Item, the horse trained by Andrew Balding and backed by a group of enthusiastic sponsors, produced a stunning upset at the Juddmone International held at York, clinching victory at odds of 10‑1 while the race’s two pre‑race favourites, Constitution River and Ombudsman, could only manage third and fourth places respectively. The early stages of the contest were dominated by Hawk Mountain, who surged to the front in a surprisingly brisk pace.
Close behind him, his stablemate Constitution River settled in a keen position, while the heavily‑favoured Ombudsman, ridden by William Buick, lingered at the rear of the field. Ombudsman was accompanied on the outside by another Aidan O'Brien entry, Action, both biding their time.
As the runners approached the far turn of the long Knavesmire straight, Hawk Mountain still held the lead. At that point Buick began to make his move, sliding his mount up the inside rail. Simultaneously, Ryan Moore, aboard Constitution River, launched his own challenge, urging his horse forward as they entered the final two furlongs. Ombudsman continued to gain ground on the inside, but the decisive threats were emerging from the outer side of the track.
It was Ed Walker’s Almaqam that surged ahead with just half a furlong left to run, appearing to have the race in the bag. In the closing moments, however, Item found an extra gear, stretching out his stride and drawing level with Almaqam. The finish was a photo‑finish, with Colin Keane guiding Item across the line just a head ahead, securing a memorable win.
The triumph marked a historic achievement for Balding, who noted that his father, the late Ian Balding – famed for training the legendary Mill Reef – had never managed to capture this particular Group 1 race. "I don’t think he had many chances at it, though, in fairness," Balding said, reflecting on his family’s legacy. "It’s always one of the most important races of the year, so it’s wonderful to win it with a horse like this." Balding explained that the campaign for Item had been carefully plotted, targeting races where the colt could excel.
"We’ve placed him in some good races because we believed he would handle them well, and he’s kept improving both on the track and physically. That’s the most important thing," he added. The victory was also a testament to the horse’s development since his appearance in the Dante Stakes. "He’s a very different animal now compared to the one that ran in the Dante, physically," Balding observed, noting the noticeable growth and maturity.
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 he wanted to," he said, indicating that the colt possesses the stamina to compete over longer trips.
Balding also took a moment to thank the wider team that helped make the win possible, especially after a last‑minute issue with Item’s feet that threatened to derail the campaign. "Everything had gone great up until declaration time, and then we hit a little hiccup with his feet," he recounted. "Thankfully everyone who looks after him worked overtime to sort it out. It ended up being a 5 a.m.
decision to get him on the box and head up here. I’m very relieved." Looking ahead, Balding admitted that the next step for Item remains undecided.
"I just do not know at this moment in time. I think we need to sit down and let the dust settle. We’ve just won the Juddmonte International – that was the plan," he said, hinting that the connections will evaluate the horse’s options carefully before committing to a future target.
The win also underscores the unpredictable nature of top‑level racing, where a 10‑1 outsider can outfinish the market favourites on a day when tactics, timing, and a little bit of luck align perfectly. Fans of the sport were reminded that while form guides and odds provide guidance, the outcome of a race is never guaranteed until the horses cross the finish line.
For racing enthusiasts who want to stay up‑to‑date with the latest news, interviews, and feature stories, the Sky Sports Racing app offers a convenient way to receive real‑time updates directly on their mobile devices. In summary, Item’s unexpected triumph at York not only delivered a thrilling finish for the spectators but also cemented Andrew Balding’s place in the annals of Juddmonte International history, achieving a milestone his father never did. The victory showcases the importance of patient training, strategic race placement, and a supportive team, all of which combined to turn a 10‑1 shot into a celebrated champion.