Ombudsman second best in G3 Brigadier Gerard Stakes

Ombudsman emerged with plenty of credit from his first career defeat as he chased home Almaqam in the G3 Brigadier Gerard Stakes at Sandown Park, UK, on Thursday, 29 May.

Making his four-year-old return for John & Thady Gosden, Ombudsman soon raced in fourth of the seven runners, one place behind Military Order, as Almaqam dictated from the outset.

Military Order moved up to second down the back and attempted to press for the lead three furlongs out but was unable to get on terms with Almaqam, who found more in front.

Ombudsman was switched out by Ryan Moore just inside the final three furlongs and stayed on strongly to challenge a furlong and a half out.

Almaqam continued to rally, holding off Ombudsman by a length and three-quarters at the line, with the front two pulling four lengths clear of Phantom Flight in third.

Military Order finished fourth for Charlie Appleby and William Buick, a further length in arrears.