Andrew Balding has announced the tragic death of Gewan, a promising three-year-old colt and 2025 Dewhurst winner. Gewan sustained a fatal injury during a racecourse gallop at Kempton on Thursday. This incident has deeply affected the racing community, as Gewan was anticipated to be a strong contender in the upcoming Betfred 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket.
Gewan’s Impressive Career
The son of Night Of Thunder had shown remarkable potential, winning three of his four races as a juvenile and earning the title of European champion two-year-old for 2025. He was regarded as a 6-1 third favorite for the 2,000 Guineas.
Key Wins and Highlights
- Debuted with a win at Newbury in July.
- Triumphed in the Group 3 Acomb Stakes at York.
- Secured victory in the prestigious Group 1 Dewhurst at Newmarket, defeating Gstaad by three-quarters of a length.
Balding expressed his sorrow, stating, “It’s with extreme sadness we report that Gewan has suffered a fatal injury. The vets were on site and attended to him immediately, but unfortunately, he could not be saved.” He extended his thoughts to Gewan’s owner, Harris Li, and James Doyle, who was riding him at the time of the incident and is thankfully unharmed.
A Bright Future Cut Short
Gewan was scheduled to participate in the Greenham Stakes at Newbury as a preparation for the Guineas, showcasing his trajectory toward a promising three-year-old career. Balding remarked on Gewan’s brilliance, particularly during the Dewhurst, expressing disappointment at the loss of such a talented horse.
“Racing is filled with highs and lows, and this is undoubtedly one of the lows,” Balding concluded, reflecting on the impact of Gewan’s passing.
