Item, trained by Andrew Balding and backed by a supportive syndicate, produced a stunning 10‑to‑1 upset in the Judg‑Mente International at York, leaving the pre‑race favourites Constitution River and Ombudsman to settle for third and fourth places respectively. The race unfolded with Hawk Mountain taking the lead earlier than expected, setting a brisk early tempo. Close on his heels was his stablemate Constitution River, who settled comfortably just behind the pace‑setter. Meanwhile, the odds‑on favourite Ombudsman, under the guidance of veteran jockey William Buick, was positioned at the rear of the field, conserving energy for a late run.
He was joined at the back by another Aidan O'Brien entry, Action, which also bided its time. As the field turned into the long Knavesmire straight, Hawk Mountain still commanded the front.
At this point, Buick began to make his move on the inside rail, while Ryan Moore, aboard Constitution River, urged his mount forward as they entered the final two furlongs. The tension was palpable as the leaders jostled for position. Ombudsman continued to make steady progress on the inside, but the real danger emerged from the outside. Ed Walker’s Almaqam surged ahead with just half a furlong left, appearing to have the race in the bag.
Yet Item, ridden by Colin Keane, launched a full‑throttle finishing drive, drawing level and then edging ahead in the final strides, crossing the line just ahead of Almaqam. The victory marked a historic achievement for Balding, who noted that his late father, Ian Balding – famed for training the legendary Mill Reef – had never managed to claim this particular prize. "I don’t think he had many chances at it, though, in fairness. It’s always one of the most important races of the year, so it’s wonderful to win it with a horse like this," Andrew Balding said after the race.
Balding explained that the campaign for Item had been carefully plotted, targeting races that suited his developing abilities. "We’ve placed him in some good races with the belief that he would perform well, and he’s continued to improve both on the track and physically. That’s the most important thing," he added.
The trainer also highlighted how dramatically different Item looks now compared with his earlier run in the Dante Stakes. "He’s really a very different horse than the one that ran in the Dante, physically," Balding observed, noting the horse’s increased stamina and maturity. Looking ahead, Balding expressed confidence in Item’s versatility. "I think anything is possible; he certainly has no problem staying a mile and a half if he wanted to," Balding said, underscoring the colt’s adaptability to longer distances.
He also took a moment to thank the broader team that made the victory possible, especially after a last‑minute issue with the horse’s feet that threatened to derail his plans. "I just want to say a big thank you to the team at home because it wasn’t straightforward getting him here.
Everything had gone great up until about declaration time and we had a little hiccup with his feet," Balding explained. The trainer praised the staff’s dedication, noting that they worked overtime to resolve the problem and that a decision was finally made at 5 a.m. to ship the horse to York.
"Thankfully everyone who looks after him worked overtime to get it right, and happily it was a 5 a.m. decision that he got on the box to come up here.
I’m very relieved," Balding added. When asked about Item’s next target, Balding admitted that the immediate future remains uncertain. "I just do not know at this moment in time.
I think we’ve got to sit down and let the dust settle. We’ve just won a Judg‑Mente International – that was the plan," he said, indicating that the team will assess options once the excitement of the victory has settled. The win also underscores the unpredictable nature of top‑level flat racing, where a 10‑to‑1 outsider can overturn expectations and dethrone the favourites on a big day.
Fans and pundits alike will be watching closely to see how Item’s career unfolds after this landmark triumph, and whether he can replicate his performance in future Group‑One contests. For racing enthusiasts, the story serves as a reminder that preparation, patience, and a bit of luck can combine to produce unforgettable moments on the track. The Judg‑Mente International will be remembered not only for the high‑quality field but also for the surprise victory that added a fresh chapter to the sport’s rich narrative.