Ombudsman to Run in Japan Cup Before Heading to Stud

Godolphin's Ombudsman (IRE), one of the world's top racehorses, is poised for one final start before his retirement to stud. The five-time group 1 winner is pointed to the Nov. 29 Japan Cup (G1) at Tokyo Racecourse, Racing Post reported. Ombudsman had been considered for the Oct. 31 Breeders' Cup Turf (G1T) at Keeneland, but his connections scrapped a start there, believing a return was too quick after the horse's victory in the Oct. 17 Champion Stakes (G1T) at Ascot. The Japan Cup, like the Breeders' Cup Turf, is at 1 1/2 miles, a distance over which Ombudsman has yet to compete, but trainer John Gosden, who trains him with his son Thady, believes Tokyo's course should suit his running style. Ombudsman has excelled at 1 1/4 miles in Europe. The Japan Cup could feature a Champion Stakes rematch. The French-trained runner-up, Calandagan (IRE), took the Japan Cup in 2025 and is expected to return in 2026. The Japan Cup offers a purse in excess of $7 million, with more than $3.2 million going to the winner. Ombudsman is further eligible for a $5 million bonus as part of an incentive program for the Champion Stakes winner. Ombudsman has a 10-3-0 record in 14 starts and has earned $7,450,812. The 5-year-old son of Night of Thunder (IRE) will stand next year for Darley at Kildangan Stud in Ireland in 2027 for a €45,000 fee.