Item, trained by Andrew Balding and backed by his owners, produced a stunning 10‑to‑1 upset in the Judg‑dmonte International at York, leaving the pre‑race favourites Constitution River and Ombudsman to settle for third and fourth places respectively. The race began with Hawk Mountain taking the early lead in a rather surprising fashion. Close behind him, his stablemate Constitution River settled in a keen position, while the odds‑on favourite Ombudsman, ridden by William Buick, lingered at the back of the field.
Ombudsman was accompanied by another Aidan O'Brien entry, Action, which also stayed towards the rear. As the field approached the long Knavesmire straight, Hawk Mountain was still out front. At this point, Buick began to make his move on the inside rail, while Ryan Moore, aboard Constitution River, launched his challenge with two furlongs left to run.
Ombudsman continued to gain ground on the inside, but the real danger was coming from the outside of the track. It was Ed Walker’s Almaqam that surged ahead with just half a furlong to go, appearing to be the likely winner. However, Item, under the skilled hands of Colin Keane, surged forward in full flight, drawing level and then edging ahead in the final strides, crossing the finish line with his head just ahead of Almaqam.
The triumph marked a historic moment for Balding, who achieved a feat his late father, the legendary trainer of Mill Reef, never managed. Balding reflected on the win, saying, "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." He went on to explain how the campaign had been carefully plotted: "We’ve placed him in some solid races because we believed he would perform well, and he has continued to improve both on the track and physically. That progression is the most important factor." The victory was also a reminder of how quickly a horse can evolve.
Balding noted, "He’s a very different animal compared to the one that ran in the Dante, especially in terms of his physical development." When asked about the horse’s future distance preferences, Balding was optimistic: "I think anything is possible; he certainly has no problem staying a mile and a half if we wanted him to." He also expressed gratitude to his team for overcoming a last‑minute hurdle. "There was a bit of a hiccup around declaration time with his feet," Balding explained. "Everything had gone smoothly until then, and we faced a small issue that could have jeopardised his run. Fortunately, everyone involved worked overtime to resolve it, and a 5 a.m.
decision was made to get him on the plane to York. I’m incredibly relieved." Looking ahead, Balding admitted that the next steps for Item remain uncertain. "I don’t know at this moment what his next assignment will be. We need to sit down, let the dust settle, and consider our options.
We’ve just won the Judg‑dmonte International, which was the plan, but we’ll decide the best path forward after we’ve had a chance to breathe." The Judg‑dmonte International win not only adds a prestigious Group 1 title to Item’s résumé but also underscores the depth of talent in Balding’s stable. It demonstrates how a well‑managed campaign, combined with a horse that continues to mature physically and mentally, can produce a surprise victory against established stars. For racing fans, the result serves as a reminder that even heavily‑favoured horses like Constitution River and Ombudsman can be beaten when a less‑expected contender finds the perfect trip and timing.
The race also highlighted the importance of strategic positioning: Hawk Mountain’s early speed set the tempo, but it was the patient ride by Keane on Item that capitalised on the final stretch. In the broader context of the season, the Judg‑dmonte International is one of the key middle‑distance contests, often shaping the narrative for future Group 1 events. Item’s triumph could open doors to further top‑level opportunities, perhaps targeting the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes or even a campaign abroad. Meanwhile, the racing community continues to follow the latest news, interviews, and features through platforms such as Sky Sports Racing, ensuring fans stay up‑to‑date with every development.
The excitement generated by this upset will likely fuel discussions about training philosophies, race tactics, and the ever‑present potential for underdogs to shine on the biggest stages. Overall, Balding’s comments, the team's perseverance through a foot‑related issue, and Item’s decisive finish combine to tell a compelling story of preparation, resilience, and the joy of achieving a long‑sought‑after victory in one of the sport’s most prestigious events.