Aidan O'Brien made history at Sandown on Saturday. Constitution River — the French Derby winner trained at Ballydoyle, ridden by Ryan Moore — won the 2026 Coral-Eclipse Stakes to give O'Brien a record-breaking fourth consecutive Eclipse victory. No trainer in the race's 140-year history had won four in a row.
The Race
Constitution River faced a strong field including stablemate Hawk Mountain, Gethin, and the older horses Ombudsman and Calandagan. The race unfolded with drama — at the top of Sandown's long straight, Constitution River was trapped on the rail in fourth with no obvious way through, Hawk Mountain ahead of him and Gethin looming behind. It had happened before at Sandown. The 1997 Eclipse saw Bosra Sham boxed in and beaten.
This time the gap appeared. Constitution River found it, quickened decisively, and won with the kind of authority that prompted Ryan Moore to describe him as a horse capable of going wherever he wants next. A Boy Named Susie took second under Oisin Murphy, with Hawk Mountain a neck back in third. The first five lengths covered the top three — a strong Group 1.
What the Win Means
Constitution River arrives at the summer programme as Europe's leading middle-distance three-year-old. His form reads: Group 2 winner as a juvenile, Dee Stakes winner at Chester, French Derby winner at Chantilly, Eclipse Stakes winner at Sandown. Four wins across two seasons, each at a higher level than the last.
The Juddmonte International at York next month is the natural target — a race that would bring a rematch with Ombudsman and the best older horses in training. The Irish Champion Stakes in September and the Arc in October are longer-term possibilities.
Words Of Truth — Non-Runner
Horse Racing Oracle AI's Saturday NAP was Words Of Truth in the earlier Coral Charge Group 3. He was declared a non-runner on the day. Rumstar won the race at 100/30, successfully defending his title. No bet was placed on the HRO selection.
Today's NAP
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