The balance between speed and stamina not only matters in Horse Racing. It not only impacts the trainer, the horse, and the Jockey. It also impacts the betting markets. Approximately 6 million people attended horse racing events in the UK each year, second only to football. Flagship races like the Grand National, Cheltenham Festival, and Royal Ascot attract massive crowds, with Royal Ascot alone drawing over 300,000 attendees annually. Horse racing is the fourth most popular sport in the UK by online search volume, with an average of 212,000 monthly searches and over 191 million views on the #horseracing hashtag on TikTok.
As horse racing is such a big business, like in football, if there are injuries, betting markets adjust their odds based on that injury and current performance. Similarly, for the horse or jockey, stamina and speed equal performance, which will again impact odds. So if you’re planning to place a bet and prefer flexibility with your payments, it helps to know which bookmakers that take credit card, crypto, or e-wallet payments, offer competitive odds and in-play betting options. There are important details that can make betting on the Eclipse much smoother.
Winners Who Found the Perfect Blend
Past winners of the Coral-Eclipse highlight the importance of balance. Sea The Stars, who triumphed in 2009, had already proven himself over longer distances, but when dropped back to ten furlongs, he showed both control and power. His ability to travel strongly and accelerate when needed made his victory memorable.
Golden Horn, the 2015 winner, followed a similar path. He settled patiently behind the pace before making a decisive move in the closing stages. These horses were not one-dimensional; they possessed multiple gears and the temperament to respond under pressure.
This race emphasises adaptability. Horses relying solely on speed or stamina often come up short, but those who combine both qualities have the edge.
What Sets This Race Apart
Sandown’s layout adds to the challenge. The early pace can vary widely, and the long uphill final furlong punishes those who go too soon. Jockeys must carefully judge tempo and position their mounts to respond when the race intensifies.
Running too freely early drains energy, while hanging too far back risks being boxed in. Many winners sit just off the leaders, conserving energy before launching their final effort.
Ground conditions also play a role. Faster turf favours horses with a sharp turn of foot, while softer ground highlights stamina. These factors add complexity for bettors comparing form and past performances.
Key Contenders for 2025
The 2025 Coral-Eclipse promises a strong and varied field, with horses bringing different strengths.
Ombudsman is the standout favourite. Trained by John and Thady Gosden, he won the Prince of Wales’s Stakes at Royal Ascot and holds the highest rating in Europe at 128. His odds have shortened significantly, with some bookmakers listing him as low as 5/4 or even. Ombudsman fits many Eclipse trends, such as recent Group 1 success, top rating, and racing fresh from Royal Ascot.
Sosie, a French raider trained by André Fabre, is a Sea The Stars colt and a three-time Group 1 winner. He is the second favourite at around 3/1 to 4/1, with a strong combination of stamina and power. His recent form and pedigree make him a serious threat.
Camille Pissarro, trained by Aidan O’Brien, won the French Derby at ten furlongs. Priced around 6/1 to 13/2, he carries a weight allowance as a three-year-old. While he has yet to face older rivals, his classic-winning credentials and stamina make him an interesting candidate.
Delacroix, also trained by O’Brien, is priced around 8/1. Despite an underwhelming Derby run, he has a perfect record over this distance and has shown the ability to compete at the top level.
Conclusion
The Coral-Eclipse Stakes remains a true test of versatility, rewarding horses that combine speed with stamina and the intelligence to adapt to race conditions. Recent favourites like Ombudsman and Sosie exemplify the type of athlete who thrives here, powerful yet enduring, tactical yet fast.
For bettors, success requires more than just backing the fastest horse. Understanding how speed, stamina, ground, and race dynamics come together is essential. The 2025 race promises a thrilling contest where these qualities will once again be put to the test on Sandown’s challenging course.