Ombudsman Delacroix and Calandagan Set for Exciting Clash at Ascot on British Champions Day

This weekend, Ascot will host the much-anticipated British Champions Day, featuring a thrilling matchup between Ombudsman and Calandagan. Both horses represent top outfits and promise an exciting contest.

Key Races and Competitors

The highlight of the day will be the Champion Stakes, with a substantial prize pool of £1.3 million. Ombudsman’s owners, Godolphin, are enhancing his chances by providing a pacemaker, Devil’s Advocate, at a cost of £75,000.

In addition, French contender First Look will join the fray as a supplementary entry. Other notable challengers include Almaqam, who previously triumphed over Ombudsman earlier this season.

Trainer Rivalry

The tension between trainers John Gosden and Aidan O’Brien adds another layer of intrigue to the event. O’Brien recently suggested Gosden should have entered Ombudsman in the Irish Champion Stakes, a race that Gosden opted to skip due to potential complications with multiple horses from the same stable.

Gosden expressed concerns about the track’s short straight, which influenced his decision. Despite this, O’Brien maintained a light-hearted approach, acknowledging the competitive spirit between their stables.

Other Key Races and Participants

• Queen Elizabeth II Stakes: Field Of Gold will compete, having performed well in the Irish 2,000 Guineas.
• Fillies and Mares Stakes: Kalpana, runner-up to Calandagan in the King George, remains a favorite after placing seventh in the prestigious Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe.

Richard Hannon’s Rosallion is also in the QEII mix, looking to bounce back after several close losses earlier in the year. Meanwhile, Karl Burke’s Fallen Angel enters following a Group One hat-trick.

Comments from Trainers

Andrew Balding, who ranks second in the British trainers’ championship, shared his enthusiasm for the event. “Ascot is a fantastic way to end the season at the world’s greatest racecourse,” he stated. “It’s been an amazing year for us, and we hope to add to it on Saturday.”

Champions Sprint Contenders

The Champions Sprint will see Lazzat, this year’s Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes winner, competing among other strong participants, including the 2024 winner Kind Of Blue and Flora Of Bermuda.

As the British Champions Day approaches, anticipation builds for the thrilling contests and impressive performances that await at Ascot.