Ombudsman Opens Group One Account With Stunning Victory

The Godolphin colt, held up by William Buick, was forced to switch a couple of times in the straight but stormed home once in the clear to beat last year's QIPCO Champion Stakes winner Anmaat by two lengths.

This marked a 70th Royal Ascot success for John Gosden, who already has four winners on the board at this year's meeting alongside his son and co-trainer Thady.

John Gosden said: "The plan was to just relax off the pace, which was strong and set up for Los Angeles. William wasn't in a position where he could swing around the field; it was more a case of waiting for the gap. I knew when he got a gap at the furlong pole, that Ombudsman has an extraordinary turn of foot."

Buick said: "Ombudsman was stepping up in grade today. I rode him at home and he was really well. He'd have been a very unlucky loser, wouldn't he? I was looking for room and had to switch him a couple of times, but he has won with a bit in hand."

Burrows said of Anmaat: "No real excuses. He has run an absolute blinder again. He has come there to win, and credit to John's horse, who just picked up a bit better than us."