The Juddmonte International Stakes at York Races promises an electrifying showdown between Ombudsman and Constitution River, with both horses aiming to extend their winning streaks
The curtain rises on the Sky Bet Ebor meeting at York Races with a stellar lineup of Irish contenders set to captivate audiences. Wednesday’s card features a high-stakes showdown in the Group 1 Juddmonte International Stakes where racing legends will collide over a mile and two furlongs.
The spotlight shines brightly on Constitution River the undefeated French Derby winner representing the classic generation. This three-year-old sensation, owned by Coolmore partners, will face off against the seasoned Ombudsman a five-year-old champion who claimed victory in this very race last year.
With both horses boasting impressive records, the stage is set for an unforgettable battle.
The Juddmonte International Stakes: A Clash of Titans
The Juddmonte International Stakes at 3:35 PM will witness a generational clash between Constitution River and Ombudsman.
Constitution River, ridden by William Buick has maintained an unbeaten record in 2026, while Ombudsman, under the guidance of John and Thady Gosden has also remained undefeated this season. The race promises to be a thrilling contest, with Constitution River receiving a seven-pound weight advantage despite Ombudsman’s higher official rating of 132.
Adding to the excitement, both horses will have their respective pacemakers in the race. Devil’s Advocate ridden by Rab Havlin will set the pace for Ombudsman, while Action with Ronan Whelan in the saddle, will support Constitution River. The strong pace is expected to make this nine-runner contest a spectacle to remember.
Supporting Cast: Notable Contenders
Beyond the main protagonists, several other horses are poised to make their mark. Item sponsored by the race organizers, comes from the Andrew Balding yard and will be ridden by Colin Keane. This horse aims to step up from its victory in the Group 2 Sky Bet York Stakes last month. Additionally, Hawk Mountain ridden by Wayne Lordan has shown impressive form in recent starts, finishing behind Constitution River in its last two outings.
The race also features international contenders like Zaydann owned by Aga Khan Studs and trained by Francis Graffard. This son of Dubawi is on a five-race winning streak and recently produced a standout performance in the Group 3 Prix de Vichy. Other notable mentions include Almaqam a star for Ed Walker and Pride of Arras trained by Ralph Beckett.
Additional Highlights: Great Voltigeur Stakes and More
The day’s excitement doesn’t end with the Juddmonte International Stakes. The Group 3 Sky Bet Great Voltigeur Stakes at 3:00 PM features a rematch between Christmas Day the winner of the 2026 Betfred Derby at Epsom, and Maltese Falcon trained by William Haggas. This race promises to be another intriguing showdown, with Pierre Bonnard also in the mix, having finished a neck behind Christmas Day at The Curragh.
Other notable races include the Group 3 Tattersalls Acomb Stakes at 2:25 PM, featuring Haffner and Tréan and the Sky Bet Stayers Handicap at 4:10 PM, with Small FryMordor and Westminster Moon vying for victory. The day is packed with high-quality racing, ensuring a memorable start to the Ebor Festival.
