Constitution River set for Ombudsman showdown at York after Juddmonte declarations

Aidan O’Brien has cleared the way for a highly anticipated Juddmonte International showdown between Constitution River and Ombudsman after confirming his Coral-Eclipse winner will remain in contention for the £1.5 million York feature.

The Ballydoyle trainer reduced his potential team for the August 19th Group 1 contest at the latest scratchings stage, removing five possible runners from the field.

Mississippi River, Flushing Meadows, Gstaad, Puerto Rico and Precise were all taken out of the race, leaving Constitution River as O’Brien’s leading contender alongside Minnie Hauk, Action, Benvenuto Cellini, Causeway, Hawk Mountain and Diamond Necklace.

The decision means racing fans are set to witness one of the biggest clashes of the Flat season, with Constitution River preparing to take on one of the leading older horses in training, Ombudsman.

Owned by Godolphin and trained by John and Thady Gosden, Ombudsman has built an outstanding record and has never finished outside the top two in his career.

The five-year-old was last seen producing a dominant performance in the Prince of Wales’s Stakes at Royal Ascot, where he defeated Minnie Hauk by four lengths, and has been targeted towards the Juddmonte International throughout the season.

Constitution River, meanwhile, heads to York after announcing himself as one of the leading stars of the three-year-old division with victory in the Coral-Eclipse.

The colt has attracted significant support in the betting market ahead of the Group 1 contest, shortening to as low as 6-4, although he is generally available around 7-4.

Ombudsman remains the early favourite at around 10-11 as he attempts to overcome the 7lb weight-for-age allowance and claim another major victory.

Calandagan among major Juddmonte withdrawals

One of the biggest names missing from the Juddmonte International line-up will be Calandagan after connections decided against running the star following his runner-up finish in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes.

The Francis Graffard-trained five-year-old was unable to produce his usual finishing burst at Ascot when finishing behind Kalpana and will now be given a summer break.

Graffard confirmed Calandagan’s long-term aim is to return to Japan later in the year to defend his Japan Cup crown, while the horse had also held an entry for the Champion Stakes at Ascot.

Other notable withdrawals include Gethin, who appears set to be aimed towards the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, and Dermot Weld’s exciting Juddmonte-owned four-year-old colt Purview.

Yorkshire Oaks picture changes after Estrange withdrawal

Elsewhere at the York Ebor Festival, Kalpana looks set to take her place in the Yorkshire Oaks after ante-post favourite Estrange was withdrawn.

The Pretty Polly Stakes winner will not get the chance to go one better than her runner-up finish behind Minnie Hauk in last year’s renewal.

The Lonsdale Cup could provide Trawlerman with another opportunity to finally secure victory in the race after old rival Scandinavia was removed from the field.

Meanwhile, William Haggas’ Grand Prix de Paris winner Maltese Cross remains entered for the Great Voltigeur Stakes, with his participation potentially suggesting connections are looking towards a Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe bid later in the season rather than the St Leger.

With Constitution River and Ombudsman now on course to meet, the Juddmonte International is shaping up as one of the standout races of the 2026 Flat season and a major highlight of the York Ebor Festival.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the Juddmonte International Stakes 2026?

The Juddmonte International Stakes takes place on Wednesday 19 August 2026 during the York Ebor Festival at York Racecourse.

Who are the leading contenders for the Juddmonte International Stakes?

The leading contenders are expected to be Constitution River and Ombudsman. Constitution River arrives after winning the Coral-Eclipse, while Ombudsman heads into the race following a dominant victory in the Prince of Wales’s Stakes at Royal Ascot.

Will Constitution River run in the Juddmonte International?

Yes, Aidan O’Brien has confirmed Constitution River will remain in the Juddmonte International field after the latest scratchings stage, setting up a potential clash with Ombudsman.

Who trains Constitution River?

Constitution River is trained by Aidan O’Brien at Ballydoyle and is considered one of the leading three-year-old horses in training.

Who is the favourite for the Juddmonte International Stakes?

Ombudsman is currently the favourite for the Juddmonte International, with Constitution River also strongly supported after his Coral-Eclipse success.

Where can I experience York Ebor Festival hospitality?

Eventmasters offers hospitality packages for the York Ebor Festival, allowing guests to enjoy premium race day experiences at York Racecourse with fine dining, excellent facilities and views of the racing action.