On a day filled with anticipation and excitement, the prestigious Lockinge Stakes at Newbury took center stage, but it was Eydon who stole the spotlight in the Aston Park Stakes. Racing fans witnessed a touching tale of resilience and redemption as this remarkable six-year-old, trained by the seasoned Andrew Balding, marked his return to form after a lengthy three-year struggle with injuries.
Eydon, burdened by an array of minor setbacks since his notable fourth-place finish in the 2022 2000 Guineas, only had a handful of outings to his name. Yet, the Aston Park Stakes proved to be the ideal platform for his resurgence. At odds of 16-1, Eydon, racing just behind the early pace led by El Cordobes, showcased a striking display of endurance. As the field approached the two-furlong marker, Eydon confidently surged into the lead, maintaining that momentum all the way to the finish line. The son of Olden Times, last victorious in the 2022 Feilden Stakes, defied any concerns regarding his stamina with an impressive late flourish, defeating Tabletalk by a length and a quarter.
Andrew Balding, reflecting on the challenges faced, described Eydon as a ‘project.’ “Every time we thought we had him right, something else went wrong. But, for the first time, we’ve had a stretch of six weeks without trouble,” Balding shared. The culmination of this unwavering dedication was apparent as Eydon galloped across a sound surface, revealing his calibre once more.
The Eydon Project’s Many Hurdles
The journey to this victory was fraught with obstacles. Described by Balding as a series of unrelated minor issues, the constant interruptions in Eydon’s training regimen meant he required meticulous care. Despite these setbacks, Balding recognized Eydon’s innate talent, hinting at the horse’s potential right from his fourth-place finish in the 2000 Guineas under Roger Varian’s training. “Today’s performance was a testament to his true capabilities,” Balding noted, beaming with pride.
A Fresh Target on the Horizon
With confidence bolstered by Eydon’s Aston Park success, Balding is already contemplating future endeavors. He considers the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud in France as a fitting next challenge. Understandably cautious not to make any premature announcements before consulting with Prince Faisal, Balding remarked, “It seems a logical choice. Eydon is a high-class athlete, and it would be wonderful to test him once more at the top tier.”
Eydon’s journey continues to captivate enthusiasts, embodying the spirit of horse racing where determination and perseverance triumph over adversities. As the Newbury crowd celebrated this touching victory, all eyes now turn to the potential clash on French soil. For Eydon and his team, the racecourse becomes a canvas for their ongoing saga – one that promises further chapters filled with excitement and discovery.
