Class tells as Ombudsman prevails in G3 Brigadier Gerard Stakes

Ombudsman avenged his defeat from 12 months ago as he saw off a tenacious challenge from Gethin to win the G3 Brigadier Gerard Stakes at Sandown Park, UK, on Thursday, 28 May. 

The John and Thady Gosden-trained five-year-old was second to Almaqam in last year’s race and has since established himself as one of the world’s top horses with impressive G1 victories in the Prince Of Wales’s Stakes, Juddmonte International and Dubai Turf. 

Bedouin Prince came out on top over Gethin in a battle for the early lead in the 10-furlong feature, with Ombudsman settling in fourth on the outside of Wimbledon Hawkeye. 

Angled out by William Buick with two and a half furlongs remaining, Ombudsman quickened into the lead over a furlong out before Gethin, who was receiving 7lb, rallied to press the Godolphin runner inside the final furlong. 

Ombudsman found more in the closing strides to score by a neck as the first two pulled three lengths clear of Almeric in third. 

John Gosden said: “I was very pleased with Ombudsman. He was professional beforehand, settled nicely in the race, and came through very easily. We wanted to use tonight as a trial to put him right, so he came here at 85 per cent and has run a lovely race, plus giving 7lb to the whole field up the Sandown straight does count for quite a lot. 

“Funnily enough, this is the first time he has been on turf since Meydan, which gives you some idea of what a dry spell we are having. He has done that tonight bouncing entirely off all-weather surfaces, which is not quite the same as working on turf gallops that have had some rain on them. To that extent, I am really happy with him. 

“The mile-and-a-quarter races are obvious to everyone, starting with the Prince Of Wales’s Stakes and on from there. They are fabulous races and, with Daryz coming over from France, that is what the game is about – top quality horses meeting in those events. In many ways, I think those two against each other could be the race of the meeting. 

“Ombudsman is a bit more professional now and does not waste any energy, like an old boxer gets wise how to move. He is not in a hurry to do anything now and a lot of that youthful exuberance has gone. He is quite a pro but will need to be to take on the opposition!” 

William Buick said: “It was a good performance to give 7lb to genuine Stakes horses. It is a lot to carry, but Ombudsman has to because he is a G1 winner and a G1 horse. He came here with improvement left in him and John & Thady had him spot on for today. He will improve with G1 assignments ahead. 

“He is a horse who gives you everything you ask of him, but he is not going to do more than what is needed. He is a real pro now and has been around the block a little bit. I never had a moment’s worry tonight.”