Ombudsman reels in pacemaker Birr Castle to win dramatic Juddmonte

Ombudsman (7/4f) powered home late to land a bizarre 2025 renewal of the Juddmonte International on the opening day of York's Ebor meeting.

Andre Fabre's 200/1 outsider Birr Castle was entered into the race primarily to carry out pacemaking duties for the eventual winner but at one point appeared set to cause an almighty shock, having opened up a lead of over 25 lengths at the 4f pole.

TV coverage actually opted to ignore the leader and focus solely on the chasing pack for most of the race, before the improbable result suddenly started to look possible – Birr Castle trading 2/1 in-running.

However, the outsider started to tread water in the closing stages and the lead quickly began to erode, with Ombudsman collaring his pacemaker and comfortably holding off runner-up Delacroix by three-and-a-half lengths – reversing the Coral Eclipse form from earlier this season.

The outsider of the field managed to cling on for third, holding off Sea The Fire to pick up £141,000 in prize money for a truly noble effort under Rab Havlin.

Danon Decile arrived carrying a strong reputation from Japan but was unsuited by its position dictating fractions at the front of a distant chasing pack, fading tamely into fifth.

Finally, French challenger Daryz finished last of the sixth having never looked like landing a blow.

Buick hails 'amazing' Ombudsman performance

Winning jockey William Buick showed nerves of steel in timing his charge and was full of praise for his mount afterwards.

Buick said: "A lot of things were going through my mind. I didn't expect Danon Decile to take back, I thought he would be wanting to chase a good pace.

"I think Rab [Havlin] did his job beautifully [on Birr Castle], he finished third.

"This horse produced an amazing performance. Unbelievable. He's a very, very special horse and he showed all his attributes today."

Representatives of Danon Decile said they had 'no excuses' for their horse's flat effort, although they were 'surprised' by the pacemaker's efforts up front.

They also vowed that they would be returning to British shores for another tilt at a Group 1 in the future.

The preceding race also through up a surprise result as dual Derby winner Lambourn was well beaten in the Great Voltigeur Stakes, with 12/1 chance Pride Of Arras landing the spoils in comfortable fashion.

Check out our Races Now team's full preview of Thursday's York racecard, with tips and insight from the popular duo of SD and Adam 'Smido' Smith.