How One Underdog Nearly Stole the Show at the Juddmonte International

Ombudsman powers to victory at the Juddmonte International in York, leaving competitors trailing behind amid an electrifying atmosphere.

Over the past decade, one race has repeatedly captured the world's imagination, earning the title of the best race globally three times. However, the latest edition might just top them all for sheer unpredictability and drama, making it arguably the most bizarre race in recent memory.

At the heart of this extraordinary contest was the Juddmonte International, a race that truly exemplifies international competition. The paddock was bustling with anticipation, with top stars from Ireland, France, and Japan parading before the big showdown. It was a spectacle that showcased the best of British and international racing, and UK Betting Edge was watching closely.

Amidst the excitement, Scottish jockey, Robert 'Rab' Havlin, almost stole the show. Havlin, a stalwart who has dedicated nearly 20 years to Gosden's stable in Newmarket, stepped into the limelight with a masterful ride that will be remembered for years. His mission was to set a steady pace on Birr Castle, a talented five-year-old trained by Andre Fabre and loaned for this race to bolster the chances of Godolphin's star, Ombudsman.

Havlin executed his assignment flawlessly, maintaining an even tempo that allowed Birr Castle to build an impressive lead—so much so that he was almost like a backmarker in the previous race by the time they turned for home. The 150-1 outsider was still clear approaching the final quarter-mile, with many believing Qirat's stunning Sussex Stakes win was on the horizon.

However, as the race unfolded, everything changed. William Buick aboard Ombudsman conjured an astonishing burst of speed, overtaking the leaders inside the final furlong to win by three and a half lengths. In a dramatic finish, Delacroix edged out Birr Castle for second place, much to the relief of trainer John Gosden.

Post-race, Gosden summed it up: “Andre kindly lent us the horse. He was in great form at Deauville and hoped for the same result as at Goodwood—what a race it turned out to be!”

William Buick praised his mount: “He’s a very, very special horse,” adding, “Rab never hit the horse, yet he still had six lengths on them past the two-marker. When I let Ombudsman go, he absolutely flew — from second gear to fifth gear in an instant.”

Reflecting on the race tactics, Buick expressed admiration for Havlin's strategic ride. “If you look past Birr Castle’s early lead, Ombudsman only has to be a decent horse. Rab timed the fractions perfectly, and Ombudsman had to chase the race himself—finishing strongly shows his class and quality,” he said.

Ombudsman’s victory marked his second Group 1 win, adding to his triumph in the Prince of Wales’s Stakes at Royal Ascot, bringing his earnings close to £1.65 million. Gosden indicated that the horse’s future might include the Irish and English Champions, and possibly the Arc—depending on the ground.

As the dust settles, one thing is clear: the Juddmonte International delivered unforgettable racing drama, proving once again why we love this sport. And at UK Betting Edge, we always strive to bring you the latest and most thrilling moments from the racing world.

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