Ombudsman is all set to take centre stage at Sandown Park this Saturday as he lines up for the prestigious £1-million Coral-Eclipse, with joint-trainer Thady Gosden expressing confidence in the colt’s potential. The four-year-old, owned by Godolphin, is being prepared for what promises to be one of the season’s most exciting Group One contests.
A son of the prolific Night Of Thunder, Ombudsman has made a strong impression early in his career, boasting five wins from six starts. His unbeaten run in 2024 included an eye-catching Group Three victory in France, setting high expectations for his future campaigns.
This year began with a narrow defeat in the Brigadier Gerard Stakes at Sandown in May, where Ombudsman was edged out by Almaqam over the same 10-furlong trip he’ll face again on Saturday. Despite that setback, the colt bounced back spectacularly at Royal Ascot, storming to victory in the Group One Prince of Wales’s Stakes. His dominant performance over Anmaat, another Coral-Eclipse hopeful, reinforced his credentials on the big stage.
Thady Gosden, who trains Ombudsman alongside his father John Gosden, reflected on the upcoming challenge. The Gosden team has a remarkable history with the Coral-Eclipse, having previously triumphed with stars like Nathaniel, Golden Horn, Roaring Lion, and Enable.
Gosden acknowledged the short recovery period between Royal Ascot and the Coral-Eclipse, but was pleased with Ombudsman’s progress, describing him as a developing horse with plenty of untapped potential. He also highlighted the colt’s notable turn of foot—a trait inherited from Night Of Thunder—that could prove vital on Sandown’s faster surface this weekend.
Saturday’s race marks a significant moment as three-year-olds and older horses clash for the first time this season. The field features some top-class contenders, including French Derby winner Sosie and highly-rated Almaqam, setting the stage for a thrilling showdown.
The Sandown crowd can expect an electric atmosphere, with the Coral-Eclipse celebrating its 50th year under Coral’s sponsorship—a record-breaking partnership in global racing. Betting markets currently favour Ombudsman, who is priced at 6-4, ahead of Sosie and other notable challengers.
With the Coral-Eclipse renowned for producing racing drama and defining moments, all eyes will be on Ombudsman to see if he can live up to the expectations and add another chapter to the Gosden stable’s illustrious record at Sandown.
