In a spectacular show of grit and timing, the gutsy East India Dock powered through the final furlong at Chester on Friday to capture the 2025 Chester Cup, marking a breakout moment for both the horse and his connections.

The four-year-old gelding, trained by James Owen and ridden with precision by Harry Davies, stormed up the centre of the Roodee track to edge past Caballo De Mar and fend off 2024 winner Zoffee. The narrow yet decisive victory capped off a career-defining day for all involved.

For jockey Harry Davies, the win was historic. The rising star became the first rider in 20 years to record back-to-back Chester Cup victories, having also triumphed in the same race in 2024. “He travelled beautifully and found a second gear when I asked,” said Davies after the race. “It’s moments like this that make all the hard work worthwhile.”

Trainer James Owen has been quickly carving out a reputation in the world of thoroughbreds. Friday’s success marked a turning point in what has already been a remarkably swift rise for the Newmarket-based handler. With over 100 winners between Flat and jump racing in less than three years, Owen’s Chester Cup win is a statement that he’s here to stay.

“It’s surreal, to be honest,” Owen said in the winner’s enclosure. “This horse has been showing us he had something special, and today he proved it. It’s a team effort and I’m so proud of everyone involved.”

East India Dock came into the race off the back of a strong third-place run in the Triumph Hurdle at Cheltenham, but his return to the Flat over a grueling 2m2f distance was a bold and fruitful move. Displaying stamina, maturity, and tactical versatility, he handled the tight turns of Chester with authority, suggesting there’s more to come from this developing stayer.

Plans are now being drawn up for a tilt at the Ascot Stakes during Royal Ascot, where connections hope to see their emerging star build on this success and continue his rapid progression.

With this emphatic win, East India Dock has announced himself as one of the most exciting dual-purpose horses in training—and in Davies and Owen, he has a team capable of taking him to even greater heights.