The roar of the Knavesmire crowd told its own story as Ombudsman surged clear in the closing strides of the Juddmonte International, sealing a commanding three-and-a-half-length victory that has dramatically shaken up the Cartier Horse of the Year standings. On a memorable week at the Sky Ebor Festival, Minnie Hauk added to the drama with a stylish Yorkshire Oaks success, sending both stars to the top of their respective divisions in the race for Europe’s most prestigious racing honour.
A Statement Win from Ombudsman
The atmosphere was electric on the festival’s opening day as John & Thady Gosden’s powerhouse colt, Ombudsman, turned the tables on his Coral-Eclipse conqueror, Delacroix, to snatch the lead in the Cartier Horse of the Year rankings with 124 points.
For a fleeting moment, it looked as though Godolphin’s outsider Birr Castle might cause one of the biggest shocks of the season after taking an audacious early lead, but Ombudsman’s relentless late surge proved decisive. With the crowd rising to their feet, jockey William Buick punched the air as he crossed the line, a mixture of relief and elation on his face.
“Everything clicked today,” Buick said afterwards, his voice barely audible above the noise. “He’s growing with every run, and this was the performance we’ve been waiting for.”
Ombudsman is now expected to target the Royal Bahrain Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown before setting his sights on the QIPCO Champion Stakes at Ascot — a showdown that could feature Calandagan (108), another serious Cartier contender.
Minnie Hauk Commands the Yorkshire Oaks
If Ombudsman provided fireworks, Minnie Hauk delivered precision. Under the masterful guidance of Aidan O’Brien, the Oaks and Irish Oaks heroine cemented her place atop the Cartier Three-Year-Old Filly standings with 112 points following a comfortable triumph in Thursday’s Pertemps Network Yorkshire Oaks.
The Coolmore-owned filly dispatched older rival Estrange (40) with a powerful stretch run, her fluid action leaving the York crowd in no doubt about her rising star status. “She’s so straightforward,” O’Brien smiled post-race. “We’ve always believed she’s special, and she’s proving it every time.”
Minnie Hauk’s stablemate Whirl (96) remains close behind in the rankings after wins in the Paddy Power Pretty Polly Stakes and the Qatar Nassau Stakes, setting up a fascinating late-season clash.
Cartier Standings in Flux
The Ebor Festival has reshaped the entire landscape of the Cartier Racing Awards:
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Delacroix (88) — runner-up in the Juddmonte International — now sits third behind Field Of Gold (96) in the Cartier Three-Year-Old Colt standings.
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Lambourn (92), the dual Derby hero, failed to make an impact in the Sky Great Voltigeur Stakes, finishing fifth.
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Trawlerman (72) extended his Cartier Stayer division lead with a gritty victory in the Weatherbys Lonsdale Cup, adding to his Royal Ascot Gold Cup triumph.
In the sprint division, Lazzat (48) remains ahead after his Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes win, though Sajir (40) and Australian raider Asfoora (32), who dazzled in the Coolmore Wootton Bassett Nunthorpe Stakes, are closing fast.
Among the juveniles, Power Blue (40) leads the Cartier Two-Year-Old Colt rankings after his Keeneland Phoenix Stakes success, while Venetian Sun (56) and True Love (48) continue to dominate the filly division after eye-catching victories over colts earlier in the season.
About the Cartier Racing Awards
Established in 1991, the Cartier Racing Awards celebrate the finest performers in European flat racing. Points earned in Group and Pattern races contribute 30% to the standings, combined with the expert opinions of a 16-member jury (35%) and public votes from Racing Post and The Daily Telegraph readers (35%).
The 35th Cartier Racing Awards will take place at London’s Dorchester Hotel on Wednesday, November 19, where Europe’s champions will be crowned.
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