Stellar Sunrise Breaks Through for Balding and Murphy at Goodwood
Stellar Sunrise Claims British Stallion Studs EBF Maiden 2025
Trainer Andrew Balding and jockey Oisin Murphy teamed up once again at the Qatar Goodwood Festival to land the British Stallion Studs EBF Maiden 2025 with Stellar Sunrise (6/1), a progressive colt by Space Blues.
The six-furlong contest was a strong renewal with the top six finishers all having previous racing experience. Positioned smartly on the stands’ side rail, Stellar Sunrise made good use of his track knowledge and maturity to win by a decisive length and a quarter.
Favourite Naval Light (EvsF), who had shown promise at Royal Ascot, missed the break again and had too much ground to make up. He eventually finished second under James Doyle. Longshot River Spey (66/1) outran expectations in third, showing marked improvement following a recent gelding operation.
“Stellar Sunrise had the experience and the right draw today,” said Balding. “He got a tactically aware ride from Oisin and took full advantage of the rail. He’s getting more professional with each run, and we’ll look at nurseries next.”
The victory follows Balding and Murphy’s success in the same race last year with Jouncy, who went on to finish second in the Group 3 Sirenia Stakes. The pair clearly have a knack for bringing along promising two-year-olds on this stage.
Murphy was full of praise for the colt’s temperament: “He’s been improving steadily. He’s got a good attitude and will stay six or seven furlongs comfortably. He’s also a strong flagbearer for Space Blues, who really improved with age. There’s more to come.”
Trainer Karl Burke was left frustrated by Naval Light’s habitual slow starts: “He’s blown the break again. He loses a few lengths early, and though he travels well mid-race, it’s just too much to claw back. We know he’s talented—we just haven’t got him right yet.”
Ed Walker, trainer of River Spey, was pleased with the turnaround: “That was a big step forward. His run at Ayr was poor, so we gelded him, and it’s clearly helped. Today was a big effort at a big price.”
Official Result – 4:20pm British Stallion Studs EBF Maiden 2025:
1st – Stellar Sunrise (Oisin Murphy) – Andrew Balding – 6/1
2nd – Naval Light (James Doyle) – Karl Burke – EvsF
3rd – River Spey (Kieran Shoemark) – Ed Walker – 66/1
15 ran
Andrew Balding – 25th Qatar Goodwood Festival winner
Oisin Murphy – 18th Qatar Goodwood Festival winner
Photo courtesy: Goodwood Racecourse
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