Ombudsman defeated Calandagan by almost four lengths to win the Qatar Racing Champion Stakes at Ascot on Saturday, delivering a commanding Group 1 performance under William Buick. Trained by John and Thady Gosden, the five-year-old reversed last year’s result over the 10-furlong distance, while Bay City Roller finished third.
The victory marked a strong return to form for the Godolphin-owned runner, who had finished fourth in the Juddmonte International Stakes at York on his previous outing. Ombudsman also strengthened his impressive record at Ascot, adding another major success to his previous victories at the course.
Ombudsman Champion Stakes Victory Reverses Last Year’s Result
The six-runner Qatar Racing Champion Stakes developed into a contest between Ombudsman and Calandagan, who had finished ahead of the Godolphin runner in the previous year’s edition.
Bay City Roller travelled prominently during the race, while Buick positioned Ombudsman behind the pace-setters. Calandagan made his challenge from further back and advanced strongly as the field approached the closing stages.
The two leading contenders soon separated themselves from the rest of the field. However, Ombudsman responded with a decisive acceleration when Buick asked him to quicken in the straight.
The five-year-old quickly established a clear advantage and maintained his momentum to the finish. Calandagan continued his effort but could not match the winner’s speed, crossing the line almost four lengths behind.
Bay City Roller stayed on for third, finishing another length and three-quarters behind Calandagan. The result gave Ombudsman a significant Group 1 success and levelled the score between the two leading horses in their recent Champion Stakes encounters.
Ombudsman represented Godolphin and was trained by John and Thady Gosden. Buick partnered the winner, while Christophe Soumillon rode Calandagan for Francis-Henri Graffard. Oisin Murphy partnered Bay City Roller, who was trained by George Scott.
John Gosden Praises Ombudsman’s Return to Form
John Gosden praised Buick’s confident handling of Ombudsman and the horse’s ability to produce a powerful change of pace when required.
The trainer explained that the team had approached the race differently after Ombudsman finished behind Calandagan in the previous year’s renewal. The horse had travelled too far behind the leaders on that occasion, so the connections aimed to keep him closer to the pace this time.
Gosden said the revised tactics worked as intended, allowing Ombudsman to settle comfortably before producing his decisive finishing effort. He also highlighted the even fractions established during the race and praised the quality of the performance in a competitive field.
The trainer attributed the disappointing York result partly to the softer ground, which had prevented Ombudsman from showing his usual acceleration. Conditions at Ascot allowed the five-year-old to demonstrate his ability over the distance.
Gosden described Ombudsman as the best mile-and-a-quarter horse he had trained. He also discussed the horse’s future, with retirement to stud and a possible appearance in the Breeders’ Cup Turf among the options under consideration.
No immediate decision was announced, as the trainer intended to discuss the possibilities with Sheikh Mohammed.
William Buick Highlights Ombudsman’s Explosive Acceleration
Buick described the Champion Stakes performance as another example of Ombudsman’s exceptional ability over 10 furlongs. The jockey praised the horse’s racing intelligence, efficient movement and remarkable acceleration when asked to quicken.
He explained that Ombudsman had travelled comfortably throughout the contest and had responded immediately when the opportunity arose in the straight. Buick also acknowledged Calandagan’s quality, noting that the pair had produced another high-class contest after their previous meeting in the race.
The victory represented another important British Champions Day success for Buick and the Gosden training partnership. John and Thady Gosden recorded their 12th Qatar Racing British Champions Day winner, while Buick secured his sixth.
For Godolphin, the result provided a notable Group 1 success following Ombudsman’s fourth-place finish at York. His performance at Ascot also strengthened his credentials as one of the leading horses over the 10-furlong distance.
Calandagan Connections Consider Japan Cup Return
Francis-Henri Graffard said Calandagan had jumped slowly and needed time to settle into the race. The five-year-old subsequently travelled well and produced a strong move around the final bend, but Ombudsman’s acceleration proved decisive.
Graffard praised the winner’s power and acknowledged that Calandagan had faced a particularly strong opponent. Despite finishing second, the trainer remained satisfied with his horse’s effort.
He also indicated that the Japan Cup remained the intended next target, provided Calandagan recovered well from his Ascot run. A return to Japan would offer the horse another opportunity to compete at the highest level.
Murphy also expressed satisfaction with Bay City Roller’s third-place finish. He said the four-year-old had travelled well, responded to his instructions and continued to make an effort after the leading pair moved clear.
Ombudsman defeated Calandagan by almost four lengths to win the Qatar Racing Champion Stakes at Ascot under William Buick. Bay City Roller finished third, while John and Thady Gosden celebrated another major British Champions Day success. Calandagan’s connections subsequently identified the Japan Cup as a possible next target.
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