Major Setbacks for 2,000 Guineas as Two Top Contenders Withdrawn
The build-up to the first Classic of the Flat racing season has been plunged into turmoil with the withdrawal of another leading contender. Just one day after the tragic death of champion two-year-old Gewan, it has been confirmed that Publish, the second favourite for the Betfred 2,000 Guineas, will miss the Newmarket Group 1 race due to a training setback.
Tragic Accident Claims Life of Dewhurst Stakes Winner
On Thursday, the racing world was shocked by the news that Gewan, the 2025 champion two-year-old, suffered a fatal accident during a gallop at Kempton Park racecourse. The Dewhurst Stakes winner was being prepared for the 2,000 Guineas where he was due to represent new outfit Forz Europe, and had been as low as 13-2 third favourite with William Hill.
Trainer Andrew Balding issued a heartfelt statement: "It is with extreme sadness that we report that Gewan, champion two-year-old of 2025, has suffered a fatal accident whilst having a racecourse gallop. The vets were on site and attended to the horse immediately but sadly he could not be saved."
Second Favourite Publish Ruled Out with Lameness
Following a betting reshuffle after Gewan's tragic death, Bow Echo, trained by George Boughey, moved to the head of the market for the May 2 race at Newmarket. He displaced Publish, the horse he defeated last September at Haydock, who was trained by John and Thady Gosden.
However, in another devastating blow to the Classic, Publish has now been ruled out of contention. A statement from owners Juddmonte revealed: "Unfortunately, Publish was found to be lame yesterday. Early indication has suggested he will need a number of weeks out of work, which means he will not be ready for early season targets. A further veterinary examination will be required to determine when he will get back to the racecourse."
Betting Market in Constant Flux
The 2,000 Guineas betting market has experienced significant turbulence in recent weeks. Winter favourite Albert Einstein, trained by Aidan O'Brien, was defeated on his comeback run, causing early market adjustments.
In a further complication, O'Brien mistakenly scratched both Albert Einstein and stablemate Gstaad from the Classic entries. Both horses can potentially be added back into the race via the supplementary option, provided connections pay £30,000 each by the relevant deadline.
With the withdrawals of Gewan and Publish, and the uncertainty surrounding O'Brien's entries, the 2,000 Guineas field has been dramatically reshaped just weeks before the prestigious Newmarket event. The racing community now awaits further developments as trainers and owners reassess their options for the first Classic of the season.
