Sandown Park witnessed a moment of pure sporting theatre as Delacroix stormed home in a pulsating finish to win the £1-million Coral-Eclipse, sealing a record ninth victory in the race for master trainer Aidan O’Brien. The result also saw jockey Ryan Moore achieve an unprecedented third consecutive triumph in this prestigious Group One contest, underlining his reputation as one of the finest tacticians in the saddle.
Despite his lacklustre showing in the Derby, Delacroix produced an emphatic turnaround on Saturday. Held up at the back for much of the 10-furlong journey, the Dubawi colt unleashed a dazzling turn of foot down the straight to collar the heavily backed favourite Ombudsman by a neck. A further length and three-quarters back came Ruling Court, the 2000 Guineas winner, in third.
Moore’s ride was anything but straightforward. Trapped in a pocket early on, he was forced to improvise and switch tactics mid-race. Once clear, the response from Delacroix was electric proving his class on a track more to his liking than Epsom.
Trainer O’Brien was effusive in praise, not only for his charge but also for Moore’s adaptability under pressure. He noted the horse’s raw power and pedigree, suggesting that his connections had long sought a Dubawi colt of this calibre. With Delacroix also boasting Tepin as his dam, expectations are sky-high for what lies ahead.
The runner-up’s camp, led by John Gosden, was gracious in defeat. While Ombudsman ran bravely despite a wide trip and a muddled pace, Gosden admitted the race didn’t unfold as anticipated. Still, he commended Delacroix’s staying power in the closing strides.
For third-placed Ruling Court, trainer Charlie Appleby was upbeat. He confirmed that 10 furlongs is now firmly established as the colt’s ideal trip, with a trip to Deauville for the Prix Guillaume d’Ornano next on the cards. The long-term goal? A tilt at the Prince of Wales’s Stakes next year.
Earlier in the day, Rumstar produced a polished display in the Group Three Coral Charge. Under a clever ride from Rob Hornby, the sprinter picked his way through traffic to outpace She’s Quality in the closing furlong. Trainer Jonathan Portman was thrilled to see his charge return to form, crediting tactical restraint and familiarity between horse and jockey.
The Coral Challenge, a mile-long handicap, went to front-runner Classic, who made all under Sean Levey to deliver a convincing victory for trainer Richard Hannon. Meanwhile, Blue Bolt lived up to her billing in the Listed Coral Distaff, powering clear in the final stages to score as favourite.
The 2025 Coral-Eclipse card delivered in every sense history, drama, and racing excellence, all underlined by record-breaking feats from familiar names.
