Ombudsman pounces after pacemaker nearly gives field the slip

OMBUDSMAN left fans in dispute over pacemakers in showpiece races as he survived a scare in the Juddmonte International.

- By Melissa Jones

The John and Thady Gosden star lined up at York with the assistance of Godolphin ownermate Birr Castle on the front end.

Just like Qirat did in the Sussex Stakes last month, the rank outsider threatened to steal the limelight from the 7-4 favourite while being ridden on his own merits.

Up by as many as 20 lengths around the final turn, Birr Castle hit 2-1 in-running as the bookmakers sensed another major upset. It took until the final furlong for Ombudsman to get on terms, but favourite backers had no complaints when he went clear for a three-and-a-half supremacy.

Some racing supporters remained dissatisfied that a horse rated 15lb inferior came close to beating the best in one of the top events of the whole year.