On a sunlit afternoon at Newbury on August 16, 2025, the racing world watched as Furthur, trained by Andrew Balding and steered confidently by jockey Oisin Murphy, stormed back into the limelight with a commanding victory in the Group 3 Geoffrey Freer Stakes. This result not only marked a remarkable return to form for the Waldgeist colt but also firmly inserted his name into the conversation for next month’s Betfred St Leger at Doncaster, the final British Classic of the season.
Furthur, sent off at 13-2, produced a dazzling display, pulling three lengths clear of the rallying Epic Poet, who was one of the 3-1 joint-favourites. The manner of his win was as emphatic as it was timely, given his recent patchy performances. The betting markets took immediate notice: Betfred slashed his odds for the St Leger from a distant 50-1 to a much more competitive 14-1, while Coral echoed the move, making Furthur a serious contender for the Doncaster showpiece on September 13.
This victory was particularly sweet for connections, considering Furthur’s rollercoaster season so far. Earlier in the year, he had opened his campaign with a win at Newbury, showing early promise. He then took on the Chester Vase, finishing a respectable fifth behind the dual Derby hero Lambourn, and followed that up with a career-best runner-up finish in the prestigious Queen’s Vase at Royal Ascot. However, his fortunes dipped dramatically at Newmarket’s July Festival, where he trailed home last of five in the Bahrain Trophy, leaving some to question his Classic credentials.
Andrew Balding, ever the pragmatist, was quick to put that blip into perspective. “If we hadn’t run him at Newmarket and had come here straight from Ascot then he’d have been the 6-4 favourite, I’d have thought. You always have concerns after he ran as poorly as he did at Newmarket, but I think there were legitimate excuses for that,” Balding explained after the race. “That was much more like it and for whatever reason he was really disappointing in the Bahrain Trophy at Newmarket last time. I think it’s because I probably ran him back too soon after Ascot, but that was pleasing to see him settle nicely and then quicken like he did.”
Indeed, the Geoffrey Freer Stakes served as both a redemption and a springboard. Murphy, who made the most of a gap up the inside rail, executed a tactical ride that showcased Furthur’s ability to settle and quicken decisively when it mattered. “We’re hoping we’ll be heading towards the Leger now, that seems the logical next step and he’s proved he’s worthy of his place there. The nice thing is he seems to handle any ground and we’ll hopefully be in good shape at Doncaster,” said Balding, brimming with optimism about Furthur’s prospects in the season’s final Classic.
This win also signaled a personal milestone for Murphy, who would go on to complete a treble on the day, adding victories aboard Balding’s Venetian Prince in the 7f novice and Ed Walker’s Fort George in the 1m2f handicap. For Furthur, it was his second course win at Newbury, reinforcing his affinity for the Berkshire track and suggesting he’s peaking at just the right time.
While Furthur’s performance was the headline act, the day was packed with notable subplots that could influence the St Leger narrative. Owner Ahmad Al Shaikh, for instance, is now dreaming of Classic glory with his own charge, Al Wasl Storm. The Owen Burrows-trained runner captured the 1m4f handicap, notching his second career win. Al Wasl Storm, who had finished a disappointing 15th of 18 in the Derby, showed renewed promise and is now under consideration for the St Leger, albeit as a long shot at 150-1 with bet365. “Since I bought him I noticed he had an engine, and I think he’ll be better over a further trip. Maybe we’ll go for a race on September 13 [St Leger]. He’s got ability,” Al Shaikh commented, hinting at bigger ambitions. Burrows added, “The way he finished off there then he’d have no problem with an extra couple of furlongs. Ahmad flew in last night, so at least it was worth the trip.”
Elsewhere on the card, Lou Lou’s Gift provided another feel-good story. The William Haggas-trained filly returned to winning ways for the first time since July 2024, holding off Leadman in a determined finish. Her comeback was especially satisfying after a year-long layoff and a tough outing in the Group 3 Valiant Stakes at Ascot last month, where she beat only one rival. Jockey Tom Marquand, reflecting on the victory, said, “Getting her head back in front will hopefully do her the world of good because her confidence will go back up. She’s probably not the most versatile, but she’s got a good amount of ability and it’s just about getting things to feel like they’re her idea.”
The ripple effect of Furthur’s win was felt immediately in the ante-post markets for the Betfred St Leger. Scandinavia remains the favourite at 5-4, with Lambourn close behind at 5-2, while Lazy Griff and Carmers are also prominent. Yet, with Furthur now at 14-1, the field looks as open as ever, and his resurgence has added an intriguing new dimension to the build-up for Doncaster’s marquee event.
For Andrew Balding and his team, the next few weeks will be about fine-tuning and keeping Furthur fresh for the big day. “We’ve got a nice break before the Leger and hopefully we can have him in the same form for that,” Balding stated, underscoring the importance of timing and preparation in the lead-up to a Classic.
As the dust settles on a memorable afternoon at Newbury, the racing community is left with plenty to ponder. Will Furthur’s Newbury heroics translate to Classic glory at Doncaster? Can outsiders like Al Wasl Storm spring a surprise? The answers will be revealed on September 13, but for now, Furthur’s resurgence has injected fresh excitement and uncertainty into the St Leger picture.
