Item Stuns Favorites to Capture York International Stakes 2026

Item's stunning victory in the York International Stakes at York Racecourse on Wednesday was a major upset, as the 10-1 chance trained by Andrew Balding and ridden by Colin Keane ran down Almaqam in the final strides to win by a head.

Race Summary

The International Stakes, a Group 1 event, did not follow the expected script. The betting market had Constitution River and Ombudsman as the 'Big Two', but both finished third and fourth respectively. The early pace was set by Hawk Mountain, while Ombudsman lagged at the rear. As the field turned for home, Almaqam kicked on under Kieran Shoemark, appearing to have the race won until Item's late surge under Colin Keane proved decisive.

Key Performances

Item, who had previously won two Group Two events over this track and trip, showed remarkable resilience on rain-softened ground. His only career defeat came in the Derby, where he finished ninth, but he has since bounced back impressively. Trainer Andrew Balding expressed confidence in the horse's future, noting that 'anything is possible' after this victory.

Trainer and Jockey Reactions

Balding praised the horse's physical development, while jockey Colin Keane's tactical patience was crucial. Meanwhile, John Gosden, trainer of Ombudsman, attributed the defeat to the soft going, which had turned against his 5-6 favourite.

Race Results Table

Key Takeaways

• Item's victory was only the third for Juddmonte in the race since they began sponsoring it in 1989.
• The race highlighted the importance of ground conditions, as soft going played a significant role.
• Item's career record now stands at five wins from six starts, with only the Derby defeat blemishing his record.
• Trainer Andrew Balding hinted at future targets, possibly stepping up in distance.

FAQ

Best Products We’ve Tested and Rated

Our testing team has hands-on reviews of propane shower, fifth wheel camper tires, caulk camper, rug, and utensils. Every option below was compared across price, build quality, and real-world performance, with honest pros and cons. We update these guides regularly as new models arrive, so the recommendations stay current.

Our testing team has hands-on reviews of strains sinus pressure, lightweight tree stand, solar generator, spotlight long distance, and rechargeable spotlight. Every option below was compared across price, build quality, and real-world performance, with honest pros and cons. We update these guides regularly as new models arrive, so the recommendations stay current.