'I was on the floor as he crossed the line' - ecstasy for George Scott at first Group 1 winner as brave second Coltrane retired

George Scott was quite literally floored after landing a breakthrough Group 1 that was a decade in the making with supplementary entry Caballo De Mar in the Qatar Prix du Cadran.

The trainer said he does not often get emotional, but he was visibly moved in the winner's enclosure after the four-year-old, owned by Victorious Forever, made his younger legs count when stretching a length and a quarter clear of Coltrane, who was retired following the race.

"It's a special day for me and my team – we finally got there," said Scott. "The owners have been a big part of my journey, so to train a Group 1 winner feels surreal. I've been training for ten years and we've had loads of stakes winners, but I'm elated we've won our first at the highest level."

On the significance for the yard, he said: "I was on the floor as he crossed the line. I don't normally get emotional, that's what it means to me. I felt like we needed it. We're in a really good position but you need to prove yourself at this level to elevate your yard."

Scott, who was assistant to Lady Jane Cecil at Warren Place following the death of Sir Henry Cecil, sent out his first runners at the end of 2015 and has had a steadier rise to the top than Caballo De Mar, who started life in handicaps off a mark of 65 in the summer of last year.

After three wins on the all-weather this year, Caballo De Mar was second in the Chester Cup and Copper Horse Stakes at Royal Ascot before stepping into Group company last month, winning the Deutsches St Leger. That victory in Germany helped to convince his connections to supplement him for the Cadran for a fee of €21,600.

Caballo De Mar and George Scott after the Prix Du CadranCredit: Edward Whitaker (racingpost.com/photos)

"Tom [Marquand] said he could have gone round again," said Scott. "He's a one-off, a special horse. He began life in low-grade handicaps but has a huge heart. He switches off so well. You could pull him up halfway and restart him. It all went to plan today. He seems to be in his happy place when he's positioned just on the hip of the leader, and Tom rode him brilliantly.

"He has his whole future ahead of him at this level and he might not be done this season – there are a couple of big dances left, then he'll head out to the Middle East. He's a unique character. He's so tough and durable, so we'll see how he is and make a decision."

Coltrane: ultra-consistent stayer retired Credit: Alan Crowhurst (Getty Images)

Coltrane, a four-time Group-race winner and a regular in all the top staying races in recent years, was retired at the age of eight, and trainer Andrew Balding's wife Anna Lisa said: "He's had an amazing life, he's 100 per cent sound. He's loved his racing and now it's time to go and do another job.

"He's going to stay with us and become our hack, it'll be lovely. His stable is ready for him. It's another great run and we're delighted. He always runs with his heart and that was another one."

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