too fast and mid-February is too early to start. He’ll likely do some gallops at the racecourse before going to Dubai.”
Caballo de Mar’s rise in 2025 was impressive, starting with a win in a Southwell handicap despite a low rating in March, followed by five more victories including prestigious wins in Germany’s St Leger and the French capital. Besides Dubai, there may also be a trip to France for the Viscountess Vigée Award in the early part of the year.
Scott also noted, “He’s a challenging horse to get fit, so I think going to Dubai and then possibly France will be a good path. Ultimately, the goal is to run in the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot.” Reflecting on past campaigns, Scott added, “Trollman didn’t win in Dubai but still had a great season. It’s a process that works well with races scheduled at the right times.”
Fan Take: This development highlights the strategic planning behind managing elite racehorses and signals exciting international competition ahead. For horse racing fans, it underscores the global nature of the sport and the thrilling prospects for horses like Caballo de Mar on the biggest stages.
