Ombudsman and Constitution River meet in International Stakes on opening day of York Ebor Festival 2026

Ombudsman and Constitution River met for the first time in the Group One International Stakes at the Knavesmire in York on day one of the Ebor Festival 2026.

The International Stakes was the feature race on the card at 3.35; the two horses have been described as two of the best middle-distance horses in global Flat racing this year and the contest carried a £1.5m prize fund.

Sheikh Mohammed’s Godolphin and the Coolmore Stud operation in Ireland field Ombudsman and Constitution River respectively, and there has been a little needle, largely but not wholly light-hearted, between trainers John Gosden and Aidan O’Brien in the past.