The Knavesmire erupted into a deafening roar on Wednesday afternoon as Ombudsman delivered a breathtaking performance to capture the Juddmonte International at York Racecourse on 20th August 2025. Under a masterful ride from William Buick, the John & Thady Gosden-trained colt stormed home to secure the richest prize of the Ebor Festival, stamping his authority on the middle-distance division.
A Moment of Pure Emotion
The scenes in the winner’s enclosure told their own story. Buick, visibly moved, saluted the crowd before sharing an emotional embrace with the Gosden team, while Godolphin’s blue colours gleamed proudly under the afternoon sun. For connections, this was a culmination of months of preparation and a firm vindication of Ombudsman’s rising reputation.
“He’s a special horse,” Buick said afterwards, his voice cracking with emotion. “The race didn’t go exactly as we planned, but he found a way. He has so much class, and when I asked, he gave me everything.”
How the Race Unfolded
The Juddmonte International—run over 1 mile, 2½ furlongs—has long been one of the most prestigious Group 1 contests on the British Flat racing calendar. And this year’s renewal was no exception, serving up a gripping spectacle from start to finish.
From the moment the gates opened, the outsider Birr Castle—a 150/1 pacemaker trained by André Fabre—charged to the front, opening up a remarkable lead of nearly 20 lengths approaching the halfway point. Gasps rippled through the York crowd, many wondering if a shock was on the cards.
Behind, Buick on Ombudsman remained calm, tracking Delacroix—ridden by Ryan Moore for Aidan O’Brien—while keeping rivals See The Fire, Danon Decile, and Daryz within his sights. As the field turned for home, the complexion of the race changed dramatically. Ombudsman quickened smoothly two furlongs out, collared Delacroix inside the final 200 yards, and surged clear to win by three and a half lengths in a time of 2:07.90.
Full Result — Juddmonte International 2025
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Ombudsman — William Buick — John & Thady Gosden (Winner’s Purse: £748,218)
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Delacroix — Ryan Moore — Aidan O’Brien (£283,666)
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Birr Castle — Robert Havlin — André Fabre (£141,965)
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See The Fire (ÂŁ70,718)
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Danon Decile (ÂŁ35,491)
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Daryz (ÂŁ17,811)
Pedigree and Profile
A 4-year-old bay colt, Ombudsman was foaled on 12 April 2021, bred by J Hanly and owned by Godolphin. By Night Of Thunder (IRE) out of Syndicate (GB)—a daughter of Dansili—he carries some of the finest bloodlines in European racing. His victory at York confirmed him as one of the leading middle-distance performers of his generation.
Gosden Eyes Bigger Targets
For trainers John & Thady Gosden, the success represents yet another feather in their cap. Speaking after the race, John Gosden hinted at even loftier ambitions:
“He’s still improving, and we’ll sit down with the team to map out the rest of the season. The Irish Champion Stakes and Ascot Champion Stakes are natural targets, but the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe is also under strong consideration.”
With this emphatic success, Ombudsman’s campaign could shift onto the international stage, where his Godolphin connections hope to cement his status among the very best in the world.
Statement Victory in Juddmonte International
Ombudsman’s dominant victory in the Juddmonte International was more than just a win—it was a statement of intent. On a day when a bold pacemaker threatened to steal the show and rivals pressed hard, the Gosden-trained star proved too strong, too polished, and too classy. As York’s Knavesmire crowd cheered him back into the paddock, it was clear that British racing had witnessed something special.
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