2025 Eclipse Preview

Get expert Coral-Eclipse 2025 tips, analysis, and runner previews for one of the season's most prestigious Group 1 middle-distance showdowns.

First run in 1886, the Coral Eclipse is one of the most prestigious middle distance races in the British flat racing calendar. Held at Sandown Park over a mile and a quarter, it regularly attracts a clash of generations, with the best of the Classic crop against seasoned older horses. Named after the unbeaten 18th-century stallion Eclipse, the race has produced some unforgettable winners, from Dancing Brave, Sea The Stars and Enable. Here is a runner by runner guide to this year’s contenders:

1. Ombudsman - William Buick (Stall 5)
Trained by John & Thady Gosden for Godolphin, Ombudsman comes into the Eclipse as the standout horse of the older generation. A four-year-old with a rating of 128, he announced himself at the top level with a commanding victory in the Group 1 Prince of Wales’s Stakes at Royal Ascot when leaving Anmaat in his wake. That followed a solid seasonal debut when second in the Brigadier Gerard behind a race-fit horse so looks the one to beat on paper.

2. Sosie – Maxime Guyon (Stall 4)
Representing French powerhouse André Fabre, Sosie is another classy four-year-old bringing serious Group 1 credentials. He claimed the Prix Ganay in April and followed up with an authoritative win in the Prix d’Ispahan at Longchamp. Versatile in terms of ground and tactics, he’s France’s leading hope and brings depth to the race. If the race develops into a tactical affair, his turn of foot could be decisive and looks like a player for the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe in October after missing out narrowly in 2024.

3. Camille Pissarro – Christophe Soumillon (Stall 2)
This French Derby winner is the most high-profile of the Aidan O’Brien duo. A strong middle-distance performer, Camille Pissarro boasts both Group 1 success and proven stamina, making him a key player among the Classic crop. The weight-for-age allowance could also give him an edge, and O’Brien’s record in this race with three-year-olds only adds to his appeal. Big player.

4. Delacroix – Ryan Moore (Stall 3)
Sent off as the Derby favourite, Delacroix disappointed at Epsom when finishing ninth, but never really looked comfortable during the race under Ryan Moore. While he lacks a top-level win, his early-season form and connections suggest he should not be overlooked and was the pick of the three. The Eclipse could provide the ideal platform for a revival but he won’t want to lose his race in the preliminaries.

5. Hotazhell – Shane Foley (Stall 6)
Trained by Jessica Harrington, Hotazhell was a top juvenile when winning the Group 1 Moyglare Stud Stakes at two. He has yet to replicate that form as a three-year-old but still remains full of potential. The Eclipse is a big step up in class and he’ll need to improve on recent efforts, but the stable remains optimistic about his progress over 10 furlongs so can’t be properly dismissed.

6. Ruling Court – Oisin Murphy (Stall 1)
Charlie Appleby’s 2,000 Guineas winner adds another look to the race given his form behind Field Of Gold, last time out. A son of Dubawi, he has shown strong form over a mile but steps into unknown territory over 10 furlongs for the first time on Saturday. Historically, the Guineas-Eclipse double is rare and only a few horses have succeeded in it. That said, his cruising speed and class make him a big contender if he stays the trip but William Buick decides to jump ship and ride Ombudsman.