The year 2025 has been exceptional for Eve Johnson-Houghton, as she surpassed £1 million in prize money and secured her second Group 1 victory. This achievement was largely due to the strong performance of the young Irish mare Zabatelli, who triumphed in the Vincent O’Brien National Stakes, overcoming the challenge posed by Aidan O’Brien’s Kara.
Earlier in the season, Zabatelli, owned by Mick and Janice Mariscotti, had already captured wins at Newmarket’s July Stakes and Goodwood’s Vintage, making her a standout in the racing scene. Traditionally, champion two-year-olds often remain unbeaten and clinch the Dewhurst Stakes to claim top honors, but Zabatelli narrowly missed this mark after being bested by the surprise winner Guewan at Newmarket, a loss attributed to the demanding fast and undulating track.
Despite this setback, enthusiasm remains high among those closest to the filly, with hopes still alive for Classic victories, though decisions about future races, including whether at Newmarket, will be made come spring. Trainer Johnson-Houghton highlighted Zabatelli’s consistent form since last December, opting to avoid pushing her too early in the season, which paid off with a strong debut at Salisbury followed by a notable win at Newmarket’s July Stakes, where her impressive form puzzled some given her long odds at the time.
Zabatelli demonstrated toughness and a strong will to win, evidenced by her victories against rivals like Brussels and other Ballydoyle contenders. Johnson-Houghton fondly recalls their memorable win against O’Brien’s Coventry Stakes winner Gstaad. Although the Dewhurst Stakes was targeted, the filly showed signs of fatigue from previous tough races, finishing respectably in fourth place, with the fast track challenging her performance.
Looking ahead, Johnson-Houghton confirms plans for Zabatelli to run in the Guineas, with the exact path yet to be decided. The stable also boasts other notable horses such as Havana Hurricane, Rage of Bumby, and Great Acclaim, who have all earned significant wins this season. Johnson-Houghton expressed excitement about the progress made and readiness to face the new challenges the upcoming season will bring.
Fan Take: This remarkable season for Eve Johnson-Houghton and Zabatelli highlights the emergence of fresh talent that reshapes competitive dynamics in horse racing. Fans should watch closely as this promising mare and her stablemates have the potential to influence major races and invigorate the sport with thrilling new rivalries and performances.
