It was a different pair than expected who fought out the finish of the Juddmonte International Stakes. Billed as a clash between Ombudsman and Constitution River, the conclusion instead revolved around third and fourth favourites Item and Almaqam. Andrew Balding‘s three-year-old maintained his unbeaten record at York, as trainer Ed Walker rued Almaqam’s defeat.
Here is today’s racing news round-up after York’s Ebor meeting got underway.
Juddmonte International: Reaction after Item caused Group 1 upset
Andrew Balding and Juddmonte’s memorable summer continued as Item landed a shock victory in York’s Wednesday feature. The owners won the race named after themselves, as the Juddmonte International produced an unexpected finish. In the event, Item and Colin Keane wore down Almaqam and Kieran Shoemark in the shadow of the post. Balding heralded his newest top level winner afterwards, saying: “I think anything is possible” for the rest of the season. (Sky Sports)
It was heartbreak for Ed Walker and Kieran Shoemark though as Almaqam lost the race late on. Sent for home two furlongs out, Almaqam had the beating of Constitution River and Ombudsman a fair way out. However, Item collared him late on, leaving Walker to rue the narrow defeat. Speaking afterwards, Walker said: “We’ve been beaten in a photo in a Juddmonte. It’s hard to take but you dream about being involved in these races, let alone winning them, and we’ve come seriously close.” (Racing Post)
It was disappointment rather than heartbreak that reigned for connections of Ombudsman and Constitution River. The top two in the market were beaten long before the finish, their head-to-head clash failing to materialise. John Gosden said: “The jockeys are saying it’s soft out there and that didn’t suit him (Ombudsman) at all.” Aidan O’Brien blamed the pace in the race for Constitution River, stating “Ryan got there a little bit earlier than he wanted to and as he had been in a gear too high early.” (Thoroughbred Daily News)
Maltese Cross overturns Epsom Derby form in Great Voltigeur
Maltese Cross supplemented his Group 1 Grand Prix De Paris success by overturning Epsom Derby form with Christmas Day. William Haggas’ charge travelled sweetly throughout the Great Voltigeur Stakes before comfortably repelling Pierre Bonnard with Christmas Day only third. Maltese Cross was cut for the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe by bookmakers in the aftermath. However, Haggas said afterwards that “the St Leger is a prestigious race in its own right, so let’s not be hasty and make decisions today. All options are open.” (Thoroughbred Daily News)
Haffner secures Group race honours in Acomb Stakes
There was glory for Aidan O’Brien earlier on the Wednesday card. Haffner, who had been closely denied at Glorious Goodwood, galloped relentlessly to win the Group 3 Acomb Stakes. The race produced the 2000 Guineas winner in 2024, with Ruling Court finishing third. Last year, Gewan followed up by winning the Group 1 Dewhurst Stakes. O’Brien was bullish afterwards, saying: “I think he’s a Guineas horse and a French Derby type.” (Racing Post)