CURRAGH, IRELAND – September 15, 2025

Zavateri delivered the performance of his young career on Sunday, stunning the odds to claim a thrilling victory in the prestigious Goffs Vincent O'Brien National Stakes at the Curragh, providing trainer Eve Johnson Houghton with her second Group 1 success.

The unbeaten Without Parole colt, sent off at 15-2 odds, proved his class in a pulsating finish, holding off the late challenge of hot favorite Gstaad by a head in what many are calling one of the most exciting juvenile contests of the season.

David vs. Goliath Battle

Going into the race, all eyes were on Coventry Stakes winner Gstaad, the 10-11 favorite trained by Aidan O'Brien, who was seeking his 13th National Stakes triumph. The Ballydoyle star had suffered his first defeat in the Prix Morny when finishing second to Venetian Sun, but was widely expected to bounce back on home turf.

However, Zavateri had other ideas. Under a masterful ride from jockey Charlie Bishop, the British raider came from well off the pace on testing ground conditions to set up what Johnson Houghton described as stepping into "the lion's den."

A Race for the Ages

The drama unfolded in the final furlong as both Gstaad, ridden by Christophe Soumillon, and Zavateri locked horns in a toe-to-toe battle that had the Curragh crowd on their feet. For a moment, it appeared Zavateri might win with authority, but Gstaad rallied gamely under pressure.

After a tense wait for the judge's verdict, Zavateri was confirmed the winner by the narrowest of margins. A stewards' inquiry was called due to some late interference, but the placings were quickly upheld, confirming the upset victory.

Trainer's Delight

A clearly emotional Eve Johnson Houghton praised her star performer after the race, describing him as "such a dude of a horse" and joking that "I don't train him, he trains me!"

The victory was particularly sweet for Johnson Houghton, who had shown considerable courage in taking on O'Brien's battalions on their home ground. "He's come from a long way back on sticky ground, and they have not been finishing from a long way back today," she noted. "That was pretty impressive, I'd say, and Charlie has given him a beautiful ride."

The trainer revealed that the National Stakes had been specifically targeted as the perfect stepping stone between Zavateri's impressive Group 2 victory in the Vintage Stakes at Goodwood and a potential tilt at the Dewhurst Stakes later in the autumn.

Jockey Charlie Bishop, who was recording his second Group 1 victory, paid tribute to his mount's fighting spirit. "It's the same as Goodwood, he never knows when he's beat," Bishop said, referring to Zavateri's previous victory at the Sussex track.

Bishop acknowledged he had to make his move earlier than planned when Soumillon launched Gstaad's challenge, but praised Zavateri's tenacity in the final stages. "These Group One winners are what make the difference, so it's important to deliver when you get the opportunities," he added.

Perfect Record Intact

The victory maintains Zavateri's perfect record, extending his unbeaten run to four races. His previous victories include back-to-back Group 2 successes in the July Stakes at Newmarket and the Vintage Stakes at Goodwood, form that now looks even more impressive following Sunday's Group 1 breakthrough.

The National Stakes success is likely to see Zavateri emerge as a major player in the juvenile division, with connections now having to weigh up options for the remainder of the season. The Dewhurst Stakes at Newmarket in October looms as an obvious target, where he would once again likely face the best that Aidan O'Brien has to offer.

For Eve Johnson Houghton, Sunday's victory represents another significant milestone in her training career, following her previous Group 1 success. The result will make waves through the juvenile division and establish Zavateri as one of the leading contenders for end-of-season honors.

- Carl Wilson