Gewan Springs a Surprise in the Dewhurst Stakes, Giving Yulong Investments a Historic Victory

Ridden Brilliantly by James Doyle, Gewan Defeats Gstaad and Distant Storm, Emerging as a Strong Contender for the 2026 2000 Guineas

Grey Colt Gewan Outshines the Powerhouses at Newmarket / NEWMARKET

NEWMARKET, Inglaterra (Special for Turf Diario).- In one of the most anticipated renewals of the G1 Dewhurst Stakes—the 150th running in the race’s storied history—Gewan produced a stunning upset during the Dubai Future Champions Festival, powering clear to hand Yulong Investments and its owner Zhang Yuesheng a victory of major sporting and symbolic significance.

Brilliantly ridden by James Doyle, the grey colt trained by Andrew Balding settled just off the pace before switching toward the stands’ side rail in the decisive stages, where he held off late bids from Gstaad (Starspangledbanner) and Distant Storm (Night of Thunder) for a commanding and meaningful success—one that momentarily pushed aside the familiar dominance of Coolmore and Godolphin.

Gewan’s triumph came four years after Chaldean (Frankel), also from the Balding stable, captured the same race before going on to win the G1 2000 Guineas. Bookmakers reacted instantly: the grandson of Dark Angel was slashed from 50-1 to 10-1 for the first Classic of 2026, establishing himself as a leading contender.

“It was great to see him bounce back,” Balding said. “We thought he was a bit overlooked in the market—his York win was excellent. Things didn’t go right at Doncaster, but I don’t think the ground was the only reason. Today, he showed the real horse he is. Two Dewhursts in four years isn’t bad—and it helps us close the gap a little on Aidan (O’Brien).”

The trainer was quick to praise his owners: “Yulong have been fantastic. They bought the horse just before Doncaster, and even after he was beaten there, they never lost faith. That allowed us to stick to the plan, and it paid off today.”

For Doyle, it was a first Dewhurst victory. “He really quickened between the six and the four,” the rider said. “He was very professional once in front. Things hadn’t gone smoothly in his first start for the new connections, so it’s great he could redeem himself. They’ve got a proper Classic colt on their hands.”

Yulong’s Paul Curran added: “It’s a fantastic result for everyone involved. The long-term goal is for Gewan to eventually stand at our new farm, Ace Stud, in Dullingham.”

Gstaad (trained by Aidan O’Brien) narrowly missed but lost little in defeat. “He’ll be stronger next year,” O’Brien noted. “He’s very much a colt for the English or Irish Guineas.”

Distant Storm filled third for Charlie Appleby, who also looked ahead positively: “William (Buick) felt he’s still a bit green, but to finish third in a race like this gives us plenty to build on. You’ll see him again in the spring, maybe in the Craven.”

The big disappointment was Zavateri (Wootton Bassett), unbeaten coming in after his G1 National Stakes success, who flattened out to finish fourth.

With his decisive victory, Gewan not only announced himself as a genuine Classic hope for 2026 but also underscored Yulong Investments’ growing international influence and ambition to stand among the true global powers of the Thoroughbred world.