Gewan denies Aidan O’Brien record with shock 25-1 Dewhurst Stakes triumph

5 days ago 11

Gewan, a 25-1 outsider from the Andrew Balding stable, denied Aidan O’Brien a record-breaking ninth win in the Dewhurst Stakes. He crossed the line three-quarters of a length in front of O’Brien’s Gstaad, the 7-4 favourite, with Distant Storm, the second favourite, another length-and-a-half away in third.

Gewan was a big price but there was no sense of fluke about the win, as he was returning to the form of a convincing success in the Acomb Stakes at York in August having lost his unbeaten record as the favourite in the Champagne Stakes at Doncaster. James Doyle settled the grey near the lead in the early stages before sending him for home a furlong-and-a-half out and grabbing a decisive lead.

Balding’s winner has now run in the same four races as the stable’s Chaldean, the 2,000 Guineas winner here in 2023, and won three, including the season’s most prestigious juvenile contest, and was cut to around 10-1 to add a Classic success to his record back here in the spring.

Quick Guide

Greg Wood's Sunday tips

Show

Chepstow: 1.32 Deep Purple 2.07 Settle Down Jill 2.42 Blueking D’Oroux 3.17 Celtic Dino 3.52 Saint Segal 4.27 Bubble Dubi 5.02 Cooltobecareless.

Goodwood: 1.52 Spiced Rum 2.27 Funlover 3.02 Crazee Icon 3.37 Righthere Rightnow (nb) 4.12 Poseidon’s Warrior 4.47 Knights Gold 5.22 Day Of Grace (nap).

“We were saying coming into the race that he was overpriced,” Balding said. “His York performance was really good and you’ve got to forgive him Doncaster. So we weren’t without hope but he’s still got to come and do it, he was given a brilliant ride and he’s a very good horse.”