Delacroix denies Ombudsman in Eclipse thriller

In a thrilling Coral-Eclipse showdown, Delacroix outpaced Ombudsman to clinch victory by a neck at Sandown Park. Trained by Aidan O’Brien, Delacroix’s superb late surge was facilitated by Ryan Moore’s precise riding. With a troubled passage, the eventual winner was the last horse to get racing but wore down the favourite with a withering challenge.

Key Takeaways

Delacroix achieves a narrow victory at the 2025 Coral-Eclipse, displaying top-class potential.
Aidan O’Brien celebrates his ninth Coral-Eclipse win, cementing his training prowess.
Future Group 1 race targets include the Juddmonte International.

Dynamics of the Coral-Eclipse Race

The 127th Coral-Eclipse at Sandown Park featured a balanced field of six contenders. The race began at a slow pace set by Sosie, positioning Delacroix at the back. Ryan Moore was doubtless far from happy passing the two furlong pole on Delacroix, with the race developing ahead of him whilst he continued to suffer traffic problems.

Ombudsman, trained by John and Thady Gosden, swept into what looked a decisive lead. But once Delacroix saw daylight and began to find his stride, the horse that was favourite for The Derby on his last run, showed the 1m4f stamina that earned him that favouritsm. And once he got running, there was an air of inevitability about the powerful surge that got him to the front where it mattered.

Delacroix’s Rise from Setbacks

Delacroix’s triumph at the Coral-Eclipse marks a significant turnaround from his previous Epsom Derby setback. Bred by Dubawi out of Tepin, this win highlights his dual ability for speed and stamina. Aidan O’Brien’s record ninth Eclipse success solidifies Delacroix’s prospects as a future Group 1 contender. The focus is now on leveraging this win for upcoming prestigious races.

Future racing plans may include races such as the Juddmonte International, enhancing his breeding value.

Ombudsman: Strength in Defeat

Despite being narrowly edged out, Ombudsman’s performance showcased resilience and potential. His strong mid-race positioning could see adjustments in strategy for races like the Juddmonte International or Champion Stakes, aiming to capitalize on his strengths.

The Coral-Eclipse’s Legacy

First run in 1886, the Coral-Eclipse remains a crucial race that tests the mettle of both young and seasoned horses. Renowned past winners include legends like Sadler’s Wells and Sea The Stars, exemplifying the race’s role in shaping breeding and racing tactics.

Aidan O’Brien’s recent triumph reinforces the Eclipse’s significance in the racing calendar. The unexpected outcome reflects how the Eclipse can redefine racing narratives and strategies.

For more on the Coral-Eclipse and participating contenders, explore our coverage on paulgarganracing.com.