Gewan delivers a stunning Dewhurst upset for Balding
Andrew Balding pulled off a memorable upset at Newmarket as Gewan upset the odds to win the Group 1 Dewhurst Stakes at 25-1. Ridden by James Doyle, the Night Of Thunder colt travelled with intent, moved smoothly into contention, and quickened clear to beat a high-class field that included market leaders Gstaad and Distant Storm. The victory capped a rollercoaster autumn for Balding, who had already enjoyed success at the meeting with several notable performers in recent weeks.
Race summary and key moments
The field broke reasonably and Gewan settled in a prominent position behind the early pace, with Doyle keeping the pace honest while tracking the rail. As the tempo increased entering the final furlongs, Gewan travelled with purpose, making the decisive move between the three and two furlongs out. Once the gap opened, the colt showed a sharp turn of foot and stretched clear, holding off the challenges of two-time runner-up Gstaad and Distant Storm, who finished well to claim the placings.
Post-race thoughts from trainer and jockey
Doyle, who has ridden some of Balding’s standout performers, said: “I’m very lucky to get the ride on him, he did an impeccable job. He killed them off between the three and the two furlong marker and handled the track well. Once I got the rail he stuck there really tough. He felt really good – that was no fluke whatsoever. I know he went off a silly price, but when I let him go he quickened up very smartly and I knew he wouldn’t get caught.”
After the race Balding praised Gewan’s temperament and improved form, noting a return to top levels after a soft-ground setback in the Champagne Stakes. “He’s a decent horse and it’s no great surprise to anyone who’s ridden him at home or watched him work,” Balding commented. “We’ve seen him progress nicely since York’s Acomb Stakes, and to win a race like this is extremely satisfying.”
The wider context
Gewan’s success adds to Balding’s growing record in the Dewhurst, with Chaldean triumphing in 2022 and then winning the 2,000 Guineas the following season. The Dewhurst is widely regarded as a key early indicator for the Classics, and Gewan’s performance has already sparked early-season betting moves for the spring campaign. In the aftermath of the race, bookmakers moved Gewan from around 50-1 to roughly 14-1 for the 2,000 Guineas, signaling a renewed belief in the colt’s potential at classic distances.
Other notable performers
Gstaad, trained by Aidan O’Brien and ridden by Christophe Soumillon, delivered a determined performance to finish second after travelling keenly in the early stages. Zavateri, trained by Eve Johnson Houghton, could not repeat his bright Curragh showing and finished fourth, while Distant Storm remained in the frame but found Gewan too strong on the day. The result highlighted the form and depth of the juvenile sprint-to-middle-distance division and set the table for a spring campaign full of questions for connections and rival trainers alike.
Looking ahead
With Gewan’s win, the Road to the 2,000 Guineas now looks closer and more competitive than ever. The colt’s owners and Balding will be eager to harness this momentum as the January-into-April prep races approach. Doyle’s ride in the Dewhurst has reinforced his growing reputation as one of the sport’s most capable front-runners, and the team will be mindful of maintaining balance between speed and stamina as they plot a path to classic glory.
Further updates and analyses will follow as more news unfolds in the wake of this dramatic Dewhurst Stakes day.
