The 10-1 longshot, trained by Andrew Balding, overcame a pre-race foot scare and a chaotic start to claim a thrilling Group One victory.
In a stunning turn of events that defied expectations, the 10-1 outsider Item captured the prestigious International Stakes at York on Wednesday. Piloted by jockey Colin Keane and trained by Andrew Balding, Item launched a powerful late challenge to overtake Almaqam in the final strides, securing a memorable win.
The race proved to be anything but straightforward from the outset. Key favorites, Ombudsman (5-6) and Constitution River (13-8), who were widely tipped for victory, ultimately finished fourth and third respectively, unable to contend for the top spot.
This unexpected result unfolded in a race characterized by an unpredictable pace and shifting dynamics, setting the stage for Item's dramatic charge to the finish line, according to reporting by The Guardian - Sport.
Item's Dramatic International Stakes Triumph
The International Stakes began with an immediate upset to the anticipated script. Aidan O’Brien’s Action, intended to set the early pace, missed the kick entirely, leaving his stablemate Hawk Mountain to take the lead. Constitution River found himself in an uncharacteristically forward position, sitting second, while favorite Ombudsman lingered towards the rear, remaining in last place as the field rounded the bend for home.
As the horses entered the straight, William Buick aboard Ombudsman struggled to find clear passage. Meanwhile, Kieran Shoemark spurred Almaqam forward, kicking for home along the far rail in what appeared to be a winning move. Almaqam held a strong lead deep into the final furlong, looking like the certain victor on the rain-softened ground.
However, Almaqam began to tire as Item, under the determined guidance of Colin Keane, found another gear. Keane galvanized the Andrew Balding-trained colt for a final, decisive thrust. Item surged past the flagging leader right at the wire, winning by a head in a thrilling finish that left spectators astonished.
Overcoming Pre-Race Doubts and Prior Form
Item's victory in the Group One International Stakes adds significantly to his already impressive record. The colt had previously demonstrated a strong affinity for York, having won two Group Two events over the same track and distance earlier in the season. His only career defeat in six starts was a ninth-place finish in the Derby, which was just his fourth race.
Trainer Andrew Balding revealed that Item’s participation in the big race was touch-and-go due to a minor issue. “Everything had gone great up until about declaration time [on Monday] and we had a little hiccup there with his feet,” Balding explained. He praised his team’s dedication, stating, “Thankfully everyone who looks after him have worked overtime to get it right, and happily it was a 5am decision that he got on the box to come up here.”
Balding also commented on the horse’s significant development, noting, “He’s really a very different horse than the one that ran in the Dante, physically.” Looking ahead, the trainer was optimistic yet undecided about future plans. “I think anything is possible [now], he certainly has no problem staying a mile-and-a-half if he wanted to [but] I just do not know [where he will go next] at this moment in time. We’ve just won a Juddmonte International, that was the plan.” This win marked only the third victory in the race for the renowned green, white, and pink silks of the Juddmonte operation, which has sponsored the International Stakes since 1989.
Favorites Falters on Soft York Ground
The favorites in the International Stakes ultimately failed to live up to their billing. Ombudsman, the 5-6 favorite trained by John Gosden, finished fourth after struggling to find his rhythm. Gosden attributed his charge's performance to the prevailing conditions, stating, “It’s gone very much on the soft side, and that’s just not his scene.” He reiterated, “He’s absolutely fine afterwards, he just didn’t like the ground. It’s gone very much on the soft side and that’s not his scene. I’m afraid it was just too soft and it played to others, not to him.”
Constitution River, the 13-8 second favorite, ended up third following the unexpected pace scenario at the start, which saw him chasing early in second place. Almaqam, who led convincingly until the closing stages, ultimately had to settle for second. His trainer, Ed Walker, acknowledged the challenging defeat, remarking, “It’s a tough one [but] when you get these conditions, he’s a seriously good horse and I’m glad he’s shown it today.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the International Stakes at York?
The International Stakes at York was won by Item, a 10-1 outsider trained by Andrew Balding and ridden by Colin Keane, who surged past Almaqam in the final strides.
What were the odds for Item in the International Stakes?
Item went off as a 10-1 chance, making his victory a significant upset over the favored horses, Ombudsman (5-6) and Constitution River (13-8).
Why did favorites like Ombudsman perform poorly?
Ombudsman's trainer, John Gosden, attributed his horse's fourth-place finish to the rain-softened ground, stating it was "very much on the soft side" and "not his scene." Constitution River finished third after an unexpected early pace scenario.
What did Item's trainer, Andrew Balding, say after the win?
Andrew Balding highlighted Item's physical improvement and revealed a "little hiccup with his feet" before the race. He also stated, "I think anything is possible [now]," regarding Item's future, but confirmed that winning the Juddmonte International was "the plan."