Ombudsman and Constitution River confirmed for blockbuster Juddmonte International for York Ebor

The opening day of York’s Ebor Festival will begin with one of the most eagerly anticipated clashes of the season as Ombudsman and Constitution River headline a nine-runner field for Wednesday’s Juddmonte International.

The Group One contest, run over 1m2f at 3:35pm, brings together two unbeaten stars who arrive at York with serious claims to be among the best horses in training.

Ombudsman, trained by John and Thady Gosden, returns to the scene of his biggest success after landing last year’s International Stakes. The five-year-old reeled in stablemate Birr Castle, who was sent off at 150-1, before finishing comfortably clear of Aidan O’Brien’s Delacroix.

He has taken his form to another level this season, remaining unbeaten and producing an impressive performance to defeat Minnie Hauk in the Prince of Wales’s Stakes at Royal Ascot.

William Buick will partner Ombudsman once again, with stablemate Devil’s Advocate expected to take up pacemaking duties.

Standing in his way is the unbeaten Constitution River, who has quickly established himself as one of the most exciting three-year-olds in Europe.

O’Brien’s colt has won both of his starts at the highest level this season, claiming the Prix du Jockey Club before following up in the Coral-Eclipse. His York challenge adds another fascinating dimension to a race packed with quality.

Hawk Mountain, who finished behind Constitution River in both the Prix du Jockey Club and Coral-Eclipse, also represents Ballydoyle, while Action completes O’Brien’s trio.

Juddmonte could have a major contender of its own in Dante Stakes winner Item. The Andrew Balding-trained three-year-old has won four of his five starts this season, with his only defeat coming when tackling the Derby over a longer distance in difficult conditions.

Colin Keane takes the ride on Item as he bids to bounce back at a track where he has already shown his ability.

Almaqam brings another proven Group One performer to the field. Trained by Ed Walker, the Irish Gold Cup winner last met Ombudsman at Royal Ascot, finishing fourth behind him in the Prince of Wales’s Stakes.

The only international challenger is Zaydann, owned by Aga Khan Studs and trained in France by Francis-Henri Graffard.

The Dubawi colt arrives after producing the best performance of his career when winning the Group Three Prix de Vichy. He will make his first appearance on British soil as he steps up to the biggest stage of his career.

Ralph Beckett’s Pride Of Arras completes the field. He showed significant improvement from his seasonal reappearance when finishing second behind Item in the York Stakes, and will now attempt to reverse the form with the Dante winner.

With two unbeaten Group One winners meeting an established champion and several proven contenders lining up behind them, the Juddmonte International promises to provide a spectacular opening to the 2026 Ebor Festival.

Juddmonte International runners

• Almaqam – Kieran Shoemark
• Devil’s Advocate – Robert Havlin
• Ombudsman – William Buick
• Pride Of Arras – Rossa Ryan
• Zaydann – Mickael Barzalona
• Action – TBC
• Constitution River – TBC
• Hawk Mountain – TBC
• Item – Colin Keane

When is the Juddmonte International?

The Juddmonte International will be run at York at 3.35pm on Wednesday, August 19, opening the 2026 Ebor Festival.

Who is favourite for the Juddmonte International?

Ombudsman heads the field after an unbeaten season that includes victory in the Prince of Wales’s Stakes at Royal Ascot. However, Constitution River provides formidable opposition after Group One victories in the Prix du Jockey Club and Coral-Eclipse.

Can I attend the York Ebor Festival with Eventmasters hospitality?

Yes. Eventmasters hospitality provides an opportunity to experience the York Ebor Festival with premium facilities, quality dining and an enhanced raceday experience, making it an option for those looking to enjoy one of Britain’s biggest racing weeks in style.