2026 Coral-Eclipse Stakes Results - Constitution River justifies favouritism with superb victory

Jon Vine

Editor

Last updated: Sat 04 Jul 2026 15:49

Jon Vine 2 hours ago

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Constitution River wins the 2026 Eclipse Stakes
Ryan Moore's mount thrashes A Boy Named Susie and Hawk Mountain
Read a recap of the race and watch a replay of the finish here

Ryan Moore riding Constitution River win The Coral-Eclipse at Sandown Park. (Getty)

The generations clashed for the first time in Group One company this term, as Sandown hosted another excellent Coral-Eclipse Stakes.

Constitution River was looking to make it three-from-three this term, following victories in the Dee Stakes and the Prix du Jockey Club. Aidan O'Brien's star was smashed into odds-on favouritism in the build-up to Saturday's feature, and Ryan Moore took the ride on the market leader.

Ballydoyle were also represented by Hawk Mountain, with Flushing Meadows the likely pacemaker for the team. Donnacha O'Brien was represented by A Boy Named Susie, who completed the three-year-old challenge.

Owen Burrow's Gethin pushed Ombudsman hard on his return in the Brigadier Gerard Stakes, and sat closest to the market leader in the betting. Roger Varian was represented by Tattersalls Gold Cup third Saddadd. King's Gambit was the final runner in Saturday's feature.

2026 Coral-Eclipse Stakes Result

Position	Name	SP
1st	Constitution River	8/11f
2nd	A Boy Named Susie	20/1
3rd	Hawk Mountain	11/1

As expected, Flushing Meadows went off like the clappers. So quickly, in fact, that Wathnan Racing's pacemaker, King's Gambit, couldn't get anywhere near the front of the field and had to settle in fourth.

Gethin and Hawk Mountain raced closest to Flushing Meadows through the opening two furlongs. Constitution River was held up in fifth under Ryan Moore, with a sizeable gap back to A Boy Named Susie and Saddadd, who was ridden along leaving the stalls after a very slow start.

Turning for home, Flushing Meadows still held a clear lead, but the pacemaker soon dropped back to the chasing pack. Hawk Mountain darted towards the rail, Gethin was under a strong drive after tracking the pace, and Saddadd was switched towards the centre of the track to mount his challenge.

Ryan Moore, however, remained motionless aboard Constitution River as he cruised onto Gethin's shoulder. The favourite swept past Owen Burrows' charge, joined Hawk Mountain and quickly surged into a commanding lead.

A Boy Named Susie followed Constitution River into contention and put up a brave fight. Donnacha O'Brien's colt disposed of Hawk Mountain, but Constitution River was home and hosed as Aidan O'Brien celebrated a fifth straight Coral-Eclipse victory.

Hawk Mountain completed a clean sweep of the places for the three-year-olds. Saddadd finished fourth, but a long way behind the Ballydoyle pair. Gethin faded tamely, with the two pacemakers crossing the line last and second last.