It’s been a challenging few weeks in Australia for the Yulong team with the defeat of their star performers Treasurethe Moment, Via Sistina (IRE) and Vinrock, while Everest contender Private Harry also faded out of the picture, but in the UK overnight their colours were back in a G1 winning vein aboard Gewan.
The Andrew Balding trained two year-old colt by Night of Thunder was purchased by Yulong after winning the Group III York Acomb Stakes in August at his second start.
He then ran fourth in the Group II Champagne Stakes at Doncatser and was sent off at 25-1 for the Group I Dewhurst Stakes (7f) at Newmarket.
With James Doyle in the saddle, Gewan appreciated the better ground and reverted to his previous winning form to score a bold three-quarter length victory over the race favourite Gstaad, a Starspangledbanner colt from the Aidan O’Brien stable.
The dashing grey colt has now won three of four starts and his trainer Andrew Balding made comparisons between Gewan and his former elite colt Chaldean, who came out and won the Group I Newmarket 2000 Guineas at three.
“I think Gewan was overpriced today. His York performance was very good, and I think you have got to forgive him Doncaster. I don't think it was just the ground at Doncaster, but for some reason he just wasn't at his best. He was today,” said Balding.
“He had been working very well, and we weren't without a hope. He was given a brilliant ride and is a very good horse.
“He and Chaldean are very similar. The only thing this horse hasn't done is win at Doncaster, but they have followed the same route. It's an important win because you need top horses and he is a good horse.
“Mr Yuesheng's son-in-law is here today. I've had a few for them and they have been brilliant owners - they took the defeat at Doncaster without flinching. That enabled us to kick on and stick with our plan to come here. Hopefully he is a Guineas horse. Whether we go straight there - we'll find out.”
Gewan made 100,000 guineas at the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale Book 2 and then sold for 80,000 euros at the Arqana Breeze Ups Sale in May to JS Bloodstock/Al Rabban Racing winning his first two races for them before being sold to Yulong.
Bred by Overbury Stallions and Dukes Stud, Gewan is the first winner for stakes-placed Lethal Force mare Grey Mystere, who comes from the family of French Group I winner Coquerelle.
He is the ninth lifetime Group I winner for Darley based Night of Thunder and is his fifth this year among 28 stakes-winners in 2025, so it’s been quite a year for the son of Dubawi, who shuttled to Australia for one season in 2016.
He stood for 150,000 euros this year.
