Gewan shocks Dewhurst field to claim Group 1 glory
In a dramatic turn of events at the Dewhurst Stakes, Gewan powered to a memorable victory at 25-1, delivering a high-profile upset for trainer Andrew Balding. Ridden by James Doyle, the Night Of Thunder colt displayed front-running intent and surged clear in the final furlongs, finishing ahead of market leaders Gstaad and Distant Storm. The triumph marked a significant return to form after Gewan’s earlier disappointment on softer ground in the Champagne Stakes, underscoring the day’s surprise results on a sunlit autumn afternoon.
How the race unfolded
The early tempo was set by Gewan, who travelled prominently with the cheekpieces on and showed a willing temperament under Doyle. As they turned for home, the pair quickened with authority, edging clear of the field. Doyle explained how the ride unfolded: “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 markers and handled the track well.” He added that once he found the rail, Gewan stayed there robustly, and when asked to quicken, he responded decisively, a performance that suggested the price of 25-1 was far from fair on the day.
Reaping the rewards for Balding
The Dewhurst victory is a notable milestone for trainer Andrew Balding and adds to his growing Group 1 tally. This is Balding’s second win in the Dewhurst, a race he previously captured in 2022 with Chaldean, who went on to win the 2,000 Guineas the following season. Balding’s string of performances across the season has drawn praise from peers and bettors alike, with Gewan’s win reinforcing his reputation for spotting a sprinter with early pace and the stamina to sustain it over a challenging track layout.
Contenders’ perspectives
Aidan O’Brien’s Gstaad finished a creditable second, having travelled keenly early on under Christophe Soumillon. The Irish-trained runner possessed plenty of potential but could not quite match Gewan’s late surge. Distant Storm, one of the market favourites, settled into a solid position before fading in the closing stages, leaving the winner to celebrate on the day’s biggest platform. Zavateri, trained by Eve Johnson Houghton and a winner at the National Stakes the Curragh, could not sustain a repeat performance and finished fourth, underscoring how competitive and unpredictable two-year-old racing can be at this level.
What’s next for Gewan and the Balding team?
Following the Dewhurst triumph, Gewan’s handicap and future campaigns are likely to be closely watched by the racing calendar planners. The victory has already sparked market interest, with bookmakers cutting Gewan’s odds for the 2,000 Guineas from 50-1 to 14-1, indicating belief in a continued ascent for the colt. James Doyle’s assessment that Gewan “went off a silly price” before delivering a compelling rally may also influence the colt’s confidence ahead of a potential Guineas challenge.
Trainer and jockey reflections
Both Balding and Doyle were quick to credit Gewan’s home work and mental composure. Balding noted the horse’s ability to emulate the best aspects of Chaldean, hinting at a potential alignment of form and class that could extend into the spring classics. Doyle echoed the sentiment, highlighting the pace, balance, and acceleration Gewan exhibited in the stretch run. The combination of a skilled ride and a suddenly surging profile makes Gewan a horse to watch as the Flat season progresses.
This race report is being updated and more news will follow shortly.
