Connections Target Breeders' Cup Turf for Ombudsman

Ombudsman (IRE), who currently rates second on the Longines World's Best Racehorse Rankings, is being pointed to a start in the Breeders' Cup Turf (G1T) Oct. 31 at Keeneland, according to Racing Post. The start will mark a quick turnaround for the Godolphin runner as Ombudsman captured the Champion Stakes (G1) Oct. 17 at Ascot. Racing Post reports trainer John Gosden confirmed Oct. 19 that the Breeders' Cup will be the next start, and likely final start before stallion duties, for the 5-year-old son of Night of Thunder. With William Buick up, the 3 3/4-length victory over six-time group 1 winner Calandagan (IRE) marked the fifth group 1 score for Ombudsman and third this season. The other 2026 top-level wins for Ombudsman include a 4-length win over Minnie Hauk (IRE) in the Prince of Wales's Stakes (G1) at the Royal Ascot meeting in June and a 2-length score in the Dubai Turf (G1) March 28 at Meydan Racecourse. For the season, Ombudsman boasts a 4-0-0 record from five starts—all group stakes. Before this season, Ombudsman scored two group 1 wins in 2025: the International Stakes and the Prince of Wales's Stakes. Ombudsman is trained by the father-son team of John and Thady Gosden. John Gosden previously captured six Breeders' Cup races, including the 2018 Turf with Enable (GB). Godolphin will be looking for a third Turf win in the past five years after Rebel's Romance's victories in 2022 and 2024. Racing Post subscribers can read the full story