Considered one of the summer highlights, the Group 1 Juddmonte International Stakes (2000m) is set to be another thrilling renewal with last year’s victor Ombudsman taking on the progressive Constitution River, leading three-year-old in Europe.

Unbeaten in three Group 1 wins in 2026, John and Thady Gosden’s five-year-old has reached new heights this season, starting with a success in the Group 1 Dubai Turf (1800m) at Meydan before sauntering to a four-length victory over Minnie Hauk in the Group 1 Prince Of Wales’s Stakes (2000m).

“He's a horse who's got a wonderful mind, good constitution,” said John Gosden. “So he enjoys his training without being flamboyant.

“On the other hand, he's not resentful about anything he has to do. He goes out, enjoys it, comes back and does his work. To that extent, he's a pleasure to train.

“He travels well on the bridle and we've been planning this all year from a long way out.”

Stablemate Devil’s Advocate, in the same Godolphin ownership, could join Ombudsman, in a pace-making role.

Gosden added: “You saw the pace they went in the Eclipse, let alone the Prix du Jockey Club. So, there's going to be no holds barred, that's for sure.”

Ombudsman will face his toughest task to date against Aidan O’Brien’s Constitution River, who built on a Group 1 Prix du Jockey Club (2100m) success with victory against older horses in the Group 1 Eclipse Stakes (2000m). Connections have made clear that the colt is held in high esteem.

“We feel he’s a special horse and always did,” said O’Brien in the Eclipse aftermath. “I asked Ryan and he said he doesn’t think he’s ridden a better horse. He’s so special all the way and we felt that we hadn’t seen the bottom of him. He loves racing, he’s classy and pacey and we’re delighted with him.”

Photo: Healy Racing